(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation gave two huge gifts to Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Corporal Cem Duzel: the organization paid off his mortgage in full and completely renovated his house with critical smart home accessibility.
On top of the obvious, overjoyous benefit of paying off the injured officer’s mortgage, the completed renovations through Tunnel to Towers’ Smart Home Program included:
- Renovated the first-floor bathroom, converting the bathtub into an accessible shower
- Installed railings on three sets of stairs inside and around the home
- Added a new exit from the garage and poured a walkway to the yard
- Installed a whole-home generator for emergency power
- Integrated smart-home technology in the master bedroom and main living area, allowing remote control of lighting, HVAC, security, and sound systems via mobile app
“We are honored to deliver this home to Corporal Duzel and his family—a place where they can live comfortably, safely, and with the peace of mind of knowing it will be theirs forever,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Corporal Duzel was injured on Aug. 2, 2018, when he responded to a call reporting shots fired in downtown Colorado Springs. The suspect fired on Duzel, a bullet striking him in the head, landing the officer in the hospital for over a year, followed by two years of intensive physical rehabilitation and speech therapy.
“The mortgage means everything. Tunnel to Towers has eased our hearts and minds, especially with a new baby,” said Duzel. “I loved everything about the job, except the paperwork. What mattered most to me was helping in the community, talking to everyone, protecting the good people from the bad.”…