The Heroes Run was born out of both personal loss and a collective desire to honor the lives of friends and colleagues who left us too soon. The vision first took shape after the tragic passing of Lifeguard Lt. Piotr Zatorsky on November 30, 2014. Piotr, an avid runner who often trained along the sand from Pompano Pier to Commercial Pier and back, inspired the idea of a memorial run in his honor.

 

Although the plan was delayed, the urgency to act only grew stronger as heartbreak continued to strike our community. In 2019, Lifeguard Richard Loop died by suicide. In 2021, Lifeguard Jose Antonio Landrua passed away following a cardiac event after a workout.

 

When I returned full-time to Pompano Beach Ocean Rescue in mid-2021, I—together with a dedicated team including Stephan Gruetter, Justin Holloway, and Mareena Reedy—felt a renewed responsibility to create something meaningful to honor their legacies. Out of that effort, we formed the South Florida First Responders Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to produce The Heroes Run.

 

Tragedy struck again on January 1, 2024, when Sarah Strohm—Stephan’s love and a dear friend to us all—died by suicide. These devastating losses underscored a painful truth: mental health challenges are deeply prevalent among first responders. Studies show that nearly 30% of first responders struggle with PTSD or depression, and suicide continues to claim more lives than the dangers faced in the line of duty.

 

From this reality, The Heroes Run emerged—not only as a race, but as a platform to raise awareness, provide resources, and remind every first responder that they are not alone.

Today, our organization is blessed with a strong leadership team. Alongside our founders, we are proud to have board members Barbara Stuart, Nina Taxis, Kathy Hurt, Jarvis Brunson, Chief Peter McGinnis, Neil Weideman, Jenny VanCamp, and Ken Stolar—all deeply committed to our mission of honoring and supporting those who serve.

 

The Heroes Run is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Born from love, loss, and the unwavering belief that together, we can support and heal our first responders.

For more information, please email info@southfloridafirstresponders.org.

 

Tom O'Neill

President

South Florida First Responders Foundation

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