Photo: Iowa's News Now, KGAN
(Undated) -- The non-profit organization "Tunnel to Towers Foundation" has paid off the mortgage of a fallen State Trooper. Thirty-seven-year-old Theodore Benda was critically injured in a northeast Iowa car crash October 14th, 2021, while on the way to help a local agency with a wanted suspect. Benda was flown to a hospital in Wisconsin and died October 20th.
Ahead of the July 4th holiday, Tunnel to Towers has paid off the mortgages on 22 homes belonging to fallen first responders in 16 states.
The Foundation has ensured the families these heroes left behind will be able to stay in the homes they shared with their loved ones.
“As we celebrate America's freedom this Fourth of July, I am honored to give these fallen first responder families the financial freedom of owning their home, mortgage-free,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “While you are celebrating with flags and fireworks this weekend, please take a moment to think of these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe and those who will continue to put their lives at risk every day.”