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closeLocal firefighters extend hand to New York City
Firefighters from around the world, including Washington, will help remember the fallen
Chris Albert
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, New York City Firefighter Stephen Stiller was off duty driving his truck to go play golf when he heard about the planes crashing into the Twin Towers.
He quickly turned his truck around to race to the scene. He drove as far as he could to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. The tunnel had been closed, so the father of five jumped out of his truck grabbed his nearly 80 lbs of gear and began running toward the towers to help.
Stiller arrived to help, but like 343 other New York City firefighters, he was killed trying to rescue victims.
For the past five years, firefighters from around the world have converged on New York City to make Stiller’s run in remembrance of the fallen and to aide those who are still effected by that tragic day in the annual Tunnel to Towers Run on Sept. 28.
A team from Washington State, including members from the Pierce County based United Firefighters Foundation, Orting Valley Fire and Rescue and East Pierce Fire and Rescue will join thousands at the event.
The group of seven have been raising money for the run with proceeds going to the firefighters dealing with health problems from 9/11 and the families of fallen firefighters.
“It’s helping our brothers and their families,” said Matt Emrich, of the United Firefighters Foundation.
The group will participate in several ceremonies and the run itself, but for many of them that is not what makes this event important.
“I think the biggest thing is being able to stay in houses with FDNY,” said Craig Ryan, with East Pierce Fire and Rescue. “It’s a real different experience to be able to talk to them.”
They have meals with them and hear stories. The hospitality the New York firefighters show is amazing, Emrich said.
When floors need to be washed or other everyday chores at a fire station need to be done the guests for the Tunnel to Towers Run aren’t allowed to do anything, he said.
“They won’t let us help them do that,” Emrich said. “These guys are unbelievable and they’re really appreciative from Washington State for helping out.”
For the Washington group it is a trip they wouldn’t want to miss and for many it is not their first time making the run.
“It’s kind of an experience of a lifetime being able to stay with FDNY,” Ryan said. “That’s a huge honor to be able to raise money for these guys.
“It’s nice to be able to give them a check for all the people they have lost and are still losing.”
With that goal in mind the group has been selling commemorative T-shirts for $20 at places like their booth in the ShowPlex at The Fair.
Funds are also being raised through donations, the United Firefighters Foundation and through carwashes throughout the area.
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9/11 Remembrance ceremony
The United Firefighters Foundation and Tacoma Fire and Rescue will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Tacoma Fire Station on the Ruston Way waterfront.
Tunnel to Towers
To help contribute to the fundraising efforts of the Washington team participating in the Tunnel to Towers, purchase a commemorative T-shirt at their booth in the ShowPlex at The Fair. They are booth 403 next to the dining hall on the north side of the ShowPlex. They will also have equipment on display and free toys for children.
> For more information about the run or how to donate contact the United Firefighters Foundation by phone at 253-592-4443, by e-mail at info@uniteddfff.org or go to www.unitedfirefightersfoundation.org.