The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in memory of a fallen 9/11 firefighter, announced it has taken on the mortgage on the family home of fallen Long County Deputy Sheldon Whiteman. 

The announcement comes on Peace Officers Memorial Day, part of National Police Week - a day which pays tribute to the local, state, and federal officers who have died or suffered permanent disabilities while defending their communities.

Deputy Whiteman lost his life in the line of duty on January 23, 2020. 

He joined the Long County Sheriff’s Office in September 2019, after transferring from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, where he served his community for four years. 

Deputy Whiteman leaves behind his wife, Alisa-Ann, and their three sons, A’ron, Arion and Shiloh. 

Deputy Whiteman’s 11-year-old son Shiloh was so moved by the Foundation’s gift he wrote a poem titled Thank You:  

“We are so thankful, yes we are so grateful

We appreciate everything you are doing for us,

You are touching and stabilizing our life without a fuss.

God is using your organization to bless us,

And we will forever be thankful for our life that will be glorious

Each memory held in our home is a sweet fragrance and a breath of fresh air,

Knowing that our floors and walls are filled with smiles and love of our daddy dear.

I know that your help and provision for us is really true.

Due to your dedication to salute our fallen heroes who created the avenue

Tunnel to Towers you are amazing for what you do,

And every day I know God will continue to bless you.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers, We are happy for your commitment and all your hours.

Stephen Siller’s story is full of inspiration, 

And because of him our walls of pride will remain our foundation.

Our dad and hero who is looking down on us from heaven,

Helped many like how Stephen did in Nine Eleven.”

“Our nation’s police officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day when they go to work - a fact that all Americans are aware of, perhaps more than ever before. Deputy Whiteman spent over four years protecting the citizens of Long County and Chatham County - areas that we at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation are quite familiar with. It is an honor to give Alisa-Ann and her sons some peace of mind. They now know that they will be able to remain in the home in which they made so many memories,” said Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.