#NeverForget | Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

by Kelleigh Erickson September 25, 2019 2 Comments

The tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001, affected every single American. Whether it was a terrifying event watched from a nearby building or on the news, or if it brought the devastating loss of a family member, friend or colleague, it is a day that forever shaped our country’s history. Our nation was under attack, and it was on this day that our first responders exemplified true sacrifice and left us with a debt that we can never repay.

Each year, Thin Blue Line USA selects a non-profit honoring our brave first responders that faced the dangers of these horrific attacks. For our 2019 fundraiser, we chose the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Stephen Siller was a dedicated FDNY firefighter who heroically laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001.

Stephen had just finished his shift and on was his way to play golf with his brothers when he heard the news that a plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He drove to the mouth of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Discovering it was closed to traffic, Stephen strapped 60 lbs of gear to his back and ran through the tunnel to the Towers, where he was killed. He left behind a loving wife, five children, friends, and family, yet willingly sacrificed his life in order to save those he didn’t know. Stephen’s story is one of many heroes that lost their lives that day. These attacks took the lives of 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 EMTs.

Today, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation supports our nation’s military, first responders and their surviving families. The Foundation provides smart homes to injured service members and mortgage-free homes to first responders and Gold Star families with young children. The foundation also hosts 5K Run/Walks throughout the country to support their programs. Their mission is to continue the selfless service that Stephen enthusiastically displayed every day.

Through the sales of our Hero Collection on September 10th this year, 10% was donated to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of every life lost in the result of the 9/11 attacks. We are honored to help a cause that formed in such tragedy and darkness, but now brings light and hope to so many.

As we reflect on the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, let us never forget Stephen Siller and live to help others, just as he did. Let us never forget the brave service our first responders gave not only on this day, but every day.

To view our Hero Collection, please click here.

To make a donation to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please click here.

Kelleigh Erickson

Author

2 Responses

Carole Brons

December 16, 2021

Dear Frank Stiller & Tunnels to Towers: Thank you for your tireless work to help our veterans & first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice or who have sacrificed their health & independence to protect Americans in foreign countries or on the streets of this great nation. Their courage, dedication & their sacrifices will never be forgotten. God Bless! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸