Tunnel to Towers Foundation Delivers Mortgage-Free Smart Home to Injured Burke County Master Police Officer 

 MPO Larry McCorkle’s Homecoming ceremony is November 25, at 11:00 AM

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA [November 25, 2024] — On November 25, join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in welcoming injured Burke County Sheriff’s Office Master Police Officer Larry McCorkle and his family into their new, mortgage-free smart home. 

MPO McCorkle comes from a military family. His father, uncles, and brothers served our country, and he followed in their footsteps and enlisted in the Army in 1980. He was honorably discharged in 1987 after earning the rank of Sergeant.  That same year he started his nearly two-decade career in law enforcement. 

He worked for the Hickory Fire and Police Departments, Catawba County Sheriff’s Department, Morganton Department of Public Safety, and finally with the Burke County Sheriff’s Department, serving  

In October 2005, MPO McCorkle was taking part in a foot chase assisting the North Carolina State Troopers to track down a suspect. He was searching in dark woods when he fell approximately 25 feet into a ravine. He suffered a broken neck and severe spinal cord injury leaving him unable to move. Over the last 18 years, he has had over 30 surgeries, to repair damage sustained in the fall, and continues to need surgery to help him in his recovery. 

MPO McCorkle’s current home is not wheelchair accessible, which is dangerous and limits his mobility in his 600-pound power chair. 

In recognition of his more than 25 years of service to our country and his community, Tunnel to Towers Foundation will hand over the keys to a new mortgage-free smart home in Statesville, equipped with technology and design features to help this injured hero live a more independent life. “I am so humbled and honored by what Tunnel to Towers is doing for my wife and me. I am at a loss for words, I am so thankful to be able to enjoy the rest of my life in a home built for me,” said MPO McCorkle.

A Tunnel to Towers Smart Home features zero thresholds, motorized doors, and keyless entry for easier access. The home’s lights, temperature, security, and sound system can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or touch screens throughout the house. Wide doors, hallways, and bathrooms are designed for easy navigation.

To support Tunnel to Towers’ mission to build smart homes for our injured Veterans and first responders, visit T2T.org and consider donating $ 11 a month.