Port St. Lucie Police Sergeant Erik Levasseur has been awarded the Florida’s Finest Award by Senator Ashley Moody on the Senate floor. The 27-year veteran of law enforcement is currently working toward a full recovery after surviving two gunshots to the face during a routine call in late 2025.
The incident occurred in December 2025 when Sgt. Levasseur and fellow officers responded to a residence. Upon their arrival, a suspect exited the home’s garage with a rifle and opened fire on the responding officers. The suspect then attempted to charge and flank the law enforcement team. During the exchange, Sgt. Levasseur was struck twice in the face, with one bullet hitting near his nose and another just below it. The remaining officers at the scene successfully subdued the suspect.
Following the shooting, Sgt. Levasseur underwent five surgeries, including two procedures to remove shrapnel from his eyes and three reconstructive surgeries on his face. According to officials, the sergeant has maintained a goal of returning to active duty since the beginning of his recovery process.
“Sergeant Levasseur answered a routine call and got shot twice in the face. He received a law enforcement Purple Heart award and is working towards full recovery and returning to the force to serve the community he loves. Sergeant Levasseur is a true Florida hero and we are a safer state because of his courage and those brave enough to answer the call to put others’ safety ahead of their own,” Senator Moody stated during the presentation.
The Florida’s Finest Award, which recognizes citizens or law enforcement officers who go above and beyond to protect others, is the latest in a series of honors Sgt. Levasseur has received since the incident.
In March 2026, the Port St. Lucie Police Department awarded him a law enforcement Purple Heart. He also received a military Purple Heart from local veteran Staff Sergeant Thomas Matteo, a former law enforcement officer who earned six Purple Hearts during two deployments to Vietnam in the 1960s.
Most recently, Sgt. Levasseur was presented with the Valor Award at the First Responders Appreciation Foundation’s annual Law Enforcement Officers Awards luncheon last month.
READ: Florida Sen. Moody Intros Bill To Crack Down On Criminals Who Target Police Dogs And Horses
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
