Governor Ron DeSantis Dedicates Roads in Honor of Fallen Tampa Bay Area Law Enforcement Officers

PCSO Deputy Michael Magli, HCSO Sergeant Brian LaVigne & TPD Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen commemorated

LARGO, Fla. – Today,Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1716, which designates County Road 611 between Keystone Road and Forelock Road in Pinellas County as “Deputy Michael J. Magli Memorial Road,” State Road 60 between Interstate 75 and Phillip Lee Boulevard in Hillsborough County as “Sergeant Brian LaVigne Road,” and Interstate 275 between East Sligh Avenue and East Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Hillsborough County as “Officer Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway.” “This past year, Deputy Michael Magli, Sergeant Brian LaVigne and Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen lost their lives while protecting others,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today we commemorated three heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities. Michael Magli, Brian LaVigne and Jesse Madsen were the type of men we need in law enforcement; the type of men we all hope will be there when we call for help. Serving in law enforcement is a noble calling and deserves nothing less than our full support and respect.”

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 OfficeOn 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 DepartmentOn 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.