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Funeral held for Hillsborough Master Corporal Brian LaVigne, killed 1 shift before retirement

Flags are being flown at half-staff in LaVigne's honor.

TAMPA, Fla. — Family, friends and community members gathered Tuesday to bid a final farewell to fallen Hillsborough County Master Corporal Brian LaVigne.

The visitation began at 10 a.m., with the outdoor funeral service following. Both open to the public, the visitation and funeral were held at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz.

After the service, a procession was held from the church to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office District V office to honor the fallen deputy. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff today to honor LaVigne. Those flags were lowered at the Hillsborough County Courthouse, Tampa City Hall and the state Capitol in Tallahassee.

Fire engines with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue also raised the American flag over the intersection of Dale Mabry Hwy and Exciting Idlewild Blvd. 

Credit: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

To honor LaVigne, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office posthumously promoted the fallen deputy to Sergeant.

If you would like to make a donation to the LaVigne family, the sheriff's office is asking it to be made through the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. Click here to learn more about donating.

In lieu of a physical memory book, a digital one has been made. Anyone wishing to leave a note in remembrance of Master Corporal LaVigne may email RIPLaVigne@teamhcso.com. The notes will be compiled and given to the LaVigne family.

Investigators have charged a man with murder after they say he intentionally crashed into the driver's side of 54-year-old Master Corporal Brian LaVigne's cruiser on Lumsden Road.

LaVigne was one shift away from retirement, according to the sheriff's office. 

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