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Local firefighters took part in the annual Tunnel to Towers in Vero on Saturday.
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Jessica and Timmy Palmer are with Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, where Timmy is a driver/engineer, and Jessica is Deputy Fire Marshal. The duo, along with their young son, Rhett, participated in the walk/run, wearing full turnout gear. Jessica said this was her seventh year since becoming a firefighter 10 years ago. “I missed a few when I was on shift,” she explained. Each year, except when she was pregnant with Rhett, she wore full turn out gear. That year, she wore just her coat and helmet over regular clothing. The couple’s two girls, Cassie and Brynn have also participated in the past but were both out of town this year.
Jessica explained the Tunnel to Towers 5K was inspired by FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller’s run on 9/11.Siller was off duty when he heard the news. He drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed to traffic, put on his gear and ran all the way to the Twin Towers. Siller gave his life alongside his brothers and sisters that day.
Siller’s run was approximately 3 miles, and this inspired the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K. However, the actual course is 3.43 miles to represent the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day, she said.
Jessica said one of her favorite parts of the event is when each participant receives a badge with the name and photo of a fallen first responder or military hero that you carry as you walk or run. This is a way to honor them and keep their memories alive. “For me, this event is about remembering the first responders who gave everything, honoring their families, and making sure their stories aren’t forgotten. It brings together firefighters, police officers, families, and people from the community in a way that creates an incredible sense of camaraderie and patriotism,” said Jessica.
She said she would love to see more people get involved in the run next year.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a nonprofit with an average of 91% of fundraising dollars going directly toward its programs.
According to the website, “Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Children of the Foundation’s home recipients are offered full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs, helping secure their futures. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.”
More information about Tunnel to Towers can be found on the website https://t2t.org/
