In Summary:
Over 30 firefighters from the Apopka Fire Department traveled to New York City for the 25th Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk on September 27. Flight delays and cancellations complicated their trip, while high winds and rain made the run more difficult. The annual event retraces FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller’s route toward the World Trade Center and supports programs for first responders, families of the fallen and injured service members.
*****
More than 30 Apopka firefighters traveled to New York City for Sunday’s Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, joining firefighters from across the country to remember the lives lost in the September 11 attacks. Former Apopka Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale accompanied the group to the September 27 event.
Related: Apopka approves firefighter contract with $12,000 first-year base pay increase.
Getting there presented a challenge. Carnesale said a nor’easter caused flight delays and cancellations, and the firefighters faced high winds and rain during the run.
“These Apopka firefighters are relentless. They try to travel up here almost every year for this annual run, and this year the nor'easter made it even harder with flight delays and cancellations. Yet they still made it here and are battling high winds and rain to complete this run,” Carnesale said.
The event honors FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who was responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Siller had finished his shift when he learned of the attack and returned for his gear. When he reached the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and found it closed, he strapped on approximately 60 pounds of equipment and ran through it toward the Twin Towers. He died at the World Trade Center.
The Tunnel to Towers run follows Siller’s route from Brooklyn toward Manhattan. Held on the last Sunday of September, it began with 1,500 participants in 2002 and has grown into a major annual gathering for firefighters, other first responders, and supporters. This year’s run marked its 25th anniversary.
The route recalls Siller’s final footsteps and pays tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who died on September 11. It also gives fire departments across the country a way to remember that day together, 25 years later.
For the Apopka firefighters, the trip has become a recurring act of remembrance. Carnesale said they make the journey to honor Siller's sacrifice and all the first responders who answered the call that day. The weather complicated this year’s plans, but the group made it to New York and joined the run.
Proceeds from the event support Tunnel to Towers Foundation programs benefiting first responders, families of the fallen, and catastrophically injured service members. To donate to this organization, or a specific fundraiser for 2027, go here.
