WEST PARK, Fla. – It was sixteen years ago that a Broward Sheriff Deputy’s life changed forever. A criminal’s bullet tore through Maury Hernadez’s head on Aug. 7, 2007.
Many call Hernandez a miracle survivor and there’s been a bill going through the legislature that could make Hernandez’s life a little more whole.
There are constant consequences from what happened: he has paralysis along the left side of his body, there’s rehabilitation, and the memories.
“The flash of the gun is something I think about constantly,” he says.
Supportive state lawmakers are once again filing a relief bill that would provide the former deputy $10 million for medical bills, lost wages, and so forth.
Matt Cowart, BSO Union President, says while there is no legal requirement to pass the bill, he believes there is a “moral obligation.”
The relief bill has been filed but has died repeatedly because of a legal technicality. The last time was on May 5, 2023.
Hernandez pulled over a speeder, David Maldonado, who pulled out a 45-caliber handgun and shot Hernandez. Since he was a felon on probation he shouldn’t have had a gun.
Police officers arrested Maldonado, a habitual traffic offender, who faced felony traffic charges on April 18, 2007. Maldonado having a gun was attributed to mistakes that the Department of Corrections said were because of a rookie probation officer.
The wording in the relief bill has now changed which would make the claim an “act of legislative grace.”
Broward lawmakers heard Hernandez’s story earlier this month. He and Cowart have been making the rounds to make sure Florida lawmakers, bipartisan and around the state, see firsthand what’s at stake.
State Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-East Broward) says he is in full support of getting Hernandez the deserved compensation for “literally putting your life on the line.”
The claim bill filed for Hernandez is already scheduled for committee meetings in the Florida House and the Senate.
Maybe the “act of legislative grace” will go through this time.
(See the original bill below)