‘Overwhelming’: Port St. Lucie police sergeant shot in the face in ambush receives Purple Heart
By Angela Rozier
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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WPBF) — Sgt. Erik Levasseur, a 27-year veteran of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, was awarded the law enforcement Purple Heart at a ceremony held at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center on Wednesday afternoon, marking a powerful moment of recognition for his bravery after surviving a line-of-duty ambush.
There were tears of joy at the ceremony in Port St. Lucie, as Sgt. Levasseur was honored for his bravery.
“It’s very overwhelming,” Levasseur said.
Friends, family, fellow law enforcement officers, and lawmakers gathered to share in the moment.
“Like Erik says, it is overwhelming. I did get a little emotional on stage, but you know, as chief, you can’t cry in public,” Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said.
In December, Sgt. Levasseur was shot in the face with an AK-47-style rifle during an ambush while responding to a neighbor dispute in the Tradition area. Trauma Medical Director at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, Dr. David Rubay, who was in the emergency room when Levasseur was brought in, described the severity of the injuries.
“It was significant injuries. There was tissue loss in the face and neck. Blood vessels that supply blood to the brain were exposed, so I rushed him for surgery,” Rubay said.
Rubay expressed his amazement at Levasseur’s recovery.
“It is a miracle. It is a miracle because the way that he recovered exceeded all of our expectations,” Rubay said.
Levasseur underwent several surgeries, suffered severe eye damage, and spent more than a month in the hospital before being released in January.
“His internal courage and fortitude to push through this is something we should all model ourselves after,” Niemczyk said.
Levasseur thanked everyone for their support and shared his hopes for continued improvement.
“I’m extremely hopeful, but the reality is I still have extreme damage to my eyes, and I’m just glad I can stand here and see you gentlemen and ladies within a couple of feet of me as it is right now,” Levasseur said.
Sgt. Levasseur, who is eager to return to work, said he still has some recovering to do but looks forward to returning to his duties.
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