The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has presented a major gift to retired NOPD Officer John Passaro, who was injured in the line of duty ten years ago.

On November 13, 2023, a ribbon cutting was held at Passaro's Slidell home to mark the completion of work done by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to upgrade his home with smart technology and pay off his mortgage.

Passaro was shot in the line of duty in 2013 after answering a call for a robbery in progress at a business in the Fifth District. Passaro, a three-year veteran of the force at the time, was paralyzed from the waist down and has limited use of his left hand and arm. He medically retired from the force in 2015.

In 2022, Retired NOPD Sgt. Jeff Hochman contacted Tunnel To Towers Foundation on behalf of Officer Passaro, asking for assistance in providing technology and funds that would ultimately make Passaro's life a little easier. The Foundation came through and yesterday, retired New York Fire Department Lt. Tom O'Connor and retired New York Police Department Officer Bryan Mullane joined several NOPD officers and Passaro's family for the unveiling of the new home.

In addition, Tunnel to Towers presented Passaro with a hand-made wooden U.S. flag and a replica of the World Trade Center buildings made from steel taken from the towers shortly after 9/11 in honor of his service and sacrifice.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.