Edmond Fundraiser Benefits Injured OKC Officer

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Hundreds of people laced up their bowling shoes Saturday to raise money for injured Oklahoma City police officer Chad Peery.

In an emotional video on Saturday, Peery said if he could ask for a miracle he would put on his uniform, get into his police car and do it all over again. He serves as an inspiration to many.

The man of the hour was greeted by applause from comrades and friends as he rolled into the room.

"To be able to come in and actually get to see all the people in the community that are praying, it's very emotional, sometimes overwhelming," he said.

The overwhelming Oklahoma spirit showed with more than 90 bowling teams competing in Saturday's fundraiser.

Oklahoma City Police and the community are taking care of their own Peery said.

"When you actually get to get out and meet people, complete strangers," and they say "'Hey, we've been praying for you. We keep thinking about you,' you can hardly put it into words," Peery said.

Peery was severely injured after he tried to break up a fight in a local bar back in February, but this weekend his smiling face showed nothing short of gratitude.

"Chad is one of their own," Peery's mother, Jan, said. "They want to make sure, while this community has stepped up and supported him, they want him to know they want to make a difference in his life, too. And they have—every step along the way."

Chad Peery, the father of four, said his children's prayers are what's pushing his progress on a faster road to recovery.

"They keep saying, ‘Two years. Two years.' I've made more progress in the last three months than the doctors say I should have. We have come a long ways in a short time, so I've got lots of hope."

Peery said he is hopeful he will be able to start working a little bit in the next couple of months and he is hopeful he will start walking in a few years.