Family, Friends Surprise OKC Officer With Groundbreaking On New Home

Jamie Oberg, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Officer Chad Peery got a big surprise Saturday at a groundbreaking for a new home.

Officer Peery surprised everyone who showed up to support him. With the help of his co-workers, he stood up out his wheelchair and took a few steps, surprising his family and friends who worked so hard to surprise him at the site of his new home.

"He's had a lot going on, for us to keep this from him, I hope," Captain Dee Patty said.

Captain Patty had her work cut out for her, keeping this day a surprise from her friend and co-worker officer Chad Peery.

Surrounded by family and friends, the secret efforts paid off.

"Definitely a big surprise, when I turned the corner and saw the news van, I thought - what in the world?" Peery said.

With the help of his four kids, Officer Peery is breaking ground on a new home that will be fit to meet his needs.

He was assaulted breaking up a bar fight 10 months ago.

2/18/2011 Related Story: 3 Men Accused Of Paralyzing Police Officer Appear In Court

"It's only been 10 months to me; at the same time, it's been an eternity," Peery said.

He continues to get stronger through physical therapy, his family, friends and faith.

"All the kiddos are excited, doing really well," Peery said.

Overwhelmed by all of this and all that's happened, Officer Peery did his best to thank everyone for their support.

"Taken real good care of me. I can't thank everybody enough," said Peery. "I'm happy; I'm excited. All this will be wonderful."

They hope to have the house built in about six months or so, but a lot of it is volunteer work from contractors, builders and community.

If you'd like to help, another officer wrote and recorded the song "Selfless" for Officer Chad Peery. The CD is on sale at area 7-11 stores.

12/1/2011 Related Story: CD To Benefit Paralyzed OKC Officer Now On Sale

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Peery family.

If you would like to donate building supplies, labor, etc. contact Perry or Quannah Rice at Rice Homes in Edmond. 

Monetary donations can be made at any Municipal Employees Credit Union or mailed to "Taking Care of Our Own," P.O. Box 825, Oklahoma City, 73101.