Tunnel to Towers to pay off mortgage for family of NYPD officer killed in LIE hit-and-run

The nonprofit Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation will pay off the mortgage on the home of NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed in a crash on the Long Island Expressway.

News 12 Staff

Apr 30, 2021, 3:37 PM

Updated 1,335 days ago

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The nonprofit Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation will pay off the mortgage on the home of NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed in a crash on the Long Island Expressway.
"You die in the line of duty, you leave behind young kids, we're going to pay off the mortgage," says Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers.
Siller says that's exactly what they've been doing for the last 20 years now. Siller says he spoke with Tsakos' brother about how the family was concerned about the mortgage. Tsakos' brother says the home was just purchased in September.
Siller says Tunnel to Towers will have closed on more than 370 homes by the end of this year. He says no matter how many times he makes these phone calls it never gets easier.
"It doesn't get any easier," says Siller. "I can tell you that."
In addition to the Tunnel to Towers fundraising effort, the East Northport community is also doing its part by selling blue ribbons and flags to raise money for the families of fallen officers.
Shannon Lornenzen says it is a tight-knit small community.
"When one person hurts, we all hurt," says Lornenzen.
Terri Lanza, of East Northport, says her godson worked with Tsakos. She's been pitching in to do her part also.
"I think it's very important that we show our support," says Lanza. "I've gone to the house the last couple of days and brought drinks and donuts to the police that are outside. The family and the police department need our support right now."
More information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation can be found on its website.