The family of a fallen Idaho law enforcement officer received a significant financial gift on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the home mortgage for the widow and child of Tobin Bolter, a deputy with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
Bolter died on April 21, 2024, at age 27. He was the first officer in the agency’s history to die in the line of duty. The shooting occurred during a traffic stop in Boise; Bolter succumbed to his injuries one day later.
Why It Matters
The mortgage payoff removes a major financial burden from the family of a fallen first responder. Bolter’s widow, Abbey, was pregnant at the time of his death. She gave birth to their daughter, Halley, seven months after Bolter died.
This benefit aligns with the foundation’s mission to support families who have lost loved ones in service. The gesture arrives as communities across Idaho and the nation mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorial events and stair climbs.
What Happened
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivered the mortgage payoff on September 11, 2026. The Bolter family is one of 55 fallen first responder families across 18 states receiving mortgage-free homes through the organization’s initiative.
Abbey Bolter expressed gratitude for the timing and generosity of the gift. “I was shocked…thank you, Tunnel to Towers, for honoring Tobin on the 25th anniversary,” she said, as reported by eastidahonews.com.
She also noted the broader support system behind the foundation. “I truly am speechless at the generosity of people that have given to this organization,” Abbey added.
By The Numbers
- 55 families: Number of fallen first responder families receiving mortgage-free homes from Tunnel to Towers.
- 18 states: Geographic spread of the beneficiary families.
- 27 years old: Age of Deputy Tobin Bolter at the time of his death.
- One day: Time between Bolter being shot and his passing.
- Seven months: Time between Bolter’s death and the birth of daughter Halley.
Zoom Out
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It focuses on assisting first responders and their families with housing, financial aid, and other support services.
Bolter’s death marked a somber milestone for the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. His service and sacrifice have been recognized through various community tributes, including an upcoming memorial run scheduled for Saturday.
What’s Next
The memorial run honoring Deputy Bolter provides another opportunity for the public to pay respects to his service and sacrifice.
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