Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord God, I come before You today grieved in heart over the senseless deaths of America's Peace Officers, in the Line-of-Duty, whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that America's Peace Officers have a sacred task to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Please grant Comfort, Hope, and Encouragement to their families, who are left behind to pickup the shattered pieces of their lives. Please make them whole again.

For all those of us who are left behind, our hearts are heavy with grief, and the weight of loss leaves us feeling so vulnerable and alone. There are moments when the sadness feels overwhelming, and we don't know what to do or how to move forward. But I do know that You, O Lord, see our pain and You are close to us in our sorrow.

Hold us in Your loving arms, O Lord, and comfort us in Your Presence. Let us feel Your Peace in the midst of our heartache and the quiet assurance that we are not walking this path alone. Father God, wipe away our tears and remind us of the HOPE we have in You. You, O Lord, are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.

Teach us, Heavenly Father, how to carry this loss of another American Peace Officer, in the Line-of-Duty, without losing HOPE. Help us to release our pain into Your most capable and loving hands, trusting that You are working even in the hardest moments. When the grief feels too much to bear, fill us with the courage to face each day and the faith to keep moving forward.

Thank You for Your unfailing love and for being the God who sees us, holds us, and walks with us. We place our sorrows into Your godly hands and rest in the HOPE that You will bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus' Name, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.

Promises from God's Word:

[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4);

[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God's children." (Matthew 5:9);

[Jesus Proclaimed:] "The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends." (John 15:13), and;

[Jesus Promised:] "Then he said, "Jesus remember me when you enter your kingdom." Jesus said to him, "I can guarantee this truth: Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., MSBS, NACM
Ordained, Independent Christian Outreach Police Chaplain

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

September 14, 2025

Thank you for your service.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol

September 14, 2025

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for you to be comforted by Jesus in the difficult times ahead. God bless you all.

Carmen Hatfield
Citizen

September 14, 2025

Rest In peace Deputy Sheriff Andres "Andy" Lahera! Thank you for your 14 years of service as the Lecanto Middle School Resource Officer with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office in Florida. We thank you for your devotion and your sacrifices, and also to your family and your friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your Wife, your two Sons, the rest of your Family, all of your Friends and all of your Sisters and Brothers in Blue that also protect us. We want them to know that you will never be forgotten! God bless you all!! (Matthew 5:9)

Eddie & Kelly King

September 13, 2025

I’m so sorry

Sybil V
Civilian

September 13, 2025

In times of loss, we come together to honor the memory and service of those who have passed. It's a moment to reflect on the impact they've had on the lives of others, and the legacy they leave behind. Their dedication and service will always be remembered, and their spirit will continue to inspire. May comfort find its way to you and all those mourning this loss.

Retired LAPD Reserve Police Officer

September 13, 2025

Rest in peace, Deputy Lahera. Praying for your loved ones.

Officer C Curione (Retired)
Rochester Police Department, NY

September 13, 2025

RIP Deputy Lahera. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Citrus County

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

September 13, 2025

I am sad to learn of the passing of a Brother and Hero in Deputy Sheriff Andres "Andy" Lahera. know our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Family, Friends and all Members of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Florida.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

September 13, 2025

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Deputy Lahera. Thoughts and prayers to your family, friends and department at this difficult time. RIP

Trooper Joe Dellwo (Retired)
Minnesota State Patrol

September 13, 2025

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

September 13, 2025

Dear Sheriff David E. Vincent:

I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Deputy Sheriff Andres "Andy" Lahera, a brave and dedicated lawman.

The news of Deputy Lahera’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Lahera’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.

In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Deputy Lahera had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

To you, Sheriff Vincent , and the entire Citrus County Sheriff's Office, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served 46+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Deputy Sheriff Andres "Andy" Lahera be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Chief (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr. DrE, PGP, PP, PM

September 13, 2025

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

September 13, 2025

Rest in peace brother

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

September 13, 2025

PROTECTORS PRAYER

LORD, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON THE BATTLES I WILL FACE TODAY.

I REST IN YOUR SOVEREIGNTY KNOWING YOU HAVE APPOINTED ME
FOR THIS DUTY.

THE POWER THAT CREATED EVERYTHING LIVES IN ME THROUGH YOUR SPIRIT, LET ME FEAR NOTHING.

GIVE ME THE COURAGE OF DAVID, THE STRENGHT OF SAMSON, WISDOM SOLOMON AND THEGRACE OF YOUR SON, JESUS.

WHILE I AM AWAY PROTECT MY FAMILY, LET ME RETURN UNHARMED. PREPARE THEIR HEARTS SHOULD TODAY BE THE DAY I MEET YOU FACE TO FACE.

LET ME SERVE THE PEOPLE OF THIS BLESSED COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY WITH A SERVANT'S HEART; BEING QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, AND SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY.

LORD YOU HAVE GIVEN ME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. HELP ME TO PROTECT THE VULNERABLE AND INNOCENT.

WHEN THE MOMENT CALLS, ALLOW ME TO SHOW COMPASSION AND HUMILITY TO THOSE WHO CROSS MY PATH.

WHEN FACED WITH EVIL, LET MY ACTIONS BE DEFINITIVE, IMPERTIAL, AND ABOVE REPROACH.

PROTECT MY BROTHER TO MY LEFT AND MY SISTER TO MY RIGHT AS WE RESPOND FEARLESSLY, WITHOUT HESITATION TO THE UNKNOWN

FOR HIS GLORY

David P Strawn, Firefighter (retired)
Dayton Ohio Fire Department

September 13, 2025

Rest in Peace…

Retired Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

September 13, 2025

My condolences to Lahera family. May Andres' soul forever rests in peace.

First Sergeant Thomas M. Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

September 13, 2025

May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

September 12, 2025

MY PRAYERS AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ARE WITH DEPUTY LAHERA AND HIS LOVED ONES. REST IN PEACE BROTHER. GODSPEED.

INV. RICH WYNN, RET.
WILL COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT., ILL.

September 12, 2025

Rest easy hero thank you for your service may your sacrifice or memory never fade.

Retired #8046 Jerry Matalone
Des Moines Iowa Police Department

September 12, 2025

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Lahera.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 12, 2025

My deepest sympathies to Andy’s family. You will all be in my prayers.

Ptlm. (Ret. Binghamton, NY P.D.) P.K. Ha
Binghamton NY

September 12, 2025

Rest in Peace Deputy Lahera. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lahera Family and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

September 12, 2025

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

September 12, 2025

There is no price that can be put on the calling of an SRO that Deputy Lahera answered to. No doubt he took standing between our Students and Faculty and the danger out there to his heart and soul. We are all empty today. God bring You care to His Wife, Sons, Family, Fellow Officers and Friends in these difficult days to come. And may we always realize this Blue Line these Heros walk is very Thin. God Bless You All!!!

Former Police
Tennessee. Spiritual Caregiver

September 12, 2025