Governor DeSantis was joined at the commemoration by the families of the fallen officers, including Stephanie Magli, the widow of Deputy Michael Magli; Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Caitlin LaVigne, the daughter of Sergeant Brian LaVigne; and Danyelle Madsen, the widow of Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen. Also joining the Governor was Attorney General Ashley Moody, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and several members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives.
“At the funeral for Deputy Magli, Senator Hooper, Chairman Latvala and I made his widow a promise,” said Speaker Chris Sprowls. “Today, with the signature of Governor DeSantis we fulfill that oath to never let the noble sacrifice of her husband, Sergeant LaVigne and Officer Madsen be forgotten. May the families who travel these roads know the bravery and heroism these men showed to keep the people of Tampa Bay safe.”
“I am so honored to be able to make sure these brave heroes are never forgotten,” said Senator Ed Hooper. “They made the ultimate sacrifice that the brave men and women of law enforcement face every day. May God grant their families and coworkers peace and comfort. Rest in Peace brave heroes!”
“I want to thank Governor DeSantis, Speaker Sprowls, Sheriff Gualtieri and Senator Hooper for their support on this bill,” said Representative Chris Latvala. “I wish we didn’t need bills like this, but it is the least we can do to honor these fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to protect our community. To the men and women who put on the uniform every day and head out the door knowing this could be your last day, we thank you.”
Deputy Michael Magli, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
On February 17, 2021, Deputy Michael Magli lost his life while attempting to stop a drunk driver who had been leading authorities on a high-speed chase. Tragically, Deputy Magli was the first Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy ever to be killed in the line of duty, but if not for his heroic actions that day, countless others may have lost their lives at the hands of the drunk driver who took his.
Sergeant Brian LaVigne, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
On January 11, 2021, Sergeant Brian LaVigne with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty. While assisting his fellow deputies, an individual fleeing from those deputies struck Sergeant Brian LaVigne’s vehicle, taking his life. Sergeant Brian LaVigne selflessly protected his community that day.
Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen, Tampa Police Department
On March 9, 2021, Tampa Police Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen undoubtedly saved lives when he intentionally drove his patrol SUV into the path of a speeding, impaired driver heading the wrong way on northbound Interstate 275.
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