Lauderhill honors Officer Thomas Yops and nurse who aided him after vehicle attack

Lauderhill commissioners on May 12 read a proclamation honoring Lauderhill Police Officer Thomas Yops and Christina Harder, an off‑duty registered nurse, for actions following a Feb. 25 traffic crash that police say escalated when the driver deliberately drove at the two and then fled.

The proclamation, presented at the start of the commission’s regular meeting, said the crash occurred at about 5:33 p.m. in the 8200 block of Sunset Strip and that a blue Nissan SUV rear‑ended Yops’ patrol vehicle. After Yops exited his vehicle to take police action, the proclamation says, the suspect intentionally struck Yops and Harder, then completed a three‑point turn and drove at Yops a second time, partially running him over and pinning him against a tree. The suspect then attempted to strike him a third time before crashing into a tree and fleeing the scene, the proclamation states.

Lauderhill Police Chief Stanley summarized the incident at the dais and described the extent of Yops’ injuries as including a broken vertebra, pelvis and ribs, internal bleeding and severe road rash. Stanley and Mayor Denise Grant said Yops was hospitalized and later recovered enough to attend the meeting and accept the proclamation. "He was walking with a cane, and you can see him free of that cane now," the chief said during the presentation.

Chief Stanley credited responding officers — named in the proclamation as Officer Brian Flumsby, Lieutenant Malik, Officer Raymond Rodriguez and Sergeant Terrell Walker — with locating the heavily damaged suspect vehicle and apprehending the suspect without incident. The chief also praised Harder for rendering aid and broadcasting critical information over police radio that the chief said helped trigger a multi‑agency emergency response.

At the podium, Officer Yops thanked the department, other jurisdictions and the public for support during his recovery. "I attend physical therapy three times a week. I'm getting stronger every day," he said. Yops said he has not yet decided whether he will return to duty or retire and that he and his family will decide together when the time is right.

Commissioners and others on the dais offered brief remarks praising Yops’ resilience and Harder’s action. Commissioner Richard Campbell said he visited Yops in the hospital and praised his resolve. Several speakers also thanked Yops’ spouse and family for their support.

The commission also announced internal commendations: the proclamation noted nominations, recommendations and awards for city officers and staff involved in the response and recovery.

The presentation concluded with the commission and chief handing the proclamation to Yops and Harder and with brief remarks from both honorees.

The proclamation text read into the record and the commissioners’ remarks are included in the meeting transcript.