The Tunnel to Towers Young Professionals Network is honored to dedicate our participation in the 2025 Tunnel to Towers Tower NYC Climb to the memory of Christopher Slutman.
Chris bravely wore two uniforms as a United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and New York City Firefighter; embodying the spirit of selflessness, service, and sacrifice. He made the ultimate sacrifice on April 8, 2019, when his vehicle was hit by an IED while on deployment in Afghanistan.
The Tunnel to Towers Young Professionals Network is dedicated to honoring heroes like SSgt. Slutman, who place service to others above self. The NYC Climb is a physical challenge and a tribute to the military and first responders who have laid down their lives to protect others. Climbing in Chris' memory is an opportunity for us to honor and remember his heroic sacrifice and ensure that his legacy is never forgotten. An opportunity that we are most grateful for.
Chris’ life, along with his memory, is a testament to the power of service to both country and community. Through this journey up 104 flights of stairs, ending at One World Observatory, we will continue to remember Chris and all that his memory represents, by raising funds to support the Foundation’s promise to provide mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders and military heroes.
Chris is remembered as a devoted husband and father who exemplified the values represented by both the United States Marines and the FDNY. His name and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
About the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC:
Since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York City. One thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope, and the resiliency of the American spirit.
The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a FDNY firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers. He suddenly got word over his scanner that an airplane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave up his life while saving others.
Captain William F. Burke, Jr. and his men were on the 27th floor of the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. Billy immediately alerted the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and the Officer of Ladder Co. 24, his original company, of the collapse. They, along with their men, immediately evacuated, along with a number of civilians they were assisting, all surviving. Minutes later, the North Tower collapsed, and Billy perished along with the other innocents on September 11, 2001. He selflessly repeated, “Keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.
The view from One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center is spectacular. After making the emotional climb, participants explore expansive, panoramic views in every direction from a unique perspective. One of the major highlights, of course, is viewing the two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.
