Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia stepped into the Founders Park Community Center ahead of an Aug. 7 meeting of the Islamorada Village Council. In his deputy uniform and using his new prosthetic leg, Garcia proceeded to take a front-row seat with his family.
Behind Garcia, a sea of community supporters, sheriff’s deputies and village fire rescuers packed the room. In front of Garcia where council members sat, Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney eagerly awaited the chance to hand a folder with a check from a June community fundraiser held for Garcia.
Several months ago, the 26-year-old deputy suffered a life-changing injury when a suspected drunk driver slammed into the back of his patrol car on U.S. 1 in Islamorada. Garcia, who was conducting a traffic stop near MM 87 the evening of April 9, was left pinned between his squad car and the vehicle he initially pulled over. Fellow officers and rescuers from the Islamorada Fire Department rushed to the scene and freed Garcia from the two cars and rendered aid.
Garcia was flown via county Trauma Star to Jackson Hospital in Miami, where he underwent 10 surgeries in hopes of saving his left leg. The decision was made to amputate it from the knee down.
But Garcia’s spirits and energy remain high despite all that he’s gone through the past several months, as Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay stated in a room full of people on Aug. 7.
“To me he’s a true hero,” Ramsay said. “He has been the most upbeat and positive person.”
Following a passionate speech, Ramsay presented Garcia with a Purple Heart ribbon which, as with military members, goes to those who suffer a serious injury while on duty. Ramsay, who was seriously injured in the line of duty 30 years ago, took the ribbon off his uniform and handed it to Garcia.
“I hope it has some memories coming from me to you as a friend, but also this is well deserved for you to wear on your uniform,” Ramsay said. “This isn’t you got a couple stitches or you stubbed your toe.”
Garcia, who is one of four members in the sheriff’s office who’ve received the Purple Heart ribbon, was overcome with emotion as he prepared to share a few words to those in attendance. Garcia credited those who helped save his life and the many others who came to support him in a time of need.
“I wouldn’t be here without obviously God being there for me,” he said. “The support team … it definitely helped me stay positive. The month and a half I was in the hospital, it was tough.”
Garcia mentioned his fellow deputies, Landon Gardner and Richard Rodriguez, who were on patrol that night and quickly provided aid. Gardner moved the car to free Garcia and Rodriguez applied a tourniquet.
Mahoney, who helped spearhead the June 23 fundraiser, handed Garcia a folder with thank you notes and a $60,519 check.
“It was an honor to do this,” Mahoney told Garcia. “This was a labor of love.”
Mahoney credited many community businesses and individuals for volunteering and assisting in the massive effort.
“Without this community, this town would be nothing,” Mahoney said.
Garcia said he knew there were a lot of vendors at the fundraiser, but didn’t realize how many people were actually involved.
“I truly appreciate you guys,” Garcia told the 30-plus supporters who were called to the front of the room by Mahoney. “My family is beyond grateful for everyone who participated and volunteered.”
Garcia, who continues to adapt to his prosthetic leg, said he wants to eventually return to the sheriff’s office.
“I don’t regret it,” he said. “It’s the career I chose.”
Ramsay spoke about a conversation he had with Garcia about community policing and being there in a time of need. Garcia told Ramsay his experience showed him how the community and its citizens support the sheriff’s office and its members in a time of need.
“We work hard every day to make you safe and secure and to be there in a time of need,” Ramsay said. “Every now and then we do need our community. And every time, this community is there for this agency and its members to show that we love you and you love us.”
