Pictured above: The late Stephen Siller, Brooklyn Squad 1; 2001

Stephen was a firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1. He was raised under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase was “while we have time, let us do good”- fitting for a life of service. Stephen had just ended his shift on September 11, 2001 when he received the call of the first tower being struck, it was then that he felt “determined to carry out his duty” by strapping 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and racing on foot through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.

In a similar way, President of Technocality Inc. Joseph Bonafede, who also left his wife and children at home, was also a first responder on the day that America was changed forever. He was an NYPD 2nd Grade Detective working with the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU). Joe provided technical assistance to city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies relating to the terrorist attacks that had occurred.

Pictured left: President of Technocality, Joseph Bonafede, NYPD; 2001

Although fortunate enough to return home to his family, Joe continues to live with a firsthand account of this tragedy.

As a result of this tragedy, and over the 18 plus years since America lost so many of its heroic brothers and sisters, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has grown and evolved exponentially. Chairman and CEO Frank Siller says, “The Foundation grew because the need grew. We need to remember those who made the sacrifice on 9/11 and all of those brave men and women who continue to put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe at home and abroad.” In this year alone (2019) the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off mortgages for, delivered, or started construction on 50 mortgages-free homes. These homes are for the service members, Gold Star, and fallen first responder families who have been catastrophically injured.

Technocality Inc. was able to gain more insight into how this incredible foundation decided to expand itself to more than just the families impacted by 9/11 when speaking with the Assistant Manager of Media Relations from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Trevor Tamsen. Trevor discussed not only the Smart Home Program which was created after a US soldier became the first surviving quadruple amputee but also the Fallen First Responder Home Program and the Gold Star Family Home Program. The Smart Home Program are homes that go beyond being ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) compliant but go the extra mile and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each veteran across the country. The Fallen First Responder Home Program was created in 2014 and are for families similar to Stephen’s in which the heroes are unfortunately no longer with us, however, their families are still in need. The Tunnel to Tower Foundation then responds by raising money to pay off the families mortgage. Additionally, the Gold Star Family Home Program helps to honor the legacy left behind by those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving families with young children. Since 2015, the Foundation has given more than 40 families the security and stability of a mortgage-free home. The Foundation has also made a significant financial contribution to assist countless first responder families in need.

For those, like Technocality Inc., who are interested in being a part of an amazing cause to support those who protect and serve our country, please visit the Stephen Siller, Tunnel to Towers Foundation website,