TTT 9-30-07

Southborough Residents and Firefighters Honor Those Lost on 9/11 by Running in NYC

"FF Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk"

September 30, 2007

While visiting New York in September of 2005, Southborough resident Kelly Hurley witnessed an event on television that moved her. Thousands of firefighters, police officers and residents of the New York/New Jersey area were running a 5k road race/walk through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel in memory of Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY) Firefighter Stephen Siller.

FF Siller had just left the firehouse and was on his way to meet his brothers on September 11, 2001 when the first of the two Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) were attacked. Hearing of the attacks , FF Siller attempted to get to the site from Brooklyn. Unable to get to the WTC because the bridges and tunnels were closed, FF Siller took his firefighting turn-out gear out of his pick-up truck and ran through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel to the site of the WTC located in lower Manhattan . FF Siller, the 34 year old father of five, was one of the 343 members of the FDNY that were killed on that day. FF Siller’s family honored their hero by creating the “Tunnel To Towers” 5k Run/Walk in his honor.

Kelly was so moved and inspired by this that she wanted to be involved. Kelly and her husband Matt grew up in the New Jersey / New York area and have friends and relatives that were involved in the attacks of 9/11.

Kelly put together an information package and presented it to the members of the Southborough Fire Department. Several firefighters signed up to participate in this benefit race. Kelly, Matt, and a small army of friends got together and planned for the race scheduled for September 24, 2006, which attracted over 15,000 participants. A coach bus was provided through a generous donation. Polar Beverages provided water for the group. Stop n Shop donated money for healthy snacks and juice. Dunkin n Donuts provided boxes of coffee for the very early departure. Southborough friends provided breakfast and afternoon snacks. The Southborough Firefighters Union paid for the firefighters' entry fee, which supports the Stephen Siller, FDNY, ‘Let Us Do Good’ Children’s Foundation. The foundation was created to serve the needs of children who have lost one or more parents, as well as burn centers.

This year, Kelly did it again!

Taking time from her busy schedule, Kelly once again arranged several volunteers to run the race, supply food and water, and transportation to and from New York City! This year, Kelly and Matt's families and friends, as well as Southborough firefighters joined an estimated 22,000 participants in the 2007 run/walk.

For more information on the Stephen Siller, FDNY, ‘Let Us Do Good’ Children’s Foundation and the Tunnel To Towers Run/Walk, click here.

Chief John Mauro, and the members of the Southborough Fire Department cannot express in words alone our sincerest thanks to Kelly & Matt, their relatives and friends, for all that they did to make this year's race a huge success!! Thank you so very much!

The extreme gratitude of the members of the Southborough Fire Department is extended to Matt & Kelly Hurley. The Hurleys worked many hours to ensure the trip went off without a hitch! THANKS SO MUCH!!

Thousands lined up at the start line, at the entrance to the Battery Tunnel in Brooklyn.

Runners go through the toll booths into the mouth of the tunnel.

Approximately 700 FDNY Firefighters lined the last quarter of the tunnel - each carrying a picture of one of the 343 firefighters lost on 9-11-01 or an American Flag.

The finish line at Ground Zero. FDNY 10 Truck and another aerial ladder hold the colors over the finish line.

Once the race ended, the honor guard which was stationed in the tunnel process up Vesey Street.

Another view of the honor guard with the colors and tribute to each FDNY firefighter lost on 9-11-01.

A contingent of firefighters from Southborough walked around the Ground Zero site, where we met Lt. James Colleary, who with his wife Maureen, was in New York City for the weekend.

A tribute to members of the 10 House on Liberty Street (Engine 10, 10 Truck) stands right inside of the door where Engine 10 is parked. Ten House is right across Liberty Street from where Tower 2 of the World Trade Center once stood. The station was damaged as a result of the collapse. Thanks to the Lieutenant on duty at 10 house on 9/30 for his hospatality.

Members of the SFD at 10 House in center of picture (left to right) Chief John Mauro, FF Tony Alessi, Lt. Mark Sadowski, Captain Joseph Mauro, FF Robert Kane, and FF Neal Aspesi. (Missing from photo FF Jason Neal)

More of Ground Zero

One of two motorcycles owned by firefighters working at 10 House shows a tribute to the firefighters lost on 9-11.

The second motorcycle with a tribute.

The Deutsche Bank Building, Located on Liberty Street next to the fire station is in the process of being taken down after being severely damaged by the collapse of the towers on 9-11. On August 22 of this year, a fire broke out on the upper floors of the bank resulting in the death of two FDNY firefighters. A tribute to those firefighters is set under the scaffolding outside of the bank building.

Lady Liberty was in full view during the race, as well as at the lunch afterwards.

Firefighters that ran in this year's race are (left to right): FF Robert "Bubba" Kane, Captain Joseph Mauro, FF Neal Aspesi, Lt. Mark Sadowski, Chief John Mauro, FF Anthony Alessi and FF Jason Neal.

A photo of all of the friends & family of the Hurleys, as well as the Southborough Firefighters.

ONCE AGAIN, A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HEROES MATT AND KELLY HURLEY!!

AND TO ALL OF THEIR RELATIVES, FRIENDS, AND THOSE THAT DONATED TO MAKE THIS A DAY TO REMEMBER!!!