Tunnel to Towers to Pay Off Fallen Inwood Firefighter's Mortgage

The family of a fallen Inwood firefighter no longer has a mortgage to pay.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced in a press conference Tuesday that it will take over monthly payments on Joseph Sanford Jr.’s $300,000 mortgage.

Sanford was a 17-year veteran of the Inwood Fire Department when he died in December. While responding to a house fire in Woodmere, Sanford fell through the first floor and went into cardiac arrest. Sadly, he never regained consciousness and died Dec. 23 at the age of 43.

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“I know I speak for all of the Inwood Fire Department when I say that the passing of Joe Sanford was a tragic loss for our entire community,” Inwood Fire Chief Guy Marino said. “We will honor his service and sacrifice by showing our appreciation to his family. Today, we are very grateful to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation for adding volunteer firefighters to their fundraising mission.”

Sanford’s wife, Jacqueline Scott-Sanford, added that she wanted “everyone to know how much this means to us.”

Tunnel to Towers said donations will help pay off the Sanford family’s mortgage. To help raise money, officials announced they are selling 1,000 tickets to a Yankees-Red Sox game. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales through the Tunnel to Towers website will benefit the family.

The first 300 tickets were already bought by United Mavericks.

Tickets are $50 each and are in the 205-210 section, officials said. Those who cannot attend the game can also make a donation on the website. Full details here.

Photo: Facebook/Tunnel to Towers Foundation

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