National Police Week 2021 arrived in the wake of unprecedented pressure on law enforcement officers. Amid movements to defund police and budget cuts at large, metropolitan departments, Florida is on track for one of the deadliest years for police officers.
and last updated 2021-04-28 23:19:37-04
TAMPA, Fla. â Dozen gathered for an emotional tribute Wednesday night, honoring 17 members of the Hillsborough County Sheriffâs Office who have died in the line of duty.
The memorial service returned with a new name this year after the annual ceremony was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Family members of Sgt. Brian LaVigne helped unveil his name on the agencyâs Fallen Heroes Memorial. LaVigne was struck and killed by Travis Garrett, who was attempting to escape arrest on January 11.
âIâm hopeful that ceremonies like this will help bring even just a semblance of comfort to the families of our fallen heroes,â said Sheriff Chad Chronister. âReminding them that their fallen hero will be remembered forever.â
No death penalty in killing of Hillsborough deputy
Tampa prosecutors will not seek capital punishment for Travis Garrett, who is accused of killing Cpl. Brian LaVigne.
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A flag folding ceremony is held during funeral services for Cpl. Brian LaVigne of the Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office at Idlewild Baptist Church Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 in Lutz. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]
Published Apr. 29
TAMPA â Travis Zachary Garrett, the man accused of ramming a car into a Hillsborough County sheriffâs patrol cruiser, killing Cpl. Brian LaVigne, will not face the death penalty.
Garrett will instead face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is found guilty of first-degree murder.
Law enforcement agencies hold boat procession for fallen officers Josh Fiallo, Tampa Bay Times
TAMPA The Hillsborough River went silent Tuesday night as many gathered to honor the death of Tampa Police Master Patrol Officer Brian Madsen.
Sixteen boats - one for each year Madsen served before he was killed by a wrong-way driver on March 9 - moved down the river in a somber procession. The event was in remembrance of the lives of three officers who were killed this year in Tampa Bay, including Madsen. They lit the river blue with flashing lights as they slowly trolled from the Platt Street Bridge to Armature Works just before 9 p.m.