TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The progress is sluggish, however progress is occurring for Deputy Andy Lahera.
The progress comes as he recovers from a traumatic brian damage he suffered nearly two years in the past close to Lecanto, when he was hit by a automotive whereas directing visitors for the sheriff’s workplace.
Latest movies posted to Fb present the deputy is regaining some key features, like lifting his left arm.
Michelle Lahera, his spouse, is by his facet day by day.
“He’s making an attempt, and he’s nonetheless combating,” she mentioned.
However restoration isn’t the one combat. For 2 years, Michelle has been combating to ensure her husband retains his healthcare protection.
Present state legislation solely ensures advantages to officers catastrophically injured throughout a chase, an emergency, or a felony act, not whereas directing visitors.
Lahera Household
In February, Rep. Judson Sapp (R-Palatka) filed a invoice to fill that hole in state legislation.
“For this reason you run,” he mentioned. “Should you discover an injustice like this, and you’ve got a possibility to repair it as an elected official, that’s what you do.”
The legislative effort has gotten overwhelming assist in Tallahassee. The invoice acquired a unanimous vote from the Florida Home of Representatives final Thursday. The Senate gave it a unanimous vote of assist on Monday.
Michelle was within the gallery each instances and acquired a standing ovation from lawmakers each instances. She’s since shared the excellent news together with her husband, who stays within the hospital.
“That’s what I used to be telling him,” she mentioned by tears. “That he’s making extra of a distinction than he even is aware of.”
For Michelle, the Andy Lahera Act is greater than Andy Lahera.
“I need to be sure that nobody ever has to fret about their individual being taken care of,” she mentioned.
All of the invoice wants now’s the governor’s signature.
“I really feel so glad. After the whole lot that’s occurred, it’s a blessing”
After the Desir household misplaced their automotive attributable to flooding throughout Hurricane Milton, they acquired a much-needed enhance: a substitute automotive six months later.
College Space household receives free automotive after shedding the whole lot attributable to Hurricane Milton flooding