The name “Tunnel to Towers” refers directly to the actions of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001. Siller, assigned to Squad 1 in Brooklyn, had just finished his shift when he heard news of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. He attempted to drive to the towers but found the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel already closed for security reasons.
Undeterred, Siller strapped on his full firefighting gear, weighing over 60 pounds, and proceeded on foot. He ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to reach the site of the World Trade Center. This act of selfless dedication, running from the tunnel to the towers, serves as the foundation and inspiration for the organization’s name and mission. It symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity. The phrase encapsulates the individual heroism displayed that day and represents the spirit of all those who responded to the attacks.
