Born and raised in the heart of Michigan, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Thomas Maher grew up surrounded by family, adventure, and the kind of childhood memories that shape a man’s spirit. His days were filled with baseball games, dirt bike rides, Red Ryder BB guns, and neighborhood games of kick the can. He swam often and joined his high school golf team, where he met the love of his life, Jacqulynn. Their bond would become a cornerstone of his resilience in the years to come.
Maher’s family lived next door to his grandparents and uncle, creating a tight-knit community of support and tradition. His grandfather, a World War II veteran, and his father, a Vietnam draftee, instilled in him a deep respect for service. That legacy, coupled with the impact of 9/11, led Maher to enlist in public safety in August 2006.
His career in public safety was as multifaceted as it was impactful. Maher served as a Police Officer, Firefighter, and Medical First Responder. He held roles as a Public Safety Officer, Engine Officer, Field Training Officer, and was a member of the Technical Rescue Team for Southwest Michigan. Driven by a love for people and a passion for solving problems, Maher thrived in high-stakes environments. He earned multiple lifesaving awards and found particular joy mentoring others as a Field Training Officer and collaborating with his Engine Operator team.
On July 9, 2022, Maher’s life changed forever. While in the line of duty, he was struck head-on by a drunk driver under the influence of marijuana. The impact hurled him 65 feet through the air, leaving him face down and critically injured. His spine was broken, paralyzing him from the chest down. His left leg was amputated below the knee, and his right pectoral muscle was completely torn.
Recovery was grueling. Maher faced intense pain and the mental toll of adjusting to a new reality. Depression crept in, but he never gave up. With Jacqulynn as his unwavering support and his three children as his motivation, Maher fought to reclaim his life. He learned balance, cultivated mental toughness, and found a new purpose.
Today, Maher channels his energy into woodworking, car repair, and hunting. He’s a certified speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, using his story to educate and inspire. He’s involved in his children’s sports and dedicates time to helping others with disabilities navigate their own journeys.
Maher is amazed by the support from Tunnel to Towers, and recognizes that a home with no barriers is a blessing which makes living his life so much easier. For him, this home is more than a structure—it’s a symbol of hope, independence, and the power of community.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Thomas Maher’s message to the world is simple yet profound: “God loves you. Always push forward and never quit. Time is all we have. Enjoy your family and the grind.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Thomas Maher with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.