Governor DeSantis Signs SB 1716, Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
FILE - In this April 2019 file photo, Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference along with Attorney John Morgan and Congressman Matthew Gaetz on lifting the marijuana ban in Florida to allow for medicinal use. Photo by Willie David / Florida National News.
PINELLAS COUNTY (FNN) – On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1716 at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Largo to honor three fallen law enforcement officers.
Deputy Michael J. Magli with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty on February 17, 2021. Deputy Magli was attempting to stop a drunk driver who was leading authorities on a high-speed chase. Deputy Magli was a proud husband and father, leaving behind his wife Stephanie and their two daughters, Madeline and Reagan. Deputy Magli was kind, thoughtful, and funny; he dedicated his life to law enforcement and was the first Pinellas County Deputy killed in the line of duty.
Governor DeSantis said of his action that day, “that individual that day would have absolutely killed someone else that day. So he absolutely saved lives.”
A portion of CR 611/ E. Lake Road between Forelock Road and Keystone Road in Pinellas County will be designated as Deputy Michael J. Maglin Memorial Road.
Sergeant Brian LaVigne with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department was killed in the line of duty on January 11, 2021, while assisting other deputies. An individual fleeing the other deputies struck Deputy LaVigne’s vehicle, killing him. Deputy LaVigne was completing his last scheduled shift before retiring. He left behind his wife Kathleen and two children Aaron and Kaitlyn, he had already inspired Kaitlyn to become a Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff.
Prior to serving with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Largo Police Department. Deputy LaVigne served for more than 33 years in law enforcement. He is remembered as magnetic and charismatic; he also taught himself Spanish and was in the process of learning French.
A portion of SR 60 between Interstate 75 and Phillip Lee Blvd. in Hillsborough County will be designated as Sergeant Brian LeVigne Road.
Officer Jesse Madsen with the Tampa Police Department was killed in the line of duty on March 9, 2021, when he intentionally drove his patrol SUV into the path of a speeding impaired driver going the wrong way on northbound Interstate 275. Governor DeSantis said that his actions undoubtedly saved lives. Officer Madsen not only served the people of Tampa, but he served three tours in Afghanistan with the United States Marines. He suffered severe injures during one tour when an IED exploded under his Humvee.
He leaves behind his wife Danielle and their three children, Carter, Kellen, and Kenley. He is remembered as a superhero, protector and by his nature was always putting others and their safety first.
A portion of Interstate 275 between E. Sligh Ave and E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Hillsborough County will be designated as Officer Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway.
At the press conference, Governor DeSantis said, “Moments like this should remind all of us that these folks are putting on a uniform and they are putting…our safety above their own safety and they’re called upon to risk their lives and ultimately if it comes to that, give their lives…”
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Lynn DeJarnette is a contributing writer for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | info@floridanationalnews.com