On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation held its eighth annual Charlotte Climb to honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on April 29, 2024: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer, State Department of Adult Corrections Officers Samuel Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott, and U.S. Marshal Deputy Thomas Weeks Jr.
The Foundation’s programs have made a meaningful impact on the families of fallen heroes, including the family of CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin, who died in 2021, and the families of the four officers killed in the 2024 ambush, each of whom was honored during the pre-event ceremony. These four officers lost their lives in East Charlotte while attempting to serve a warrant when the suspect opened fire. Four additional officers were injured during the ambush.
For the first time, the Charlotte Tower Climb was held at the Bank of America Stadium where more than 1,800 people attended. In past years, the event had been held at the Duke Energy building and the Museum Tower. The community climbed nearly 1,500 stairs before they crossed the finish line at the stadium field.
Johnny Jennings, CMPD Police Chief, said “The Tunnel to Towers Climb is symbolic. It represents the uphill battles our officers face, the weight we carry when we lose one our own, and the strength we find when we climb together.” This fundraiser supported the Foundation’s programs, including the Fallen First Responder Home Program, which honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country and provides vital support to their families.
The Foundation’s mission—to honor fallen first responders and provide both financial and emotional support to their families—gave the Charlotte community a meaningful reason to climb with purpose.
