Officer Chad Peery Makes Surprise Appearance At Fundraiser

Gan Matthews, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma City police officer paralyzed when he tried to break up a bar fight made a surprise appearance at a fundraiser in his honor.

The Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) held an all-day event Thursday to raise money for Officer Peery and his family. Peery tried to break up a fight at an Oklahoma City bar back in February. Prosecutors say three men beat him until he was unconscious, causing a severe spinal cord injury that left Peery paralyzed.

On Thursday, police officers, troopers and deputies from across the state gathered at the FOP headquarters in Oklahoma City to help raise money to pay for Peery's recovery and rehabilitation. Officer Peery unexpectedly arrived at the event. He smiled, shook hands, and accepted hugs. Peery said he wanted to personally thank everyone for the support and love shown to him and his family.

"The community support has been unreal," Peery said. "Obviously my family, my extended family, the police department-- everybody has been absolutely phenomenal."

The Oklahoma City FOP is planning to do more to help the Peery family. They're looking for people to form teams to join a bowling tournament. It's scheduled for June 11 at Boulevard Bowl in Edmond.

Learn more about fundraising efforts for Officer Chad Peery.

More:

• Bar Cited For Fight That Paralyzed Oklahoma City Police Officer
• Bond Denied For Man Accused Of Paralyzing Police Officer
• Officer Injured In Bar Fight Upgraded From Critical To Serious Condition