Community unites for injured guard
He is recovering after gunshot wound to head
Emilce Salazar doesn’t have many family members in South Florida. But countless well-wishers and friends make up for that.
There has been an outpouring of sympathy and support for the security guard ever since he was shot in the head at the Royal Palm Apartments in Lauderhill on Oct. 4. And thanks to much of that help, Salazar is now on the slow road to recovery.
Soon after news spread of 55-year-old being shot, the community united in an effort to help. Among those who offered a helping hand was the Lauderhill Fraternal Order of Police 161, the Police Benevolent Association and other city officials. A check for $3,000 was recently presented to Salazar’s family members at a recent City Commission meeting.
Salazar, aka “Paapi,” was a security guard at Royal Palm Apartments and Inverrary Village.
“He has been a central figure in that area of the city ,” said Lt. William Gordon of the Police Benevolent Association. “He is never afraid to get involved.”
“He has been a security guard for more than five years,” said Fraternal Order of Police President Sam Smith. “Most of us know him; we used to see him riding through the apartment complexes on his golf cart. We are glad that he is recovering.”
Det. Derek Carseni said Salazar has made progress and recently entered rehab. “He is a true fighter,” he said.
Among those present at City Hall for the check presentation was Karen Lagueux, a Lauderhill resident.
“Pappi is my angel,” she said. “I feed the ducks and the birds in the property where he was a security guard. One day, he saved a bird. People do not stop today for any- body, but he is different. I hope he recovers fully, but I don’t want him to do security anymore.”
“Pappi is a very hard worker; he loved his job,” said nephew Michael Verde. “Most of his family members are in Cuba; we are the only ones here for him. He suffered major brain damage, but he is getting better day by day. I am waiting for the day when I can take him home.”