Update on critically injured CCSO Deputy Lehara
Photo graphic of Dep. Lahara courtesy of CCSO.
"I just spoke to Michelle Lahera, the wife of Deputy Andy Lahera, our critically injured deputy who remains in intensive care," said Brittney Carman, Community Relations Supervisior with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. "Michelle wanted me to wish all of you a Happy Fourth of July and let you know how much she appreciates all of your prayers and kind support to her and her family during this very difficult time."
"Speaking of prayers," Ms. Carmen continued, "Michelle has authorized me to tell you that your prayers are working, because Andy is now: A) Fever free. B) Weaned off of the ventilator, which means that he is breathing on his own. C) He is receiving supplemental humidified oxygen. D) Everything is going well. Andy is still not awake, due to the trauma, so the family would like to ask for prayers for him to wake up and for his brain to recover. Andy still has a very long road ahead of him. Before you go to bed tonight, please take a moment to think about Andy and say a prayer for him as his recovery continues."
"God Bless you and, as always, God Bless the United States of America," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
Deputy Lahera, a 14-year law enforcement vegterfan, is a School Resource Deputy at Lecanto Middle School,
At 9:05 pm on May 23, Deputy Lahera and other deputies were directing traffic following the Lecanto High School graduation ceremony when he was struck by a motorist. He sustained injuries that 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, where he has remained since the accident.
A GoFundMe account was launched to assist the Lahera family by the Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association with a $1,000 donation. To make a donation, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/florida-deputy-sheriffs-assn-fund-for-Lahera?fbclid=IwAR1gZWw3dDOjgzSppAcMsTf14UBI_7MVpcZsgiK5OIOnsAcb9Qj3Cxk6LdE.