Shaun Pfund

An Introduction from Shaun

Welcome everyone, I am taking this opportunity to inform you about a special event that will be coming up on the Anniversary of 911.

In the past, I have participated in the 911 Tower Challenge, sponsored by the University of Arizona, where myself and others climbed the stadium steps equivalent to the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. In an effort to pay tribute to all of the individuals who lost their lives on that most fateful day.  

This year is the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. To many Americans, the memories of that tragic day summoned myriad emotions: the initial shock, a blow to all America, the immense loss of life, but when we regained our breath, Americans countered by coming together and patriots working many hours and in a variety of conditions were determined to regain ground, to rebuild, through the smoke, fire and ash to forge a renewed spirit within America and to remember for all eternity, we must “Never Forget”.

Like so many others, I experienced a personal loss on that day. Sgt John Coughlin, NYPD, Emergency Services Unit, Truck # 4 was my childhood friend and brother in Law Enforcement. His Unit was the first on the scene after Tower # 1 was struck. He and all but one member of his team perished when Tower # 1 fell. 

Police Officer John Cortazzo, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department was also a friend, he grew up in our little town of Cresskill, New Jersey and following the footsteps of his father and older brother in Law Enforcement. John like so many other law enforcement, fire department and emergency personnel succumbed to a 911 related cancer.  

Firefighter, Daniel Shur was the brother of a co-worker of mine when I was employed in the New York City Police Department. While on the scene of the disaster, Daniel was killed in the line of duty by a civilian who had jumped from the building. 

Police Officer, Vincent Danz, New York City police Department was the cousin of a childhood friend. Vinny was assigned to Emergency Service Truck # 3 and died while attempting to rescue victims trapped in the World Trade Center. 

All of these brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for people they never met or did not know, they were bound eternally to fulfill their duty, regardless of the cost. It is in recognition and respect that I would like to honor them and others who perished on that day by “climbing the equivalent number of stairs in the Twin Towers”.  I cannot do this alone, I need your help. I am asking everyone to show your support for me by making a donation to “The 911 Tower Challenge Foundation”.  Your donation will enable support for charities supporting Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military Personnel and their families. 

The 911 Tower Challenge Foundation is a nonprofit organization and has donated approximately $300,000 to these charities to date. 

We must all “Never Forget”.

Sincerely,

Shaun Pfund