KNOXVILLE - Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid, in full, the mortgage on the Knoxville home of the family of fallen Knoxville Police Officer Wisbens “Chacado” Antoine.

	Chacado Antoine

This holiday season, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is delivering the gift of peace of mind, delivering mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes and their families through its Season of Hope.

“Thank you for choosing to support my family and me in this way — what a blessing,” said his wife, Kendra Antoine. She added that Tunnel to Towers’ support “means having a bit more financial freedom to invest in our household in other ways, whether it’s a vacation, extracurricular activities, or saving up for college. This also creates a sense of security. I am so thankful.”

Officer Antoine joined the Knoxville Police Department in 2023 as a Public Safety Officer B Basic recruit.

He was scheduled to be sworn in with his classmates on March 5, 2024. Just days prior, on February 23, 2024, he collapsed during Basic Recruit training after completing a mile-and-a-half run. Trainers immediately began life-saving efforts and transported him to the hospital, where his condition worsened. He passed away on February 25, 2024.

Before he transitioned, Officer Antoine took the oath to become a Police Officer at his bedside with a judge and KPD Command Staff present.

Officer Antoine was 32 years old and had served for one day. He leaves behind his wife, Kendra, and their two daughters, Gianna and Geleah.

Tunnel to Towers has now paid off the family’s mortgage, ensuring long-term stability for his loved ones.

Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, said: “Officer Antoine showed courage, dedication, and a profound willingness to serve the Knoxville community, even though his time in uniform was heartbreakingly brief. We are honored to support his family and deliver a message that his service mattered, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

2025 Season of Hope

The Tunnel to Towers Season of Hope is the Foundation’s annual campaign that delivers the peace of mind of a mortgage-free home to America’s Heroes and their families.

For Kendra, the timing couldn’t be more meaningful, “It's a true Christmas miracle and blessing. I am grateful that we were even considered for this opportunity.”

From December 1st through Christmas Eve, Tunnel to Towers Foundation will present 50 mortgage-free homes in 24 states, nearly half the country, including two homes in Tennessee.

To learn more about the families being supported this holiday season, or to join our mission to deliver mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes, visit T2T.org and consider donating just $11 per month.

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Donate $11 a month, and amplify your impact with a car or land donation.