On September 11, 2001, Firefighter Stephen Gerard 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. From this, Stephens family set up The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. They also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
Every year we are proud sponsors of the 5k run that is done globally to honor Stephen’s story and takes place in Cardiff Bay every September. The run is a family-friendly day with many firefighters running in full equipment as well as entertainment and is a fantastic occasion for a great cause.