CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Hundreds of people came together on Saturday to run in the annual Tunnels to Towers 5K at the Bellevue Fire Department in Cheektowaga.
The event honors Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his life on September 11th, 2001.
The run also helps raise money for the non-profit created in his memory.
Lisa Amatura, a volunteer, shared Stephen's story.
"Stephen was working as a firefighter, he got off of work and was supposed to go play golf. Instead, he ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel which was already closed off to traffic. He had 60 pounds of gear on his back, he ran to the towers to save anyone that he possibly could and unfortunately, he lost his life that day, leaving his wife and 5 children."
Amatura then shared her story about where she was on that horrific day.
A Buffalo native, Amatura was in NYC for a meeting. She was in the North Tower when the planes hit. As she was making her way down the stairs, she witnessed firefighters making their way up. She shared that so many firefighters assured her everything would be okay.
"We talk about everyday heroes and I saw it live that day, and I just wanna do what I can to say 'thank you,'" she said.
Tunnels to Towers is an organization that offers programs and communities for first responders and veterans.
Amatura shared that every 95 cents of every dollar raised at events goes back into the program. The organization provides Smart Homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders designed to fit their needs.
In addition, they have opportunities such as the Gold Star Family Program and homeless veterans program.
"We also pay off mortgages for first responders and veterans who have died in the line of duty that have young children."
In addition, a new affordable housing facility is coming to Buffalo.
Amatura explains that Veteran's Village will have 92 units available in Cheektowaga for homeless veterans.
After the 5K run, Cheektowaga police officer Troy Blackchief was honored with an award after being seriously injured last year. He was hit by a stolen vehicle.
A letter written by the officer's wife announced he would need a new 3D-printed surgically placed skull bone. He got it at Erie County Medical Center in April 2023.
In May, Blackchief's new skull grew an infection, and he had to be rushed to a Texas hospital. In December, he was finally welcomed home.
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