As a company built on safety, Lenco Armored Vehicles is proud to sponsor The Tunnel to Towers Foundation in its mission to support the legacy of first responders and military personnel killed or injured in the line of duty.
Committed to our nation’s heroes since its inception in 1981, Lenco becomes The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s newest corporate partner with a first-time donation of $250,000.
Lenco manufactures a varied line of tactical armored vehicles designed to serve the specialized needs of law enforcement agencies, fire-rescue and EMS organizations, the U.S. military, and other government agencies. As a company offering dedicated grant funding aid and pioneering the industry’s highest standards in safety, Lenco’s mission aligns with that of The Tunnel to Towers Foundation to provide partnership, financial support, and meet the needs of our nation’s military and public safety professionals.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life to save others on September 11, 2001. It continues to honor all those who lost their lives that day, as well as those who continue to lay down their lives for others.
Given that Stephen Siller became an orphan at age 10, and later became a loving father of five, the foundation focuses heavily on the well-being of children.
Its programs include tributes and education to remember those lost on 9/11, as well as financial support for the families of first responders and military members killed in the line of duty. Its achievements to date include raising $250 million to support heroes and their families, and providing 450 mortgage-free homes to responder and military families.
Lenco fully backs the foundation’s cause, and encourages its industry partners and customers to learn about T2t.org’s mission and support it in any way they can, from donations, to event participation, to spreading the word about its work.
Programs
National Run, Walk & Climb Series
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is perhaps best known for its event series, which has expanded over the years to hold more than 80 tower-climb and 5K run/walk events across the country. These volunteer-organized events raise money for the foundation’s goals while empowering participants and aiding in the mission to “Never Forget.” The landmark New York City event is back on this year at One World Observatory after a two-year pandemic hiatus, and is slated for June 5.
In 2013, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation launched its mobile exhibit as a tribute to all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, including the 343 firefighters of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). The 83-foot tractor-trailer transforms into a 1,100 square foot interactive exhibit about the 9/11 response, and has educated more than 500,000 people throughout the U.S. as well as Canada.
Fallen First Responder Home Program
Through this program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation pays off the mortgages of responders who lose their lives in the line of duty or to 9/11 related illness, and who leave behind families with young children, providing stability in their time of need.
This program supports military personnel injured in war by building homes with smart technology, to help them regain their independence.
Launched in 2018, this program provides a mortgage-free home to families of military personnel killed in action or during authorized training.
Legacy of Love and Wings of a Hero Awards
These programs provide assistance to children who have lost one or both parents, through funding to assist with education, counseling or other needs.
In addition to its primary mission, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation recently created a separate campaign to assist the displaced children of Ukraine through organizations including Kidsave, to provide transportation and basic necessities. Donations to the foundation will only go to this effort if specifically requested. The foundation has previously created campaigns for children beyond those of first responders and the military, including for the children of Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 2010, and for children in New York experiencing abuse and neglect.
To learn more or donate, visit T2t.org.
About Lenco Armored Vehicles
Since its founding in 1981, Lenco Armored Vehicles has been the most trusted manufacturer of tactical armored security vehicles by law enforcement, fire and rescue and government entities worldwide. The privately held, family-owned and -operated company revolutionized tactical response with the advent of the BEAR® and BearCat®, and since, has designed and fabricated more than 6,000 armored vehicles in service by more than 800 state and federal agencies in all 50 states. Lenco prides itself on protecting defenders around the world and serving as the standard in the industry. For more information about Lenco Armored Vehicles, visit https://www.lencoarmor.com