The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage for the family of late former FDNY firefighter Derek Floyd, who passed away last month from a heart attack. His widow, Christine, was left struggling financially after Derek was fired late last year. The foundation’s donation came as a “miracle” to Christine, who was overwhelmed with gratitude for the assistance provided during such a difficult time. She expressed her thanks to the foundation for honoring Derek’s service and supporting his family.
Named after fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation confirmed the mortgage payment donation to the Floyd family. Councilmember Joann Ariola commended the foundation for stepping in to support the family of a true American hero during their time of need. While the exact amount of the mortgage payment was not disclosed, the gesture was seen as a positive and supportive act for the family during a challenging period.
Floyd, a 38-year-old Marine veteran, suffered a heart attack in 2019 while in the FDNY academy. Unfortunately, he was let go from the department along with 10 other probationary firefighters due to budget cuts, leaving his family ineligible for survivor benefits. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar proposed a bill in Albany to retroactively make Floyd’s family eligible for these benefits if passed. The circumstances surrounding Floyd’s termination and the lack of benefits for his family have sparked debate and concern within the community.
Mayor Adams has defended the decision to let go of the probationary firefighters as a necessary measure to avoid misspending taxpayer dollars. The administration has clarified that Floyd’s termination was part of the first round of belt-tightening by the FDNY last November, rather than a direct result of budget cuts. These actions have sparked conversation around the financial support and benefits available to families of fallen firefighters and the challenges they face when unexpected tragedies occur.
Christine Floyd expressed her deep appreciation for the assistance provided by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, describing it as a “miracle from God” in the midst of a storm. She noted that Derek would have been proud and grateful to see his service being honored and repaid to his family. The foundation’s generosity has been widely praised by community members, including elected officials, for supporting the family during a difficult time and recognizing Derek’s dedication and sacrifice as a firefighter.
The story of Derek Floyd’s passing, his family’s financial struggles, and the support they received from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation highlights the challenges faced by families of fallen firefighters and the importance of community support during times of hardship. Initiatives like the proposed bill in Albany to retroactively provide benefits to families in similar situations underscore the need for ongoing advocacy and assistance for those impacted by unexpected tragedies. The foundation’s donation and the response from elected officials demonstrate the impact of collective efforts to support families of first responders during times of need.
