Orange City officer who lost eye, and those who helped him, honored

BEACON PHOTOS/JEN HORTON
Heroes — Above, Officer Sherif El-Shami, right, listens as Chief Jeff Baskoff talks about the Purple Heart being presented to El-Shami by Orange City. El-Shami lost an eye after being shot while performing a well-being check in March

BEACON PHOTOS/JEN HORTON
Heroes — Chief Jeff Baskoff presents a Medal of Valor to Orange City Sgt. Greg Lariscy. Lariscy raced to the scene of the shooting, pulled El-Shami from his car, and drove him to the hospital, knowing every second mattered. Also receiving the Medal of Valor was Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Gregory.

By Jen Horton
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Jun 13, 2009 - 8:38:28am

Some things happen only in small towns, like having punch and cookies during a break in a City Council meeting.

In West Volusia, where professionalism and hometown are not separable, there are brotherhoods celebrated over cookies, cemented in blood.

At the June 9 Orange City Council meeting, Police Chief Jeff Baskoff presented awards to three men who now have such bonds: Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Gregory, Orange City Police Sgt. Greg Lariscy and Orange City Police Officer Sherif El-Shami.

Orange City Town Hall Annex was packed. Chief Baskoff reminded the audience of the events of March 25, when a well-being check cost El-Shami his left eye. Had it not been for the young officer’s ability to think while under attack, and the actions of his fellow officers, El-Shami might have lost his life.

El-Shami was first to arrive at the home on East University Avenue, where he was to check on Bryan Randolph Langford, after Langford’s ex-wife told police she was concerned about his mental state. El-Shami pulled into the driveway, and gunfire erupted; he was shot in the face by Langford.

Baskoff said, “Seconds later, Deputy Ray arrived.”

The deputy stood guard and protected El-Shami until backup arrived.

Orange City Sgt. Lariscy rushed to the scene, dragged his wounded colleague from the car, placed him in his own patrol car, and drove El-Shami to the hospital.

“This type of heroism is often talked about, but rarely seen,” Baskoff said.

Lariscy and Gregory were awarded Medals of Valor.

El-Shami was awarded the Purple Heart, for keeping his presence of mind after being shot.

“I’m very honored,” El-Shami said.

“I hope my story will inspire others,” he said. “Always stay up, and have faith.”

El-Shami also said he hopes his story will help the public understand more about police officers’ jobs.

“This shows that police officers are not just out there to give out tickets and take people to jail,” he said.

When Baskoff finished, El-Shami also had an award to hand out, to Lariscy.

“You risked your life to save another,” El-Shami said. “I am honored to have you in my family.”

Chief Baskoff thanked everyone involved in the March 25 incident, which ended with Langford, Langford’s girlfriend, and her son all dead, and a houseful of weapons recovered by the Sheriff’s Office. Baskoff said the heroism that day went beyond the three officers who received medals.

“It wasn’t just these three; it was everybody,” he said. “Help came from all over.”

El-Shami, who now has a prosthetic eye, has not yet returned from medical leave.

“That’s his doctor’s decision,” Baskoff said.

The young officer is expected to return to duty on the Orange City force.

“There is no requirement that to be a police officer you have to have two eyes,” Baskoff said. “Certainly you have to be able to see.”

El-Shami has already qualified with a firearm with one eye, and is working on the driving course.

“We’re trying to get him a lot of training while he’s out,” Baskoff said.

— jen@beacononlinenews.com

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