Tunnel to Towers Foundation pays of mortgage of fallen Custer County EMS Paramedic to mark 9/11 25th anniversary

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Tunnel to Towers Foundation says it has paid off the mortgage of a fallen Custer County EMS Paramedic to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The foundation says it has helped the family of Andrew Alfredo Fernandez pay off their mortgage. Fernandez was killed in a car crash in October of 2024 on his way to work. Tunnel to Towers says he had spent over 10 years in service, working in Florida and Denver, as well as a Flight for Life in Colorado before moving to Custer County.

Fernandez was survived by his wife, Justine Booth-Fernandez, and their daughter, Journey.

“I was truly left speechless and filled with immense gratitude for this organization and for all the generous people I’ve never met who helped make this possible,” said Booth-Fernandez in a press release. “This is such an incredible gift for our family, and I hope to honor it by continuing to pay that kindness forward. It gives me a deeper sense of stability and peace of mind, knowing I can focus on building a strong future for my daughter."

Tunnel to Towers says it helped pay off the mortgage through its Fallen First Responder Home Program, which helps to pay off the mortgages of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty or due to 9/11-related illnesses, that left behind young kids.

The foundation says the Fernandez family is one of 55 families across 18 states that got help on their mortgages on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. More information on the families being helped is available on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation website.

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