HERNANDO, Fla. — There were prayers for a miracle this Friday night in Citrus County.
Five months after beloved Sheriff's Deputy Andy Lahera was hit by a car while directing traffic, he continues to battle a "disorder of consciousness."
Now, his wife and sons are calling on the community for help to wake Andy.
"He's still fighting, so I need everyone to keep fighting with us," Andy's wife of 25 years, Michelle Lahera, said. "I need the community and everyone to just make sure they don't forget him."
Andy Lahera is known county-wide as a dedicated Citrus County Sheriff's Deputy and school resource officer. But at home, he's a loving father of two boys and a doting husband.
"He's everything. My husband is my everything," Michelle said. "That's why we know he has to come back. He has to come back."
In late May, Andy was involved in an accident while directing traffic after a local high school graduation. Tonight, his loved ones said they forgive the 19-year-old driver who hit him, saying it's what Andy would want.
"He's an extremely selfless person who wouldn't want any ill-will towards anyone, especially when there's an accidental circumstance," his eldest son, Nicholas Lahera, said.
Now, five months later, Andy is in a facility battling what is known as a "disorder of consciousness." About a month ago, he began to open his eyes.
"Right now, they're just working with him to stimulate everything so that he can emerge," Michelle said.
His family says he's progressed further than doctors ever anticipated.
"Medicine has gotten him where he's at and we're super grateful, and now we're just waiting for that miracle that only God can perform," Vincent Lahera, Andy's youngest son, said.
His family believes their prayers have propelled his recovery. Michelle told us she asks God for the same thing every day. "I just ask God to create new pathways for him so that he can emerge. We want him to be able to recognize us and know who we are, and he has to be able to communicate with us."
The crash in which Deputy Lahera was injured was investigated by Florida Highway Patrol. The 19-year-old driver is not facing any charges.