By Monica Allen, Monica.Allen@T2T.org
This past Independence Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Cincinnati, home of fallen Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Marcus Zeigler in tribute to his service.
“This mortgage payoff helps my family with the stability of knowing that we will always have our home. This home is full of so many memories of Marcus, and it would’ve broken me into pieces to have to give it up,” said his wife, Cassaundra Zeigler.
Deputy Zeigler achieved his dream of becoming a member of law enforcement when he joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in 2022.
Just months into his law enforcement career, the 36-year-old passed away on May 26, 2023, after suffering a medical emergency during a required training activity at the Great Oaks Police Academy.
He left behind his wife, and high school sweetheart, Cassaundra, and their five children: Dominique, Aziah Miles, Marcus, Gionnie and Dutchess.
“Marcus has always been one of the most loving, charming people I have ever known. He was a great father to our children and a very exceptional husband,” said Cassaundra.
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.
“Deputy Zeigler’s dream was to serve and protect, and he gave everything in pursuit of that mission,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “We are honored to give back to his family, ensuring his five children always have a safe place to call home.”
Join Tunnel to Towers on its mission to provide mortgage-free homes for Fallen First Responder families by going to T2T.org and donating $11 a month.
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Visit t2t.org to learn more.
Heart warming article in many ways.
A little peace for the family he left behind.
Oh boy sad to hear this young man is gone too soon.
Happy this Hamilton county program stepped in to help.
RIP Brother
Heartbreaking article and well written. Beautiful pictures of a timeline and the missing piece.
Life can be so unfair and hopefully the widow can move forward and heal from the pain.