From the Field

FDSA Helps Lundy Family in Two Tragedies

We talk often about the role of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association because it is important to remember the role that we play for our membership. We were created to establish a network of “knowledge, cohesiveness and security” for Florida deputies, corrections officers and employees of Florida Sheriffs. We work to promote professionalism and are committed to dealing with each other with respect, compassion and trust.

A big part of that compassion component is our Lend A Hand program, which we highlight frequently – and for good reason. Through Lend A Hand, we have provided thousands of dollars to deputies and other sheriffs’ office personnel in times of need. Sometimes, those funds are delivered on the very day the need is known, and help almost always arrives in just a day or two.

We are proud that the Lend A Hand dollars come from individuals, sheriffs’ offices and corporate sponsors, such as longtime partner Sprint, to make sure we have the funds available when we need them.

It is important to note that we provide these funds to sheriff’s office employees regardless of their FDSA membership status. When it comes to helping a brother or sister in need, their membership in FDSA is the last thing on our mind.

From the dozens of people who have been helped by the fund, there is none that stands out quite like former Taylor County Deputy Robert Lundy, who withstood two life-changing tragedies in the last two years.

On February 5, 2014, Deputy Lundy nearly died in the line of duty while getting his vehicle serviced at Timberland Ford in Perry. A disgruntled former employee crashed his car into the front of the building and opened fire on its employees and patrons.

After taking a shotgun blast to the abdomen from less than five feet away, the deputy miraculously remained on his feet, returned fire and killed the shooter.

Lundy’s bravery and quick thinking saved the lives of at least two employees who were also shot, and likely many more. There were almost 20 people in the service department at the time of the attack.

Lundy was named the FSA 2015 Officer of the Year for his bravery.

The critical injuries he sustained left him with permanent disabilities that have significantly impacted his quality of life and left him unable to return to work.

Just two years later, Deputy Lundy would find himself in the midst of yet another tragedy. As Hurricane Hermine, the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 2005, made its way across the Southeast, it left many people with damaged homes and property, and the Lundys were among dozens of families that had to be rescued when the Category 1 hurricane barreled through the Gulf Coast. Floodwaters poured into the deputy’s home, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage and destroying nearly everything inside. He and his family were left without the photos, possessions and memories they spent a lifetime acquiring.

When the FDSA learned of Deputy Lundy’s damaged home, we, along with other members of the law enforcement community statewide, rallied behind the heroic deputy to help his family through volunteer and fundraising efforts. Both times, FDSA contributed funds from Lend A Hand to help the Lundy family meet immediate financial needs and focus on more important issues.

My heart breaks when tragedies like this strike, but I am so grateful that we belong to an organization that answers the call with immediate and practical assistance when it is needed most. We certainly hope you never need this kind of help, but if you ever find yourself in a similar financial position—thanks to the unified efforts of association members and other partners—we will be ready to assist you.

If you know of a deputy, sheriffs’ office employee or their family members with an immediate financial need due to tragedy or accident, please let us know so we can help. Contact us at krowe@fldeputysheriffs.org.