NYC execs to pay off mortgage of Jonathan Diller's family home as they pledge support to slain cop
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel to Towers, and Dave Portnoy, CEO of Barstool Sports, joined co-host Brian Kilmeade to share their efforts to support the family of deceased NYPD officer Jonathan Diller on Thursday, March 28 episode of 'Fox & Friends.'
Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Queens on the evening of Monday, March 25, by career criminal Guy Rivera. He is survived by his widow, Stephanie, and their one-year-old baby.
'Tunnel to Towers' to pay for Jonathan Diller's mortgage
Siller told Kilmeade, "I spoke to Officer Diller's widow, Stephanie, and I let her know that the country is praying for her. New York most certainly is praying for her."
"And that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is going to be there for her," he continued. "And that she's not going to have to ever worry about her mortgage again, and that we're going to make sure that we… pay it off. I have so many people (who) have reached out to us to help in this cause."
According to their website, Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization aiming to provide "mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders" since 9/11.
Barstool Sports raised $1.5M for Diller family
Portnoy stated that his company has been selling NYPD merchandise to support the Diller family, in addition to separate contributions, which he vowed to match through Wednesday night.
"Barstool has a long history trying to support the police and cause like this," mentioned the CEO. "So we raised $1.5 million in about 24-48 hours. I, as well spoke with Stephanie. They're going through so much, but (I) just let her know that we'll be there to support."
"When you talk money and mortgages, it's a necessity, but it's hollow. That really doesn't… fill the gap of what just happened, but we will be there financially," he continued.
Later on, Portnoy highlighted the dangers faced by police officers and first responders, saying, "You've got to appreciate what they're doing because stories like this really drive home (that)… anything can happen any day, and the risk they take can't be understated."