A Miami-Dade sheriff’s office deputy is going home after nearly losing his life.
Fellow deputies, friends, family, doctors, and therapists lined the hall of Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Institute.
They clapped and cheered on MSO Deputy Leo Cantave as he marked a major milestone in his recovery.
“Today is the kind of day that, as sheriff, I have to say I am overwhelmed with emotion,” said Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
Thirty-seven days after nearly losing his life, Deputy Cantave is being discharged.
“The story of our deputy could have gone very differently, and as you all know, we’ve had a very difficult year,” said Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
On Dec. 27, the 20 year veteran was assisting Florida highway patrol troopers who were helping a trapped driver on the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike between Northwest 41 Street and 58 st.
That’s when he was struck by a passing car.
“I want to share with everybody today. It’s not just that he survived – it’s that he was a hero. He pushed another officer out of the way, and it was in that process when he was struck by the vehicle,” said Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
Deputy Cantave was left severely injured. But after extensive therapy , determination and overwhelming support he is finally going home.
“A the end of the day, we are here uphold and lift each other up during difficult times it is what we do as a profession. It is what we do as an agency and I’m just so very proud to be a proud of his next step and healing” said Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
The Sheriff says Leo, as he is known, still has a long road to recovery. He has to work on more physical therapy to get all his limbs healed. They hope to welcome him back into the agency as a deputy soon.
According to MDSO, the driver showed signs of impairment and is charged with reckless driving, causing serious bodily injury.
