Running with Purpose: USMS Honors Fallen Heroes Across the Nation

DUSM Josie Wells (middle) with fellow Deputy U.S. Marshals

On March 7, 2025, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) nationwide took part in the annual Fallen Heroes Honor Run, meeting the challenge to commemorate colleagues lost in the line of duty. The event, now known as the USMS Fallen Heroes Honor Run, began as a local tradition in the Eastern District of Missouri (E/MO) nine years ago and has since evolved into a beloved national tribute. Initially created by deputies from E/MO in memory of Deputy U.S. Marshal (DUSM) Josie L. Wells, Sr., the event honors his legacy and the sacrifice he made on March 10, 2015, when he was killed in the line of duty. At the time, DUSM Wells was temporarily assigned to the Southern District of Mississippi and serving a warrant when he was fatally wounded. Adding to the tragedy, Josie and his wife, Channing, were expecting their first child; their son, Josie Jr., was born later that year in August.

Southern District of Mississippi

Those who knew Josie often spoke of his devotion to his family, the USMS, and physical fitness. Two of his E/MO workout partners, District of Arizona (D/AZ) Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal (SDUSM) Karolina Duda and recently retired SDUSM Steve Linder of the Northern District of Illinois, designed the Fallen Heroes Honor Run to help district personnel deal with their grief in a life affirming way, while also memorializing all who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The USMS Fallen Heroes Honor Run provides an outlet to acknowledge loss and sacrifice, while also building a stronger, more united, and physically fit Agency.  The Run incorporates challenging elements such as wearing a 20 to 30-pound tactical vest or full gear and rotationally carrying the American flag. Regardless of the level of exertion, the event offers all participants an opportunity to honor the selfless service of those who died in the line of duty. 

Southern District of Florida, Training Division

For 2025, nationwide coordinators included DUSM Mark Waggamon of the Southern District of West Virginia, and from the D/AZ, SDUSM Brittany Dean and DUSM Karolina Duda. Chief Inspector Luis Arellano, Jr. of the Investigative Operations Division’s Organized Crime and Gangs Branch coordinated this year’s Headquarters Run. To quote the coordinators: “Friday’s run was a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. We honored their memory and their families as we came together as one agency, united in purpose. As coordinators of the event, we couldn’t be prouder of the participants and the individual coordinators from each district, division, and foreign field office who helped us make this a successful event.”

Although designed to honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the USMS Fallen Heroes Honor Run is held each year near the anniversary of DUSM Wells’ End of Watch. The spring season begins in March, and serves as a reminder of new beginnings and renewed hope. Each year, the number of participants, districts, and partner organizations continues to grow—as do the photos shared, documenting the group’s camaraderie and accomplishments.

This year, the Run paid special tribute to our most recent fallen heroes—DUSM Thomas Weeks and Task Force Officers (TFO) Joshua Eyer, William "Alden" Elliott, and Samuel Poloche – who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty on Monday, April 29, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Districts across the Nation showed tremendous support. In North Carolina, approximately 80 participants from the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and Western District of North Carolina joined the event, along with federal, state, and local partners including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Fire Departments, Gaston County Police Department, Gastonia Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and Mooresville Police Department. Fallen DUSM Week’s wife, Kelly Weeks, and TFO Elliot’s wife, Justine Elliott, also took part, making the tribute all the more personal and impactful.

District of Guam, Northern District of Illinois

The Southern District of Mississippi, where DUSM Josie Wells was last assigned, featured participation from his siblings, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Josie’s wife, Channing Wells.

Eastern District of New York

In total, representatives from 107 state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with numerous USMS districts and divisions nationwide, participated in the 2025 Fallen Heroes Honor Run, highlighting the event’s significance and widespread support.

“Our Fallen Heroes may no longer be with us, but their legacy lives on through each of you. Whether you ran, walked, volunteered, or simply showed your support, you honored our Fallen Heroes in a powerful way. Your commitment ensures their memory lives on,” acknowledged USMS Acting Director Mark P. Pittella, emphasizing leadership's gratitude for all involved.

Deputies honored our fallen with a moment of silence at the Wall of Honor at Headquarters

For a photo gallery highlighting the USMS personnel, partner agencies, and community members who participated, please click here.