The family of a Pennsylvania state trooper, killed while on duty, has had its home paid off in full this week thanks to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
On March 21, 2022, 29-year-old Branden Sisca was helping a pedestrian on Interstate 95 in South Philadelphia with fellow trooper Martin Mack III when all three were struck and killed by an allegedly drunk driver.
This week, The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it had paid the mortgage on the home of Sisca's wife Brittany and their daughter, who was born after her father died.
Trevor Tamsen from Tunnel to Towers told Newsweek: "We paid off the mortgage on the home she shared with her husband, ensuring she can remain in the home where she made so many family memories with Branden."
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was started to honor the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller who was killed on September 11, 2001.
Siller had just completed his shift in Brooklyn that day and was on his way to play golf with his three brothers. But as soon as he heard the news of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers, he returned to his firehouse to get his gear and headed to the World Trade Center to meet up with his squad. He drove his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which connects Brooklyn to lower Manhattan. When he arrived, the tunnel was closed for security reasons, so Siller grabbed his 60 pounds of gear and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Towers. This path would come to be his final steps. His siblings started the foundation to honor his service and sacrifice.
Since 9/11, Tunnel to Towers has been providing mortgage-free homes to families with young children of first responders killed on duty, and building custom smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
"Tunnel to Towers is able to support the fallen first responder families through the generosity of Americans across the country," said Tamsen. "We focus on paying off mortgages so gold star and fallen first responder families do not have to worry about the pressing financial burden of a mortgage. Our goal is to ensure a sense of stability after a devastating loss."
On Facebook where the charity announced the news, the post was shared over 1,300 times and received over 3,000 reactions. Commenters shared their thanks and thoughts on the support given to the young family.
"I'm so honored to be a donator to this wonderful cause," said one reply, while another Facebook user said: "Rest in peace sir. Many have stepped forward for your family. Thank you for your service."
"That is fantastic news," said another reply. "What a great way to bring peace of mind after such a tragic loss."
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