Hundreds climb 41 stories in Tampa to honor 9/11 heroes

Tunnel to Towers climb

FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez shows us how local 9/11 survivors, first responders and families came together to never forget.

TAMPA - In downtown Tampa, hundreds of people took on a 41-story climb — each step a tribute to the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th.

Many participants wore tags with the names of fallen heroes. Local firefighters, including District Chief Kyle Miller of Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue, climbed in full gear to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day.

What they're saying:

"It just means a lot to be able to participate in these events — especially with the people I work with and serve the community with," Miller said.

The backstory:

The event is part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, created in memory of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear on 9/11 to reach the Twin Towers — and never made it home.

"His siblings created the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory," said Dustin Miller, the event’s director. "They’re paying off Gold Star families’ mortgages and building tiny homes for homeless veterans. Across the country they’re making a huge impact."

READ: Seasoned Sarasota officers recall protecting the president on September 11, 2001

Also in attendance was retired NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez, known as the "Singing Policeman." A 9/11 survivor, Rodriguez performed the National Anthem to open the event.

"To watch these people come out dedicated to keeping the memories of those who perished alive, of never forgetting — I feel very proud to be here and to use my gift once again," Rodriguez said.

Among the many emotional stories was that of Jarshekia Kowaleskia, who made the climb with her young child strapped to her back.

"I was thinking, should I be doing this? But then I see those photos of the heroes, and I’m like — this is nothing, especially when they gave everything," she said.

FOX 13’s own team joined the climb, taking each step to honor those who gave everything that morning — and to help keep their legacy alive.

READ: Tampa Bay 24/7: Inside Manatee County’s 911 center

What's next:

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to expand its mission nationwide — building mortgage-free homes for fallen first responders, Gold Star families, and catastrophically injured veterans.