BRANDON, Fla. — A stretch of State Road 60 in Hillsborough County is now known as "Sergeant Brian LaVigne Road" in honor of the fallen sheriff's office sergeant.
LaVigne's family was joined by State Representative Andrew Learned, State Senator Janet Cruz and members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to share memories of the fallen sergeant before unveiling the new road plaque.
“This designation is not for the way Sergeant LaVigne died. This memorial is how he lived," Learned said. “To the 29 years, 361 days of his service to the people of Brandon."
LaVigne, 54, died on Jan. 11, 2021, when Travis Garrett, who was fleeing deputies, intentionally crashed into the driver's side of his cruiser, the sheriff's office said. He had one more day of work before he was to retire after 30 years.
"It is our hope that this memorial will be a constant reminder of the sacrifices that members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's make each and every day, 24 hours a day to keep this community so safe," Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
In addition to his dedicated career, LaVigne's family wants him to be remembered as a loving father and husband who cared deeply for his squad and community.
“When you drive past that sign, just think of Brian — just Brian. Father, son, brother, friend, my husband, who only wanted to come home on time at the end of his shift," LaVigne's wife, Cathy, said.
Earlier this summer, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1716 last month to designate roadways in honor of fallen Tampa Bay area law enforcement officers, including LaVigne, "who put the safety of their communities above their own safety."
"Sergeant Brian LaVigne will never be forgotten, and this will serve as another reminder of his selfless service to his community until the very end of his life," Chronister said in a statement. "Now when people drive down this stretch of roadway, they will be reminded of the legacy and impact left by Sergeant LaVigne."