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 root 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.
Though the plan was delayed, the urgency to act only grew stronger as more heartbreak struck our community. In 2019, Lifeguard Richard Loop died by suicide, and in 2021, Lifeguard Jose Antonio Landrua passed away following an incident 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), to produce The Heroes Run.
Tragedy struck again on January 1, 2024, when Sarah Strohm—Stephan’s love and a beloved 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 of our peers’ lives than the dangers we face in the line of duty.
From this painful 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 has been 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, and most recently, Jenny VanCampen and Ken Stolar—all deeply committed to our mission of honoring and supporting those who serve.
The Heroes Run is more than an event—it is a movement born out of love, loss, and the unwavering belief that together, we can help heal the healers.
Tom O'Neill
President, South Florida First Responders Foundation
