The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is coming to the aid of the family of Firefighter William Tolley, who died in the line of duty while battling a blaze in Ridgewood last week, by offering to pay off the remainder of the mortgage on the Tolley’s home.
Tolley died on Thursday, April 20, when he fell five stories from a bucket lift while fighting a fire in an apartment at the corner of Wyckoff and Putnam avenues. He is survived by his wife Marie, and their 8-year-old daughter, Bella, who will face tremendous financial burdens with paying the mortgage on their Bethpage, Long Island home.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has created a Crowdrise page for anyone wishing to help donate to their cause. The foundation is a recognized tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit organization, meaning any donations made to them are tax deductible.
All of the donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will go toward paying the Tolleys’ mortgage, while the foundation will be paying all of the administrative costs.
The FDNY held an emotional bunting ceremony at Tolley’s Glendale firehouse on Myrtle Avenue on Friday, April 21, where a black and purple bunting was hung, honoring Tolley’s memory and reminding all of his sacrifice.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in honor of Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on Sept. 11, 2001, where he ultimately gave his life helping others.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so here: https://www.crowdrise.com/donate/project/tolley/tunnel2towers/0
