Officer Sacrifices Himself To Save Wife From Crash, A Few Weeks Later This Miracle Happens…
Note: This story originally made headlines in August 2022.
In a dramatic incident on August 1, two reserve deputies from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office found themselves in a life-altering situation. Off-duty deputies Lucas and Nicole Shoffner were struck by a vehicle while attempting to repair a dirt bike beside a roadway, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The driver, Raymond Surber, a 31-year-old deputy from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, was behind the wheel of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado during the collision around 11:17 p.m. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has appealed for prayers for the injured deputies in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Both Lucas and Nicole Shoffner sustained injuries in the accident, with Lucas taking the brunt of the vehicle impact. Matt Fagiana, a former Loudon County sergeant and member of the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, revealed that Lucas bravely saved Nicole’s life by pushing her out of harm’s way.
Fagiana rallied support for Lucas, describing him as kind, loyal, funny, and resilient, saying, “You got this Lucas, and we are behind you and Nicole every step of the way.” The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized Lucas’s dedication to his career, calling him an incredible young man devoted to serving his country and community.
Lucas Shoffner is currently fighting very serious head injuries and is in the Transplant Intensive Care Unit at the UT Medical Center. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office shared that Lucas has been placed under a medically induced coma, and as of the latest update, he is being gradually weaned off the paralytic but remains fully sedated.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, where Lucas previously served, expressed solidarity and support for their injured comrade, recalling his participation in various community events and conveying love and encouragement, saying, “Lucas, everyone at LCSO is pulling for you!”
Raymond Surber, the driver involved in the incident, has been a member of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office since 2012 and was honored with the Medal of Valor in 2015. The tragic accident has shaken the law enforcement community, underscoring the risks officers face even when off duty.
In a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity, Nicole Shoffner shared an update on her Instagram, announcing that her husband, Lucas Shoffner, is set to leave intensive care after enduring 40 days in the ICU. “After 40 long days in the ICU, today we start our chapter of healing,” she expressed, marking a positive step forward in their challenging journey.
As the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office asks for prayers and the community rallies around the injured deputies, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make and the resilience they demonstrate in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Sources: WBIR