Assembly Resolution No. 551

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

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

WHEREAS, Since the tragic events on September 11, 2001, the memory
of the all 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 life;
and

WHEREAS, It is in the sense of the Legislative Body to commemorate
the 5th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnels to Towers 5K Run &
Walk to be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the New York State Office
Building in Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born from the tragedy of the September 11th attacks, the
Tunnels 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 was to honor the final
footsteps of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his
life on September 11, 2001, it now honors all fallen first responders
across the state; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, 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, 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 five years, The Tunnels to Towers
Foundation of Central New York has held the Tunnel to Towers Foundations
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 Foundations 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 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 five years of this 5K event, more people of
Central New York have come together and participate 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 5th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnels 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.