I think many people would agree when I say that it takes a special kind of courage to put one’s life in danger in order to protect someone else. And that’s exactly what happened with the heartwarming story of Deputy Officer Lucas Shoffner and his wife Nicole Shoffner.
The married couple have been living in East Tennessee for several years now, both working for the military and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. On August 1st, they were off duty when their mini-motorcycle lost its chain.
As Nicole tried to move onto the side of the road, Lucas stood between her and an oncoming pickup truck driven by Raymond Surber, pushing her out of harm’s way at the last second and taking the full impact himself.
Nicole was taken to Fort Sanders for a head CT scan and x-rays while Lucas was taken to ICU at UT Medical Center. Luckily Nicole only sustained minor injuries from the crash but unfortunately it wasn’t so much luck for her husband who remained unconscious in his coma after sustaining serious head trauma from the impact with Surber’s vehicle.
A GoFundMe page set up by their friends had a goal of $100,000 which was thankfully exceeded raising over $97,000 towards medical expenses. With everyone’s support including those who prayed for their recovery as well as those who donated money towards it, 23 days later there came a miracle – Lucas finally woke up from his coma.
He is now being sent to rehabilitation center in Atlanta where he has already walked 200 steps – something greatly appreciated by his wife as well as celebrated by many people close to them.
Deputy Officer Lucas Shoffner has truly proven himself as a hero through his selfless act of bravery that saved his wife’s life whilst endangering his own – all this proving once again that there is no greater love than one that would sacrifice its own life for another.
