Commemorating the 6th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon

The bill formally commemorates the sixth anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk and recognizes the Foundation’s mission to honor fallen first responders

INTRODUCED

Overview

Bill: K 1544 (Assembly Resolution No. 1544)

Session: 2025-2026

Jurisdiction: New York

Sponsor: Assembly Member Buttenschon (Co-sponsor: Marianne Buttenschon)

Type: Memorial resolution

Purpose: Commemorate the 6th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Utica, NY; recognize the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to support first responders and military service members.

Main purpose and intent

The resolution expresses the Legislative Body’s intent to pause and commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.

It honors the memory of September 11, 2001 victims and specifically honors first responders who sacrificed their lives, linking the event to the legacy of courage and heroism.

Key provisions and changes

Acknowledges the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s origins from the 9/11 tragedy and its mission to honor fallen first responders.

Describes the original NYC run’s focus on Stephen Siller, a firefighter who died on 9/11, and explains how the event has expanded to honor all fallen first responders across New York State.

Notes that:

The Central New York 5K Run & Walk has been held for six years in Utica.
The event now includes participation by first responders in their gear and civilians running in solidarity.
The broader Tunnel to Towers network has expanded to approximately 70 events statewide.

Establishes a formal commemoration by the New York State Legislature, urging official recognition and acknowledgment.

Who or what would be affected

Primary effect: Official recognition and ceremonial acknowledgment by the New York State Legislature of the 6th Anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.

Beneficiaries mentioned: First responders and military service members supported by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Geographic focus: Central New York, specifically Utica, New York, with reference to statewide Tunnel to Towers activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in 2026 (Action History shows introduction on 2026-06-01).

Procedural effect: Passage would result in a formal resolution commemorating the event; no substantive regulatory or funding changes are proposed.

Timing reference: The resolution aligns with the event date (the 6th Anniversary) and notes the scheduled event date as Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the New York State Office Building in Utica, NY, within the narrative of the resolution.

Summary statement

This bill is a commemorative assembly resolution honoring the sixth anniversary of the Central New York Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Utica. It recognizes the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to honor fallen first responders and raise support for military heroes, notes the event’s growth to statewide participation, and calls on the Legislature to acknowledge the event and its significance to the memory of 9/11 victims and the broader community of first responders.