U.S. Marshals Participate in 7th Annual Fallen Heroes Run

Mobile, AL – This morning, approximately 100 members of federal, state and local enforcement agencies, as well as members of U.S. Probation, U.S. Federal Courts and Mobile County Fire/Rescue gathered on the front steps of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Mobile to participate in the 7th Annual Fallen Heroes Honor Run.

The run honors the memory of all members of the U.S. Marshals Service and all law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Since the U.S. Marshals Service was established in 1789, over 280 dedicated U.S. Marshals Service employees have died as the result of injuries sustained during the performance of their duty. 

The Fallen Heroes Law Enforcement Run was started after Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells tragically died in the line of duty on March 10, 2015, while executing an arrest warrant on a fugitive wanted for a double homicide in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Wells, 27 at the time of his death, was assigned to the Southern District of Mississippi and was supporting the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Many participants chose to wear full duty uniform, including bullet proof vest, to honor the fallen. The run, which began in 2016 in the Eastern District of Missouri where Deputy Wells was originally stationed, has since continued across the country, with most if not all, 98 U.S. Marshals Districts participating.

“It is a great honor to be here amongst such brave men and women,” said Mark F. Sloke, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama.  “Today we run not only to remember Deputy Wells, but all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the citizens of our great nation safe.”

Among those present today, were the brothers of Deputy Wells, Mississippi State Highway Patrolman Julian and Jason Wells.