Firefighters finish remodeling Ind. police officer’s home after being shot

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – A police officer wounded in a southern Indiana motel ambush is getting help from firefighters, who are finishing a home project to make room for a nursery in the officer’s home.

Jeffersonville firefighters became involved after learning Officer Keith Broady was building a new master bedroom in his home’s attic so the old bedroom could become a nursery for the baby his wife, Kristen, is due to deliver next month.

With Broady still hospitalized and his wife’s due date approaching, Assistant Fire Chief Joe Lee is overseeing two-man crews involving 25 to 30 firefighters who’ve volunteered their time to finish the master bedroom.

“I would hope the police would help my family if something happened to me,” firefighter John Obermeier said Tuesday.

Broady, a 32-year-old Jeffersonville patrolman, was shot in the chest Feb. 19 by a gunman as he and Cpl. Dan Lawhorn responded to a call about suspected drug activity at a motel in the city just north of Louisville, Ky. The gunman committed suicide the next day during a police standoff in Louisville.

Broady was in satisfactory condition Wednesday at University Hospital in Louisville, while Lawhorn, 39, is recuperating from a wounded leg at a rehabilitation hospital.

Lee said the remodeling was a natural project for firefighters because many of them have construction skills developed in part-time jobs.

“We’re thrilled to be able to help them out,” he said.

Lee, who is a partner in a construction company, said the volunteers estimate the remodeling project’s value between $25,000 and $30,000.

So far, the volunteers have removed a fireplace to make room for heating and air conditioning ducts and have floored and walled the new master bedroom, bath and walk-in closet.

Within two weeks they expect to finish the project after laying tile in the master bathroom and installing a new window, banisters, railings and new carpeting.

Kristen Broady said she and her husband are grateful at the outpouring of support for them.

“My husband works side by side with our fire department every day,” she said in a statement. “We’ve seen them help so many families in need, and now they have come to our rescue.”