A police officer who was left in a coma for three years after being shot in the head has passed away.
It was in June 2018 when officer Kevin Valencia was shot by Gary Wayne Lindsey Jr, who attacked his girlfriend and took the lives of his four young children before committing suicide.
Valencia was trying to kick the door to the apartment to save the children when he was shot by the criminal.
Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon took to Twitter to announce the passing of the hero officer, who leaves behind his wife Megan and their two young children, Kolton and Kaleb.
“Officer Valencia risked his life for people he didn’t even know — a risk that many in the law enforcement profession take without question. Since that tragic night, Officer Valencia has been fighting for his life with his family by his side,” he wrote.
Valencia’s wife told Fox 35 last year that her husband was starting to show signs of improvement, including kissing her head and rubbing her hand.
“It was just everything I needed in that moment. My heart was kind of like, ‘He’s still in there!’”
In Rolon’s statement on Monday, he described Valencia as a “hero, husband, father, son, brother, and friend who selflessly gave his life to protect the city he served.”
He also said that Valencia’s wife and children “will always be family to the Orlando Police Department” and vowed to do all he can to make sure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also wrote on Twitter and said that the whole city is mourning the officer’s passing.
“He put his life on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice,” he wrote. “Our prayers and support go out to his family, friends and co-workers as we honor his life and his selfless service to our community.”
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