| Congratulations to the seven members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District that represented us by recently participating in the Stephen Siller "Tunnel to Towers" run.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.
Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has organized the event for the past 21 years. The nonprofit helps family members of first responders and veterans by providing mortgage-free homes. At the run Sunday, many attendees were family members who lost someone and found support through the organization.
In 2002, the run started with 1,500 participants. Now, 21 years later, organizers say more than 30,000 people participated this year.
The organization has raised more than $250 million and provided more than 450 homes.
Photos by: EMS Lieutenant Barbara Oakes |
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