South Florida Grieves As Another Deputy Shot

Deputy Hernadez's family prays for a miracle
The community offers prayers and support for the family of a deputy shot during a traffic stop.

Fellow law officers, clergy, relatives and strangers have reached out to comfort the family of a wounded Broward sheriff's deputy, and to pray for his survival.
No change in Deputy Maury Hernandez's condition was reported Thursday as he lay breathing on a ventilator at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. Hernandez, 28, was shot in the head during a traffic stop on Monday.
''We just continue to reach out for God to rescue him from this,'' said Ralph Rodriguez, a pastor at New Testament Baptist Church, who has been with the family daily at the hospital, along with BSO's chaplain, Rick Braswell.
''Miracles do occur, and it's a matter of God's people reaching out and praying,'' Rodriguez said.
Hernandez's wife, Jody, and his parents, Mauricio and Rosa Hernandez, have sat at his bedside around the clock, praying.
Hundreds of law officers from all over South Florida have visited the hospital since Monday when Hernandez was shot after pulling over a motorcyclist for running red lights.
David Maldonado, 23, was arrested soon after and is being held without bond in the Broward County Jail on attempted first-degree murder charges and violation of probation for driving with a suspended license.
Officers from the Hallandale Beach Police Department, where Hernandez's younger brother Josue started work last week, have been going to the hospital before and after their shifts. Broward's Police Benevolent Association is delivering food to the hospital nightly.
''It's a family,'' said Hallandale Beach Police Chief Thomas Magill. ``We support each other, and when something tragic like this happens, it brings to light how tough their job really is.''

Services for BSO Sgt. Chris Reyka

VISITATIONTuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., Forest Lawn North Funeral Home, 200 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach.
Wednesday at noon at the BankAtlantic Center, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise.
Sgt. Reyka will be laid to rest after the service at South Florida V.A. National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, west of Lake Worth.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County, c/o Sgt. Christopher Reyka Memorial, 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.