Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Benjamin Nimtz in Broward, Florida. Photo: Courtesy: Tunnel to Towers
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) - To mark the 24th anniversary of September 11th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it has paid off the mortgage on the family home of fallen Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Benjamin Nimtz.
"I felt shocked and in disbelief. It felt like a weight had been lifted. I felt blessed and so grateful,” said his wife Emelie Nimtz. She added, “Tunnel to Towers support means I’ll be able to continue to invest in our future. It brings us closer to financial freedom and a sense of security we haven’t felt before.”
Ben Nimtz deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in 2012. He joined the Broward Sheriff's Office in 2018.
A year later, in July 2019, Deputy Nimtz was involved in an accident while responding to a domestic dispute call. His patrol car collided with a pickup truck in an intersection and died at the hospital from his injuries.
Deputy Nimtz left behind his wife, Emelie, and their two children.
“9/11 holds such a special place in the hearts of so many, a day we truly will never forget. So, to have our loved one remembered on such a difficult day of loss for so many and to receive the support from such an incredible and selfless organization feels unreal. It’s humbling,” said Emelie.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty or pass away from 9/11-related illnesses and leave behind young children.
“Today, we remember those we lost on 9/11 and honor those who continue to give up their lives in the line of duty. Deputy Nimtz dedicated his life to serving others as a soldier and first responder. We are honored to recognize his sacrifice on this solemn day, ” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.
Photo: Combat Unit Photo Sgt. Ben Nimtz