UPDATE on CCSO deputy, struck by motorist in Lecanto, FL, in critical condition
Photo courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
May 26, 2023
Citrus County, Florida - Deputy Lahera remains in critical, but stable, condition.
"The information provided by the medical teams (they are with Andy around the clock) has been a continuous rollercoaster of emotions for all of us. There are still many concerns, but everyone remains to be hopeful pertaining to his recovery. The family's only request is to continue to pray for Andy's recovery. The family is extremely thankful for the outpouring of support," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "We will update you when we hear more. In the meantime, stay vigilant and keep praying."
If you would like to send a card to Deputy Lahera, you may mail it or drop it off to our office at 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Inverness, FL 34450. Please only bring cards - no flowers or monetary donations to the sheriff's office location.
However, if you would like to make a monetary donation to help support Deputy Lahera and his family, Nature Coast FOP 164 has organized a meal train, with all proceeds going directly to the Lahera family. If you wish to send a donation, you may do so at this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/g61rq8?fbclid=IwAR1d9QbowBxe2gpB6Pll_XVevmhwwt60XJm4a0hfzb9lV3QTCR5ze6E6LEM
Thank you to our community for your unwavering support.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPDATE on critically injured CCSO Dep. Lahera
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
May 24, 2023
Citrus County, Florida - On the night of May 23, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Deputy Andy Lahera was directing traffic alongside several other deputies following a graduation ceremony at Lecanto High School. Deputy Lahera was wearing a highly reflective traffic vest, holding a flashlight with a traffic cone, and had his emergency lights activated on his marked patrol car as part of several safety measures to ensure visibility.
At approximately 9:05 p.m., Deputy Lahera was struck by a motorist traveling southbound near the intersection of South Lecanto Highway and Saunders Way in Lecanto. Immediate life-saving measures were performed by on-scene deputies while they awaited other first responders to arrive on scene to administer first aid. Once stabilized, Deputy Lahera was flown by helicopter to an out-of-county trauma center. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) also responded to the scene following this situation and will be investigating this incident.
"Deputy Lahera is an exceptional member of our team and a highly-approachable, lovable individual. He is a big teddy bear who is loved by all," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "As a School Resource Deputy, he has made a significant lifelong impact on the lives of so many children. Deputy Lahera is an outstanding professional, and I am proud to have him on our team. We are praying for his family and for a full recovery during this difficult time."
Deputy Lahera is currently in a critical, but stable, condition. He sustained multiple broken bones, fractures, abrasions, and internal injuries. At this time, Deputy Lahera remains unconscious, but is surrounded by his wife, children, and several of his CCSO family members.
Deputy Lahera has been working at CCSO for fourteen years and has been a School Resource Deputy since 2018, with his current assignment at Lecanto Middle School. We are praying for Deputy Lahera's recovery and are praying for him and his family. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts as he moves forward on a very lengthy road to recovery. CCSO appreciates your support during this difficult time. FHP is currently investigating this incident, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
If you would like to support Deputy Lahera and his family, Fraternal Order of Police Nature Coast Lodge 164 has organized a meal train, with all proceeds going directly to the Lahera family. If you wish to send a donation, you may do so at the link here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/g61rq8.
Thank you to our community for your unwavering support.
See CCSO press conferfence video here: https://fb.watch/kKijEzgCCr/.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CCSO deputy, struck by motorist in Lecanto, FL, in critical condition
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
May 23, 2023
Lecanto, Florida - At 9:05 pm on Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023, a Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputy was struck by a motorist, in Lecanto, while on duty, directing traffic, and suffered critical injuries.
Several CCSO deputies were directing traffic at the intersection of Saunders Way and South Lecanto Highway (County Road 491), following the Lecanto High School graduation, when a motorist, driving a 2013 Nissan Altima, traveling south in the outside lane of South Lecanto Highway (County Road 491), just north of Saunders Way, struck Deputy Andy Lahera.
According to Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Public Affairs Officer, Deputy Lahara was wearing a reflective traffic vest and using a lighted traffic wand to direct traffic. Accordng to Gaskins, the driver, a 19 year-old woman from Homosassa, Florida, failed to notice him on the roadway.
Immediate life-saving measures were performed by on-scene deputies and other first responders who quickly traveled to the scene to administer first aid. Because of the serious nature of his injuries, a Medevac helicopter was called in to fly Deputy Lahera to an area trauma center, where he remained in critical condition, as of midnight.
"Deputy Lahera's family is on scene as are other members of our CCSO family," said CCSO Community Relations Specialist Sydney Hudson. "Please keep Deputy Lahera and his family in your prayers, as we all pray for his recovery. FHP is currently (midnight) on-scene and investigating this incident. We will keep you updated as we learn more."