Actor Gary Sinise's foundation to hold ceremony for officer Priebe home

SBJ file

Mark Priebe was injured in the line of duty in 2020.

The Gary Sinise Foundation, the philanthropic organization started by the actor, has scheduled a ceremony tomorrow to present the keys of a new home being donated to retired Springfield Police Department officer Mark Priebe.

Priebe, who became paralyzed from the waist down after he was run over by a suspect in front of the SPD headquarters in 2020, is scheduled to receive the keys to the Springfield residence at an 8:30 a.m. ceremony, according to a news release.

"After surgery and specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation, Mark returned to Springfield to be with his family. Unfortunately, because his home wasn’t wheelchair accessible, he had to stay in a handicapped accessible hotel room. The family lived apart while modifications were made to their home but continues to face daily mobility challenges," foundation officials said in the release. "To help officer Priebe overcome those challenges and to become more independent, GSF is building a specifically adapted, mortgage-free smart home for him and his family."

Construction of the home through the foundation's RISE program – standing for restoring independence, supporting empowerment – was supported via donations. The Springfield home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and smart technology.

The home is the 88th residence built by the foundation for wounded officers and other public officials, according to the release.