TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The progress is sluggish, however progress is going on for Deputy Andy Lahera.
The progress comes as he recovers from a traumatic brian harm 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.
Current 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 every day.
“He’s attempting, and he’s nonetheless preventing,” she stated.
However restoration isn’t the one struggle. For 2 years, Michelle has been preventing to verify her husband retains his healthcare protection.
Present state regulation solely ensures advantages to officers catastrophically injured throughout a chase, an emergency, or a prison act, not whereas directing visitors.
Lahera Household
In February, Rep. Judson Sapp (R-Palatka) filed a invoice to fill that hole in state regulation.
“That is why you run,” he stated. “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 obtained 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 occasions and obtained a standing ovation from lawmakers each occasions. She’s since shared the excellent news along with her husband, who stays within the hospital.
“That’s what I used to be telling him,” she stated by tears. “That he’s making extra of a distinction than he even is aware of.”
For Michelle, the Andy Lahera Act is larger than Andy Lahera.
“I wish to ensure that nobody ever has to fret about their particular person being taken care of,” she stated.
All of the invoice wants now’s the governor’s signature.
“I really feel so completely satisfied. After the whole lot that’s occurred, it’s a blessing”
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