BEAR — In observance of Independence Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced it has satisfied the home mortgages of 19 fallen first-responder families, including the home of the late Delaware State Police Cpl. Stephen Ballard.

Cpl. Ballard, 32, was shot and killed April 26, 2017, when he approached a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in Bear.

He had served with DSP for eight years. He left behind his wife, Louise, and their daughter.

In a private ceremony held last week, Tunnel to Towers presented Ms. Ballard with documents confirming the mortgage held on her home had been completely satisfied.

“It is such a tremendous blessing that cannot be put into words,” she said. “Thank you is not enough. I remember when you said the mortgage would be paid off, all I could do was cry tears of joy and appreciation. This was the first and only place we called home, since we were only married 18 months before (Stephen) was killed. Thank you.”

Said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller, “This Independence Day, Tunnel to Towers is delivering financial independence to the families of fallen first responders by paying off the mortgages on the homes of these heroes.

“Satisfying the mortgages on the homes of these heroes who dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe is the least we can do. We will make sure these families always have a place to call home.”

The Tunnel to Towers 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 with young children.

On Sept. 17, the “Let Us Do Good” Ball will be held in honor of Cpl. Ballard. Tickets for the event, hosted by T2T Delmarva, can be purchased online.

In addition, the third annual Tunnel to Towers Delmarva 5K Run & Walk will be held Sept. 19. Further information and registration can be found here.

These events benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to support our nation’s veterans, fallen first responders and Gold Star families.