PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The family of a Philadelphia firefighter who died in the line of duty gets a special gift to help ensure they'll have a place to call home in his absence.
For 22 years, Michael Bernstein, a Navy veteran and father of three, worked as a firefighter in Philadelphia. But he died last year in the line of duty.
"He was a great husband and a great father. He worked nonstop to provide for us and to make sure we had everything we needed. He loved being a firefighter. He was amazing. Everything he did was for others," said his wife Catherine Bernstein.
Earlier this week, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off his family's mortgage.
"I'm still in shock. I can't believe it. I can't believe it happened to us. It's an amazing benefit," Bernstein said.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO Frank Siller started the nonprofit that helps the families of fallen firefighters and soldiers after his brother, who was a firefighter, died in the New York 9/11 attacks.
He said he could not think of a better time than Veteran's Day to honor Bernstein.
"We better take care of these families, so that these men and women who go out and are willing to die for you and me know that God forbid something happens, that their families are going to be taken care of," Siller said.
CORRECTION: In a previous version of this story, the names of Michael and Catherine Bernstein were incorrect.
