K 551: Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnels to Towers 5K Run & Walk

 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.