LAND O LAKES, Fla., (WFLA) – Thursday morning marked a significant moment for a former Master Police Officer from the Tampa Police Department who suffered injuries while on duty.
Through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, he and his family were given the keys to a mortgage-free smart home in the “Let Us Do Good Village.”
It was a very joyous and emotional day for Christopher LaFramboise as he and his family saw their new home.
This intelligent home features an automated door, spacious hallways, an accessible shower, a bathroom emergency call button, among other amenities.
All of these things help make LaFramboise’s home more accessible for him.
“I don’t have to worry if I don’t have my cane or someone with me, so I no longer have the anxiety of facing those ‘what if’ scenarios,” he expressed.
He has dedicated almost three decades to law enforcement, including 16 years at the Tampa Police Department.
“I started as a young sergeant, and he was one of the officers under my command. We served in a challenging neighborhood with difficult offenders. He was proactive and instrumental in reducing crime rates. Officers like Chris are vital to making that change,” stated Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
In August of 2022, LaFramboise suffered a stroke on his way to teach a class.
“I was carrying books when I collapsed from a stroke during duty. Initially, recovery seemed promising as many resume their lives after a stroke, but 30 days later, I endured two additional strokes,” he recounted.
The strokes forced the veteran cop to leave his career.
“If I could, I’d strap up and go to work tomorrow, but I can’t, so that’s the hardest part,” LaFramboise said.
He has spent every day since recovering and said he still has balance issues, short-term memory loss, and other mobility issues.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s gift of a mortgage-free, customized smart home tailored to his requirements is what LaFramboise regards as an incredible blessing.
“I’m so lucky, blessed and humbled to be able to be a part of this organization. Part of me is like, I don’t deserve this,” he said.
“It just makes their lives so much easier, and they can live their lives, just like you and I,” said John LaBarbera, Executive Board Member of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
The Foundation said there are currently over 15 families living in the village and the plan is to move a dozen more in.
For more on the T2T Foundation, click here.
