Springfield resident John McFadden, a former chairman of Delaware County Council, remembers quite vividly how much he looked up to police, firefighters, and other first responders when he was a child.

“I remember my grandfather and father taking me to the Thrill Show at JFK Stadium (in Philadelphia) when I was younger, and listening to the music and watching all the stunts,” said McFadden. “It was a fundraiser for families whose loved ones were killed or disabled in the line of duty. I’ve always had great respect for the people who put their lives on the line for us.”

For McFadden, the eponymous head of a real-estate team at RE/MAX, that respect is the driving force behind his tireless work as one of the founders of the annual Delaware County Run for Heroes.

The 16th edition of the 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 9 at 9 AM at the Springfield Township Municipal Complex.

Since 2000, the Run for Heroes has admirably raised more than $375,000 for the Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund, which benefits the children of first responders who’ve died in the line of duty.

“We’ve always had great support,” said McFadden. “Sponsorship opportunities are available at a number of different levels.

“Police officers, firefighters, emergency responders – they are special people. They help us every day, and this is a way to give back to them. Any day, anything can happen to them. And we’re happy to play a small role in letting them know that the community supports them.”

Click here to read more about the 16th Annual Delaware County Run for Heroes.