EXCLUSIVE: Firefighter Stephen Siller's Final Heroic Run Remembered
Firefighter Stephen Siller's heroic final run on September 11 remains a powerful part of his legacy.
Sept. 19 2026, Published 7:00 a.m. ET
Brave NYC firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 – selflessly charging into danger to save others and ultimately losing his life, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The heroic first responder's efforts inspired his family to establish the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his honor.
Siller Raced Toward Twin Towers
Stephen Gerard Siller raced through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel on foot with 60 pounds of gear before reaching the Twin Towers.
Siller, a 34-year-old father of five, had just finished his shift at Brooklyn's Squad 1 when he learned over his scanner that a plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Scrapping his plans to play golf, Siller grabbed his gear and drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. By that point, the passageway into Lower Manhattan was closed for security purposes.
But the determined smoke eater raced on foot with 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back through the tunnel and on to the Twin Towers – a distance of more than two miles.
Siller’s Legacy Lives on Worldwide
Siller's family established Tunnel to Towers to aid military and emergency services personnel and their families.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
His family established Tunnel to Towers to offer aid to military and emergency services personnel and their families.
The organization's many fundraising efforts include 5K run/walks held around the globe to memorialize Siller's final courageous steps – including an annual event in the Big Apple. To learn more, visit t2t.org.
