Assembly Resolution No. 1544

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 6th Anniversary of the Central
New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

WHEREAS, Since the tragic events on September 11, 2001, the memory
of all the lives lost has not been forgotten in the hearts of their
families, friends, and everyone living in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Among those lost in the tragic events of that day were
first responders who bravely and selflessly raced to the towers to save
as many people as they could even if it meant losing their own lives;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of the Legislative Body to commemorate the
6th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
to be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the New York State Office
Building in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born from the tragedy of the September 11th attacks, the
Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created to carry on the legacy of
courage and heroism that the first responders embodied; and

WHEREAS, The initial run in New York City honored the final
footsteps of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his
life on September 11, 2001; now, it honors all fallen first responders
across the State; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller had just finished his
shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word
that the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center,
making him return to his assigned Squad 1 in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Siller drove his truck to the Brooklyn-Battery
Tunnel to find it was closed; however, driven by his duty and courage,
he strapped on 60 pounds of gear and ran two miles on foot through the
tunnel to the Towers where he gave his life to safe others; and

WHEREAS, Now, for the past six years, the Tunnel to Towers
Foundation of Central New York has held the Central New York 5k Run &
Walk as an annual event that honors and supports first responders and
military service members; and

WHEREAS, What started in New York City to honor one of the fallen
heroes of 9/11 has now inspired 70 events throughout the State,
including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's Central New York 5k Run &
Walk in Utica, with everyone from first responders running in their gear
to civilians running in solidarity; and

WHEREAS, This 5K run is a remembrance for all the heroic first
responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th and every
day that has since followed; and

WHEREAS, Over the six years of this event, more people of Central
New York have come together and participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5k

Run & Walk, contributing directly to the ongoing support for first
responders and military heroes; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that events of
such significance should be acknowledged and celebrated by all the
citizens of this great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 6th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers
5K Run & Walk; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.