On September 11, 2001, Siller had just finished his shift in Brooklyn, New York, when he heard some terrifying news. Two planes had crashed into skyscrapers known as the Twin Towers in Manhattan. That’s an area of New York City across the river from Brooklyn. Siller immediately headed toward the scene to help.
The tunnel leading into Manhattan was closed, so Siller couldn’t drive through. But that didn’t stop him. He strapped on 60 pounds of equipment, including boots, a helmet, and a coat, and ran through the tunnel to the towers.
Sadly, Siller was one of more than 400 firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who died when the towers collapsed. They gave up their lives to save others.
Siller’s family started the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory. Each year, the group holds races to honor Siller. People often run in firefighter gear, like Siller did on that sad day, now known as 9/11.