Tunnel to Towers Foundation Unveils Smart Home Renovations at Injured New Jersey State Trooper’s Home

Trooper Brian Malast was catastrophically injured in an on-duty accident in 2005

WHITING, NEW JERSEY [October 29, 2024] — Tunnel to Towers welcomed New Jersey State Police Trooper Brian Malast back into his home in a private ceremony, surrounded by his fellow troopers.

In recognition of his service, Tunnel to Towers paid off the mortgage on and renovated Trooper Malast’s Whiting home to improve his quality of life. 

On October 23, 2005, Trooper Malast was critically injured while on duty, when he was run off the road while responding to a call for service. The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. 

On the 19th anniversary of the accident, family, friends, neighbors, and his fellow State Troopers gathered to welcome him back home with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and state police flyover. 

New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan commended Trooper Malast’s determination and attitude, “At a time when some of us tend to complain about some things, spend a half hour with Brian, and what you won’t hear is a complaint. What you will hear is a man who embodies perseverance and whose sense of humor remains as great as ever.” 

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, smart homes to help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders live more independently.

At Trooper Malast’s home, Tunnel to Towers widened the exterior door and installed new decking in the backyard with a wider ramp. The renovation in his master bathroom made the shower longer and the vanity accessible, making it easier for Trooper Malast to get into the bathroom. A new master bedroom A/C unit will keep Trooper Malast comfortable without impacting the rest of the house. Tunnel to Towers added smart speakers and lights throughout the home which can be controlled via an app.  

A fully renovated nurse’s room added cabinets, shelving, and a desk so all of the medication and medical equipment for daily care is organized and accessible. 

“The accessibility has improved, and the organization, all of the supplies he needs are all in one place, making it easier to take care of him,” said Debra Malast, Trooper Malast’s mother. 

She thanked everyone in the crowd who came out to support her son, “To our friends and neighbors who helped us as soon as Brian was injured, our state police family who is always there to support us, and now our Tunnel to Towers family, who I hope will always be with us, you allow Brian to move forward as he continues his very full and wonderful life.”

For more on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, go to T2T.org, There you can join us on our mission to provide homes for these heroes by donating $11 per month.