Today (November 20, 2023), the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) presented a major give to another retired NOPD officer who was injured and left paralyzed while in the line of duty.
Joined by family members, former NOPD colleagues, current NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, Tunnel to Towers Foundation representatives and construction representatives, retired NOPD Officer Andres Gonzalez cut the ribbon at his Metairie home to signify completion of a renovation by Tunnel to Towers that upgraded Gonzalez’s home with smart technology. T2T also paid off Gonzalez’ mortgage.
Gonzalez, who had joined the NOPD in 2004, was shot while in the line of duty on May 22, 2006. At the time, Gonzalez was patrolling in the Fourth District when he and his partner at the time – current NOPD Lt. Rebecca Gubert – conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of Opelousas Street. The suspect fled the scene on foot and, during pursuit, shot Gonzalez multiple times. The suspect was apprehended and later convicted of attempted murder of a police officer. Gonzalez’s injuries left him paralyzed, and he later medically retired from the NOPD.
After his retirement, Gonzalez went on to found Help for Heroes, a non-profit organization which offers financial aid to First Responders seriously injured in the line of duty, or to the families of First Responders killed in the line of duty. For more information on Help for Heroes, visit https://help4heroes.foundation/, email help4heroes11@yahoo.com or visit them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Earlier this month, T2T also presented retired NOPD Officer John Passaro with smart renovations to his home in Slidell and also paid off Passaro’s mortgage.
READ MORE: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Aids Paralyzed Retired NOPD Officer
Since September 11, 2001, Tunnel to Towers has helped America's First Responder heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen/injured First Responders and their families, as well as building or adapting smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and First Responders. The organization is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness. Tunnel to Towers has raised more than $500 million in support of First Responders and their families. For more information on Tunnel to Towers, call 718-987-1931 or visit https://t2t.org/.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.