The recent Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in Lake Zurich raised more than $40,000 this year, organizers say, funds that add to the efforts of the national fundraiser for fallen emergency responders.
The local event stepped off June 12 at Henry Paulus Park in Lake Zurich with more than 300 participants. There was also “A Field of Honor” featuring 415 American flags in tribute to first responders lost in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“We put that up every year,” said Denise Bradstreet, a Lake Zurich Police Department patrol officer who coordinates the local “Tunnel to Towers” event with husband David Bradstreet, a retired Kildeer police officer.
Denise Bradstreet said approximately 330 registrants took part in the 5K run or walk.
“All the funds go to the Tunnel to Towers programs to help first responder families. They pay off the mortgages when there’s a line of duty death, and also the same for our military families,” Denise Bradstreet said. “We have 77 runs across the United States just like this.
David Bradstreet said 2017 was the first local race and fundraiser event in Lake Zurich. The run/walk was on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Stephen Siller Foundation was created by the family of Fire Department of New York firefighter Stephen Siller who died responding to the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City. Siller’s work shift had ended when the attacks took place, but he returned to Manhattan by truck.
The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in the city was closed to motor vehicle traffic. So Siller grabbed his fire gear and ran through the tunnel – about three miles to the World Trade Center. Siller was among NYC first responders who died responding to the scenes, according to information abou the “Tunnel to Towers” fundraisers.
The opening ceremony of the run/walk in Lake Zurich began at 7:30 a.m., immediately before the chip timed 5K race start. Opening ceremonies included a Lake Barrington Shores color guard, a blessing of the fleet by Lake Zurich clergy and an appearance by the family of fallen McHenry County sheriff’s Deputy Jacob “Jake” Keltner.
The Keltner family had a mortgage paid in full by the Stephen Siller Foundation. Keltner, of Crystal Lake, was shot in the line of duty in Rockford and died of his injuries later that day on March 7, 2019.
Jake Keltner’s wife, Becki, appeared at the Lake Zurich event with sons Caleb, 10, and Carson, 8. Caleb offered an emotional address to the audience.
“Four years later, I will never forget what happened,” Caleb Keltner said. “But just like my father and Stephen Siller, I will always remember to be selfless and help people as much as I can.”
Becki Keltner said the foundation has helped a number of people and touched so many lives.
“The takeaway is always that out of tragedy and our shared trauma has come so much love and hope,” the widow said.
After the 5K event began, Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton was emotional as he visited the 415 American flags in the Field of Honor. Poynton served in the U.S Army from 1966 to 1972.
Years later, Poynton said the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk is a local example of service above self.
“We’re doing good things in Lake Zurich,” Poynton said.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
