An organization created to honor an FDNY member who died at the World Trade Center site on 9/11 is raising money for the families of slain and injured Dallas police officers.  The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was started by former New Fairfield First Selectman John Hodge and his family.  Siller was his cousin.  Hodge's sister Catherine Christman of New Fairfield is also involved in the Foundation.

In just a few days 3,500 donors have raised about $400,000.

Christman says the thoughts of the Siller family immediately went back to the turmoil, stress and sorrow of what happened on 9/11 with the loss of firefighter Stephen Siller.  Siller was her cousin. 

Christman says one way to relieve their stress is to take housing issues off their shoulders.  This is similar to efforts in the wake of the assassination of two NYPD Detectives in 2014.  The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the mortgages of Detectives Liu and Ramos.  Their widows were so thankful for what Tunnel to Towers did for their families, they started the Dallas fundraising effort off with $10,000 donations.  Their widows also pledged to travel to Dallas with Foundation members to meet with the spouse of the officers who were killed.

Jets player Nick Mangold is now involved in the fundraising effort.  Country singer Naomi Judd is also involved.  She's close with someone in law enforcement.  She sees what they go through first hand in terms of stress and also demonstrating their bravery.

People interested in channelling their support of these police officers can contribute to Tunnel to Towers online or 1-844-BRAVEST (1-844-272-8378).