TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The progress is gradual, however progress is going on for Deputy Andy Lahera.
The progress comes as he recovers from a traumatic brian harm he suffered virtually two years in the past close to Lecanto, when he was hit by a automotive whereas directing site visitors for the sheriff’s workplace.
Latest movies posted to Fb present the deputy is regaining some key capabilities, like lifting his left arm.
Michelle Lahera, his spouse, is by his aspect every day.
“He’s attempting, and he’s nonetheless preventing,” she mentioned.
However restoration isn’t the one struggle. For 2 years, Michelle has been preventing to ensure her husband retains his healthcare protection.
Present state regulation solely ensures advantages to officers catastrophically injured throughout a chase, an emergency, or a legal act, not whereas directing site visitors.
Lahera Household
In February, Rep. Judson Sapp (R-Palatka) filed a invoice to fill that hole in state regulation.
“This is the reason you run,” he mentioned. “When 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 instances and obtained a standing ovation from lawmakers each instances. 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 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 make it possible for nobody ever has to fret about their particular person being taken care of,” she mentioned.
All of the invoice wants now’s the governor’s signature.
“I really feel so completely satisfied. After every little thing that’s occurred, it’s a blessing”
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