When Senior Sgt. Erik Levasseur was asked to stand at the culmination of last week’s Port St. Lucie Police Department award ceremony, the crowd in the room erupted in applause, then went silent while a black and white video played on the screen telling his story.
Chief Leo Niemczyk narrated part of the video.
“Erik, I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that your PD and city family have you in their thoughts and prayers and are thinking about you each and every day. I know you are in a hell of a fight right now, but I’m very confident that it’s one that you’re going to prevail.”
Attendees stood and watched while eagerly waiting to honor a hero.
Levasseur, shot in the line of duty on Dec. 1, was awarded a Law Enforcement Purple Heart at the ceremony and given his Senior Sergeant badge.
He walked on stage without the sunglasses that he wore when he first left the hospital and thanked the many people who supported him and continue to help during his journey of healing.
At least a dozen doctors and other medical staff were present to celebrate Levasseur, including Dr. David Rubay from HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital who operated on him the night he was shot.
At about 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, PSLPD officers responded to the 11000 block of SW Lake Park Drive after receiving two 911 calls, one from the mother of 32-year-old Frankie Salvatore Riccio, who she said was “acting crazy,” and another from a neighbor.
Levasseur pulled over and called the mother, then organized the officers and told them to approach the house. They heard shots as they approached. Riccio was in the garage and came out when asked, but fired on Levasseur who led the group.
Since the shooting, Levasseur has undergone numerous surgeries including repairs to facial injuries. His initial days were spent in a medically induced coma.
He was later taken to an undisclosed Miami hospital where specialists removed shrapnel from his retina. He returned to Lawnwood for further treatment and later rehabilitation.
Levasseur was released on Jan. 7. Three days later he attended a benefit in his honor sponsored by Men at Arms LLC, unable to see, yet cheerfully talking to the many who came in his honor.
Hundreds were in attendance at the Award Ceremony last week at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center. “By the order of the chief of police Leo Niemczyk the Law Enforcement Purple Heart is awarded to Senior Sgt. Erik Levasseur, 27-year veteran of the PSLPD,” read the citation.
The Law Enforcement Purple Heart is reserved for officers who suffer serious injury in the performance of duty while in active confrontation with a criminal. “Even while under the treatment his concern remained for the safety of his squad. His courage, sacrifice and resilience reflect the highest standard of law enforcement service.”
A Purple Heart sculpture created by local metal artist Pete Koza, commissioned by the City Council and Chief Niemczyk, was unveiled as a special tribute in honor of Levasseur’s service, sacrifice and dedication.
Levasseur told his wife that he was not going to speak but said that he had to when he saw the crowd. “Every person in this room has a part in my recovery,” Levasseur said. “Every officer, every civilian, my family, my friends who sat by my side. They’ve all helped in the healing process.”
Levasseur joked about having to use his wife’s high-powered magnifying glass to address thank you cards to the many who have cheered him on.
At the award ceremony, Florida State Sen. Gayle Harrell was honored with the Public Service Leadership Award by Niemczyk for her support and help to procure medical care for Levasseur.
Unable to attend in person, U.S. Congressman Brian Mast spoke via video.
“Thank you for your courage. We should strive to be exactly like you because you are the perfect example of what courage and thoughtfulness mean. I thank you for your sacrifice, brother,” Mast said.
“You laid it all on the line and I thank you from the bottom of my hear … Just stepping up when somebody needed protection. Putting your life on the line to protect us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Niemczyk ended the ceremony saying that Levasseur’s recovery was “miraculous” and asking the many doctors and medical staff that helped with his recovery to stand.
“Our gratitude is forever in place.”