Tunnels to Towers continues to grow in third year
Through the annual Towers to Tunnels Foundation 5K, the family and colleagues of first responders who died in the line of duty continue to honor them.
Participating at AHN Field in Canonsburg again this year was Team Beattie, named for Washington County Deputy Sheriff Chad Beattie. Beattie died Aug. 22, 2022 after suffering a sudden cardiac event following the pursuit of a wanted person in South Strabane Township.
Troy Beattie, Chad Beattie’s brother, said they had 18 total people on the team. This includes family and those who worked with Chad at the sheriff’s department.
Troy said that Saturday’s event was an opportunity for their family to come together and keep his brother’s memory alive.
“Our family has always been close to begin with. Once that happened, we kind of became more aware of what’s going on in the community and what’s going on with law enforcement,” Troy said. “Us putting a team together to do this is just a way to kind of keep his name going.”
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is a nonprofit based out of Staten Island, N.Y. It was founded in tribute to New York City Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller, who died as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
Tony Colaizzo, volunteer race director, described this year’s race as the largest yet.
“It’s the biggest turnout we’ve ever had. We’re setting records with teams, setting records with participants, setting records with money and setting records with displays,” Colaizzo said.
About 550 people registered for this year’s 5K, including 26 teams. Colaizzo said that’s nine more teams than last year.
The event had raised $73,642 through its website. Colaizzo said the total value raised is still being worked out.
Tunnels to Towers aims to provide mortgage-free homes to veterans and first responders. Colaizzo is encouraged by the growing interest in the race.
“It shows that the community understands the value and importance. We’re focused on kids, and we’re focused on things like that so that they can understand that first responders and the military are good people that are just like them. They do things to protect us, and they don’t even know us,” Colaizzo said.