INVERNESS, Fla. — Family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers gathered Sunday afternoon to honor Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy Andy Lehera, who died Thursday after more than two years of battling a traumatic brain injury suffered in the line of duty.
WATCH: Citrus County deputy honored at funeral after battle with brain injury
Deputy Lehera was struck by a car in May of 2023 while directing traffic near Lecanto.
For over two years, he fought to recover and had been making progress until a few weeks ago, when his wife said he developed severe pneumonia and returned to the hospital.
His death leaves a lasting legacy that has already brought change. Lehera’s story inspired the Deputy Andy Lehera Act, which expands health care coverage for law enforcement officers who suffer catastrophic injuries while on duty.
“It's been a little stressful. I don't know when I'll be able to do it.”
The Tampa Bay 28 I-Team is hearing from Floridians who want a COVID vaccine but still can’t find a pharmacy giving out the shot.
