LAND O' LAKES, Fla. — A motorcade of first responders from near and far welcomed Jerry Padgett to his new smart home.
Known as the Let Us Do Good Village, this Land O' Lakes community of veterans and first responders was all made possible by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and several sponsors.
“We are the land of the free because of the brave, the bravest like you, Jerry,” Jeanna DellaRagione, executive vice president of Tunnel to Towers, said.
Padgett is the fourth resident to move into this village. By the end of this year, there will be more than 30. They help injured veterans and first responders, as well as America’s Gold Star and fallen first responder families, find a home.
“By growing up together they could heal and grow and mend together which is very important,” Battalion Chief John LaBarbera said.
In 2006, Padgett's squad car was hit by an explosive device. He sought cover in a stairwell which collapsed and left him injured. As Padgett was being flown away, his plane was shot down. He suffered a spinal cord injury, a traumatic brain injury, and audio and visual impairments.
“A smart home is a home that has wide doors, wide bathrooms, cabinets that transverse up and down where he can grab a cup at countertop level,” LaBarbera said.
This is Padgett’s first time seeing his new home, which has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
He said this home doesn't just signify independence for him but for his whole family.
“This gives me so much dignity. Just being able to come home and shower and clean just means the world to someone like me,” Padgett said.
Padget will live in the home with his wife Shelly and their son.
“They can sit down and do a puzzle, or a Lego set or something. Jerry will be able to get around the house without getting stuck,” Shelly Padgett said.
The Padgetts have been married for 18 years. They say waking up tomorrow in their new home will be the most special Valentine’s Day yet.
“I’ve never had a home where I felt like I could invite someone over,” Padgett said.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is still accepting applications. To qualify you have to be an injured first responder or veteran.