In observance of Independence Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it has satisfied the mortgages held on the homes of 19 fallen first responder families, including the home of fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Stephen Ballard.
Corporal Ballard, 32, was shot and killed on April 26, 2017, when he approached a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in Bear, Delaware.
Ballard had served with the Delaware State Police for eight years. He left behind his wife, Louise, and their daughter.
In a private ceremony held last week, Tunnel to Towers presented Louise with documents confirming the mortgage held on her home had been completely satisfied.
“It is such a tremendous blessing that cannot be put into words. Thank you is not enough. I remember when you said the mortgage would be paid off, all I could do was cry tears of joy and appreciation. This was the first and only place we called home,since we were only married 18 months before [Stephen] was killed. Thank you,” said Louise.
“This Independence Day, Tunnel to Towers is delivering financial independence to the families of fallen first responders by paying off the mortgages on the homes of these heroes. Satisfying the mortgages on the homes of these heroes who dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe is the least we can do. We will make sure these families always have a place to call home,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.
The Tunnel to Towers Fallen First Responder Program pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty with young children.
On September 17, 2021 the “Let Us Do Good” Ball will be held in honor of Corporal Ballard. Tickets for the event, hosted by T2T Delmarva, are ONLINE ONLY, and can be purchased on the T2T Delmarva 5K website at www.T2Trun.org.
The 3rd Annual Tunnel to Towers Delmarva 5K Run & Walk will be held days later on Sunday, September 19. Further information and registration can be found at www.T2Trun.org.
These events benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and its mission to support our nation’s veterans, fallen first responders, and Gold Star families.
“We are beyond honored to kick-off our inaugural “Let Us Do Good” Ball during the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We are also extremely grateful at the opportunity of honoring the life and legacy of fallen Delaware State Trooper, Corporal Stephen Ballard, who, like Stephen Siller, bravely and unselfishly dedicated his life to public service and safety. These events help Tunnel to Towers ensure grieving families, including Corporal Ballards’ can stay in their home.” said Brian Brubaker, Volunteer Event Director, Tunnel to Towers Delmarva.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. For 20 years the Foundation has supported our nation’s first responders, veterans, and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes. For more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its commitment to DO GOOD, please visit T2T.org.
Source: Tunnel to Towers
