Thanksgiving blessing for injured CCSO Deputy Andy Lahera
CCSO graphic.
November 22, 2023
"Deputy Andy Lahera's wife, Michelle, just reached out to me to give us a significant update on Andy's recovery from the accident," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. She wants us all to know that Andy has been given a great opportunity to be at one of the nation's top rehab centers. Andy's wounds and broken bones have healed. Although his eyes have opened, Andy has a condition called disorders of consciousness, caused by a severe brain injury, meaning he is not fully conscious. As Andy continues his recovery progress through the holiday season, please continue to keep Andy and his family in your thoughts and prayers."
Deputy Lahera, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, was a School Resource Deputy at Lecanto Middle School prior to being struck by a vehicle at 9:05 pm on Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023, while he and other deputies were directing traffic in Lecanto, Florida following the Lecanto High School graduation ceremony. His injuries included numerous broken bones, abrasions, and internal injuries. He was flown by helicopter to the Emergency and Trauma Center at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida. On July 7, Deputy Lahera was transferred from the trauma center to an area hospital for more aggressive physical and occupational therapy. No charges have been filed against the driver.
The Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association has launched a GoFundMe account for the Lahera family, and kicked it off with a $1,000 donation. If you would like to send a donation to the Lahera family, please do so at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/florida-deputy-sheriffs-assn-fund-for-Lahera?fbclid=IwAR1gZWw3dDOjgzSppAcMsTf14UBI_7MVpcZsgiK5OIOnsAcb9Qj3Cxk6LdE.