Every year, the MTA Police Department comes together to take part in something that means far more than a race. It’s a tradition built on service, remembrance, and unity—the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.

The event itself is rooted in the legacy of the September 11 attacks, honoring the sacrifice of first responders and all those who gave their lives that day. It was inspired by FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who on September 11, 2001, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear after his shift had ended, choosing to head toward the towers to help when he knew he was needed most. That act of courage became the foundation for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and today, this run carries forward that same spirit of sacrifice, service, and never forgetting.

For us this year, it carries an even deeper meaning.

Detective Atkinson always looked forward to this event. Every year, Jamie was the driving force behind our department’s involvement—organizing the team, fundraising, rallying support, and finding new ways to make it bigger than the year before. He didn’t just participate; he led. With pride, with passion, and with a belief in what this event stands for.

Last year, after the sudden and unexpected loss of our dear friend, we had our greatest turnout yet. Coworkers, friends, and family showed up in numbers we had never seen before. Not because we were told to—but because Jamie had spent years building something people believed in. He built a tradition. A team. A sense of purpose that continues to grow even in his absence.

And this year, we plan to expand.

We plan to show up even stronger, louder, and prouder. We plan to carry forward the energy Jamie brought to this event every single year. We plan to honor him the best way we know how—by doing exactly what he would have done: bringing people together for a cause bigger than ourselves.

Jamie showed us that this run was never just about the miles. It was about remembrance. Brotherhood. Service. And heart.

So as we lace up our shoes and put his name across our shirts once again, we do it knowing that this tradition—his tradition—lives on. We do it knowing that somewhere, he’s smiling at the turnout, proud of the team, and already thinking of how to make it even bigger next year.

This year, we don’t just run in memory of Jamie.

We run in the spirit he created.