On Saturday morning, community members in Tampa gathered at One Tampa Center for a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001. The event, organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, featured a stair‑climb that began at 8 a.m. after opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m.
Honoring the fallen
The climb specifically honors New York firefighter Stephen Siller and the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives in the attacks. Participants ascended the building’s stairs while reflecting on the sacrifice of these first responders.
Elisa Romero, a Tampa Police Department officer, shared a personal connection: the foundation paid off the home of Officer Jesse Madsen, who was killed in the line of duty. Veteran Chavon Howard climbed in memory of her nephew, Brandon King, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, as well as FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge and her son Lagarian Sharkey.
FOX 13 anchor Allie Corey encouraged anyone who could to take part in the climb, calling the event “incredible” and a powerful way for the community to unite in remembrance.
Foundation impact and future pledge
Since its founding, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has delivered more than 2,000 mortgage‑free homes and provided housing assistance to over 20,000 veterans. Katie Nicholson, whose husband was wounded in 2011, recounted that her family received the sixth home ever built by the organization.
Local corporate support was evident as Leigh Weaver, vice president and community manager at JPMorgan Chase, noted that the bank’s military business resource group contributed over 2,000 volunteer hours this year to nonprofits serving veterans and first responders throughout Tampa Bay.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the foundation announced its new “343 Commitment,” a pledge to pay off 343 mortgages or provide mortgage‑free homes to families of fallen first responders, ensuring that the legacy of sacrifice continues to be honored through tangible support.
Community response
While organizers have not released the total number of participants or the exact amount of funds raised during the Tampa climb, the event’s impact was clear: it brought together families, veterans, first‑responders, and local businesses in a shared act of remembrance and gratitude.
The climb underscores Tampa’s strong tradition of supporting those who serve our nation, reinforcing the community’s commitment to faith, family, and liberty by honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by first‑responders on that tragic day.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
