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Dozens climb uptown Charlotte’s Museum Tower to honor first responders, military heroes

CHARLOTTE — Dozens of first responders and members of the community climbed the 43-story Museum Tower in uptown Charlotte on Sunday morning.

It was part of a tower climb hosted by Tunnel to Towers to honor first responders for their service. The nonprofit was started to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on Sept. 11, 2001.

Adults paid $50 to join. First responders paid $30, and kids under 17 paid $20 to raise money for the organization.

The money raised will be used to support the families of first responders and military heroes hurt or killed in the line of duty.

Tunnel to Towers previously paid off the mortgage of Chris Ward, a sergeant with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, who died in the line of duty when responding to a welfare check call when someone inside the house opened fire.

Reporter Gina Esposito spoke with Ward’s family on how the foundation changed their life and allowed the family to continue to live in the home where they shared so many memories with Ward.

Tunnel to Towers also paid off the mortgage of fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin, who also lost her life in the line of duty while responding to the scene of a crash.

Fore more information on the foundation’s work, visit their page.

(WATCH BELOW: Benefit ride for fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin raises money for her family)