The public is invited to attend a Memorial Service for Deputy Andy Lahera on Sun., Sept. 21, 2:30 pm
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office invites members of the community to attend a Memorial Service that will honor the life and service of Deputy Andy Lahera on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
The service will begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be held at the Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, located at 4221 West Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461.
Deputy Lahera was a 14-year law enforcement veteran, employed by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office as a School Resource Deputy at Lecanto Middle School in Lecanto, Florida.
Deputy Lahera passed away on September 11, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained when he was hit by a car while on duty in May 2023. Deputy Lahera had struggled with health issues, after his crash, until his death.
At 9:05 pm on Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023, Deputy Lahera, then 50 years-old, was struck by a vehicle while he and other deputies were on duty, directing traffic in Lecanto, Florida, following the Lecanto High School graduation ceremony.
Deputy Lahera's injuries included a traumatic brain injury and internal injuries, along with numerous broken bones and abrasions. He was flown by helicopter to the Emergency and Trauma Center at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida. On July 7, 2023, Deputy Lahera was transferred from the trauma center to an area hospital for more aggressive physical and occupational therapy.
During August 2025, Deputy Lahea was beginning move the right side of his body, and also beginning to talk some, when he was rushed to a hospital with severe pneumonia. He was intubated and placed in an intensive care unit, and eventually began to rally. However, on September 11, 2025, Deputy Lahera lost his lengthy physical struggle and passed on.