by Amy Modesti
Firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and elite runners ran up 809 steps to the top of the 42nd floor of Albany’s Corning Tower Sunday morning, September 18. The sixth annual Tunnel to Towers Foundation Capital Region stair climb returned to the historic tower.
95 participants, including Gunny Claus, Rensselaer County Sherrif’s Department, military personnel, and firefighters from Defreestville, West Crescent, Fort Edward, East Durham, Voorheesville, Halfmoon, and team Up We Go, took part in the challenge. Proceeds from event registration went toward the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Glen Stanton of Another Goldstein presented directors, Keeran Shumway and Christine Nazarenus, with a $25,000 check to T2T in a pre-event ceremony.
After six years as director, Shumway is leaving the Capital Region for North Carolina where she will begin her own Tunnel to Towers chapter in Winston-Salem. Taking over for Shumway will be Nazarenus. Nazarenus presented Shumway with the National Run, Walk and Climb Series Follow the Footsteps award for her exemplary service to her country, Tunnel to Towers, and following the footsteps of Stephen Siller in the community.
Shumway is an air force veteran, a military mother to two sons serving in the Air National Guard, remains active with the Blue & Gold Star Mothers, and the Red Knights. Her father was in the military, and she traveled around the world to places such as Hawaii and Australia. In addition to serving as Director for six years, Shumway has taken part in the 5K run in New York City since 2016.
Winners
Fastest Military Runner – Mark Burke
Top Law Enforcement Officer – Sgt. Matt Trolio of Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
Fastest Male Firefighter – Phil Spiezio of Greenwich FD
Fastest Female Firefighter – Emily Pirie of Defreestville FD
Fastest Male – Stephen Marsalese
Fastest Female – Robin Kromer Harpis
Siller Cup Firefighter Challenge Fastest Firehouse – Team Up We Go
