New York, NY | While CSI's collection of fall teams were in action this weekend, the CSI Cheer Team was also hard at work yesterday, participating with over 30,000 individuals from all over the United States to take part in the 17th annual Tunnel to Towers 5K run and walk, held to honor the 343 firefighters who died while responding to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in Manhattan.

Sponsored by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the annual event retraces the steps taken by Firefighter Siller, a Staten Island native whose squad was based in Brooklyn.  After the off-duty Siller retrieved his gear his car was stopped at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel entering Manhattan.  Determined to help his squadron, He then raced to the scene on foot in full gear before perishing at the scene.  The run and walk since has raised over $100M in aid to first responders and military veterans.  

The CSI Cheer team was located about a mile before the finish line along the promenade at Brookfield Place. Their responsibility was to motivate and encourage participants to push themselves to the finish line The team received a ton of compliments from runners and walkers.  At the conclusion of the run, the team stayed to watch the ceremony where wounded warriors were recognized and where the FDNY marched with photos of the 343 honored firefighters.  American flags representing the 343 FDNY, 37 NYPD officers, and 27 PAPD officers who were killed on that day and approximately 110 firefighters who have died of 9/11 related illnesses since the attacks, were also highlighted. 

CSI student-athletes were moved by the ceremony, many of who learned more about the events of September 11 and what the mission of the Siller Foundation is. They also learned about Head Coach Kristie Perrotta's personal connection to the FDNY, as her father, Battalion Chief Joseph Grzelak, was also lost on 9/11.  The team plans to take part in the Tunnel to Towers run in the future as well, making it a highlight to their season each year.