Illinois teen to honor Beech Grove officer with one mile run

(BRAIDWOOD, ILL.) – An Illinois teenager will run one mile in honor of Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Thursday. 

The youth runner, Michael, is part of ‘Running 4 Heroes’ which is a nonprofit organization that spreads awareness and raises funds for first responders who have lost their life in the line of duty.

33-year-old Brian Elliott was shot and killed while responding to a call near Beech Grove High School last Monday. 

Michael will run a mile while carrying a blue line flag in Braidwood, Illinois at 5 p.m. Thursday. 

“We encourage folks from across the nation to join us by taking a 1-mile walk or run in your own communities to honor this fallen hero,” Running 4 Heroes states. 

In total, Running 4 Heroes has covered more than 2,000 miles. That means one mile each for first responders who have lost their life in the line of duty.

The nonprofit even ran a mile for Napoleon firefighter Ralph Meyer who passed away from a line of duty death in December 2024.