On Nov. 2, over 200 runners and walkers gathered at Big Pine Community Park to honor first responders locally and nationally in the inaugural Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Monroe County. This event, the southernmost of its kind, has evolved from a heartfelt idea into a powerful community celebration.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in memory of Stephen Siller, an FDNY firefighter who lost his life in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The foundation supports first responders, veterans and their families through various programs, including smart home construction for catastrophically injured veterans and mortgage payoffs for the families of fallen first responders.
Despite being relatively new to Big Pine Key, I’ve witnessed the community’s remarkable ability to rally for its members. When my student-athlete Naima Thomas and her mother, Nicole Gerrard, proposed hosting a local Tunnel to Towers 5K, their vision quickly gained traction. The Thomas-Gerrard family’s personal connection to the cause stems from their participation in the iconic New York City Tunnel to Towers run, honoring their local hero, Herve Thomas. Their firsthand experience with the foundation’s impact on families of fallen first responders fueled their desire to give back and support those who risk their lives daily for our community.
In early 2024, plans for the Southernmost Tunnel to Towers 5K took shape. Nicole and Naima reached out to local first responders, emergency services and community members, finding enthusiastic support at every turn. Tommy Ryan, a local resident and former FDNY member familiar with the foundation’s post-9/11 efforts, played a crucial role in securing sponsors and rallying local first responders. John Hodge helped with the logistics of the race and ensured the mission of Tunnels to Towers was honored throughout the event.
On the day of the event, Monroe County Fire Rescue led the race in full gear, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Volunteers from Key West and Marathon high schools arrived early to manage the course and ensure runner safety. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provided additional support, joining the effort to honor their fellow emergency services personnel.
The event drew participants and volunteers from across the Lower Keys, including student runners and walkers from Marathon, Sugarloaf and Key West. This diverse turnout underscored the community’s united commitment to recognizing and supporting first responders.
By bringing together various segments of the community – from schools to emergency services – the Big Pine Key Tunnel to Towers 5K has set a precedent for future events.
As we reflect on the success of this first run, it’s clear the spirit of service and community that Stephen Siller embodied lives on in Big Pine Key. This event serves as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose, honoring those who serve and protecting the families they leave behind.
Sincerely,
Keara McGraw
Cross country coach
Key West High School
