Representatives from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation recently announced that that organization has paid off the mortgages on the homes of two fallen Ohio first responders, Bellefontaine Police Officer Craig Comstock and Cleveland Police Officer Vu Nguyen.
Officer Comstock passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2020, at home in his sleep. He served his community as a police officer for nearly 18 years and left behind his wife, Michele, and their two children, Cole and Carisse.
The 1995 Benjamin Logan High School graduate worked as a narcotics detective for the last nine years of his tenure. He received the department’s Officer of the Year in 2013, and again as a posthumous honor in 2020.
In a private ceremony, Tunnel to Towers informed Mrs. Comstock she will never have to worry about losing her home.
“I am honored and so grateful for the blessing that you have given to my family. Our home is truly our sanctuary and has been a sense of comfort to me since losing my husband.
“This home was our dream home and after he passed, I was sure I would have to sell it to keep us afloat. Your great organization made it possible for us to keep our home. There are no words to describe how thankful I am.”
Cleveland Police Officer Nguyen passed away July 6, 2018, days after collapsing during a training exercise. He was a 20-year law enforcement veteran, who left behind his wife, Holli, and two daughters.
“My family and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is impossible to fully express in words what a blessing this is to me and my children. It feels like a huge weight was lifted… My children and I are blessed to see my husband’s sacrifice be remembered,” she said.
In observance of Independence Day, Tunnel to Towers has satisfied the mortgages on the homes of 19 fallen first responders ensuring the families they left behind can stay in their homes without the financial burden of a mortgage.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Program pays off the mortgages for families with young children of fallen active duty law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“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. We cannot replace the loss of a husband and father, but we can make sure these families can stay in the place they called home,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.
This year is the foundation’s 20th Anniversary and to mark 20 years of “Doing Good,” the organization has promised to deliver 200 mortgage payoffs or mortgage-free homes across the country by the end of the year.
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 information on Tunnel to Towers’ mission to support America’s veterans, fallen first responders and Gold Star families, visit T2T.org and consider donating $11 per month. Follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @Tunnel2Towers.