| Honoring the Life and Legacy of Deputy Michael J. Magli |
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Watch unforgettable moments of Deputy Michael J. Magli's funeral service and final honors, paying respect to his life and legacy.
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The morning of February 17, 2021 was likely routine for Deputy Michael J. Magli. He woke up next to his wife of 11 years, Stephanie, put on his uniform for work, kissed his two baby girls goodbye, Maddie (5 years old) and Reagan (9 months), then got in his Tahoe to head into work.
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Deputy Magli and his daughter, Maddie
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Later that day at around 4:25 p.m. when he heard on the radio that there was a drunk driver barreling down East Lake Road, Deputy Magli never hesitated to respond. He quickly drove to a median, pulled stop sticks out of his Tahoe, like so many Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies have done before, and got in position to deploy them at the right time to stop the vehicle. Right at that moment, the driver lost control of his truck and struck Deputy Magli.
Although his death may feel senseless, it is most certainly not meaningless. This is the first line-of-duty death in the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office's 109-year history. Deputy Magli died a true hero and saved countless lives that day, but in the weeks following, it became clear that he lived like a hero too.
Deputy Magli had been working at a golf course when he decided he wanted a career in law enforcement. He was hired as a Criminal Justice Specialist in 2013 and worked at the Pinellas County Justice Center assisting with courthouse security. However, it wasn't long before he was able to pursue his goal of becoming a deputy sheriff. That same year, he became a deputy recruit, and in 2014 he began working in the Patrol Operations Bureau.
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Deputy Nick Hunter and Deputy Magli
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Deputy Magli quickly formed close friendships with members of his squad, including Deputy Nick Hunter, who said at the funeral service on Tuesday, February 23rd, "Michael is a literal hero in every sense of the word...The biggest thing I remember about Michael is that he never backed down from a fight. He never hesitated. I've had other cops tell me that they were scared on certain calls, but Michael never did that. Michael and I ran toward gunfire one night, trying to stop a drive-by shooting. Michael never hesitated...I know Michael would make the same sacrifice to save those who were in danger again."
Deputy Magli was more than just a brave deputy sheriff, he was also a friend to everyone he encountered. Deputy Magli's best friend of 20 years, Deputy Chris Russell said, "Whether you met Mike once, or you were his best friend of 20 years, Mike loved everyone. That's the person he was."
It was common to see him smile, wave at people passing by, and crack jokes when someone was having a hard day and needed encouragement. Members of Deputy Magli's squad recall him taking extra time on domestic calls to ensure the couple was going to be okay.
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| | Deputy Magli, his wife Stephanie, and
their daughter, Reagan | |
At home, Deputy Magli was a dedicated husband and father. Sergeant Kevin Boulton, who also has a baby girl, witnessed his dedication and affection for his children as they shared special occasions, like birthdays, together. He described him as a "true family man" who focused on being a good father to his girls and would do anything to make them happy.
Deputy Magli's parents, Frank and Angela, were not at all surprised by their son's act of bravery. They proudly watched him grow from a fearless football player at Hudson High School who received an award for the most quarterback sacks in his conference, into a "bright, beautiful light who went into law enforcement to help his fellow man," his father so affectionately said.
"I remember saying to him, 'Mike, I think you'd be a great police officer because of your ability to be kind and compassionate," Frank said. "He had the kind of personality that could diffuse any situation."
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Deputy Magli loved sports and was a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan.
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Deputy Magli's Uncle Sal Gallo knew him as "the little prince," the boy with curly hair and rosy cheeks who had a smile on his face all the time. Sal took Michael to his first Tampa Bay Lightning game, and he became a huge fan. Former Lightning team captain, Dave Andreychuk, delivered a Lightning jersey with Mike's squad number, 84, on it to the service.
Though some people like to focus on awards and boast about their accomplishments, that was never Deputy Magli's focus, and he didn't like to make a big deal about himself as so many people recalled. He certainly did accomplish a lot in his career, but the legacy he left behind was not about special accolades of success. He loved people. Deputy Magli touched so many lives, and will forever be an example of what it truly means to serve and protect, and love others.
"Deputy Magli was in the right place at the right time, doing what cops do every day in this country--protecting others from harm and evil," Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. "Michael died fighting the good fight, fighting the evil among us, and saving others from harm's way. And for that, we are eternally grateful."
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PCSO Honor Guard Pays Respect to Deputy Magli with Final Honors
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The PCSO Honor Guard's motto is, "With honor we serve, to honor those who serve," and their purpose is to be an ambassador for the sheriff's office. The Honor Guard Team must be ready at a moment's notice to attend funerals, memorials, military events, and more. Each individual on the team upholds the values of honor, respect, loyalty, duty, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage.
Following the funeral service at Idlewild Baptist Church, the PCSO Honor Guard performed the final honors of the Riderless Horse, 21-Gun Salute, Taps, and Presentation of the Flag. The PCSO Flight Unit partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department for the Flyover. Additionally, 25 bagpipers and drummers from all over Florida played during the service.
These final honors are funeral traditions, some of them centuries old, and honor a fallen comrade who has died in the line of duty. Each one holds meaningful history and has a symbolic meaning.
The Riderless Horse
This custom may date as far back as the time of Genghis Khan when a horse was sacrificed to serve the fallen warrior in the next world. The tradition of the Riderless Horse was later used to symbolize a warrior who could ride no more. Alexander Hamilton was the first American to be given this honor. Hamilton's grey horse followed his casket with the boots and spurs of the former rider turned backward in the stirrups. George Washington's horse was present at his funeral and carried his saddle, pistols, and holsters. Today, the common tradition is to place black riding boots in reverse in the stirrups to represent a fallen commander looking back on his troops for the last time.
The 21-Gun Salute
The 21-Gun Salute dates back as far as the Roman Empire when soldiers who knew a fallen comrade in battle would shout their name three times at the end of the burial rights, followed by the word, "farewell." The practice of firing three rounds of ammunition likely came from a wartime custom of firing three rounds after each army had cleared its dead from the battlefield so that fighting could resume. The 21-Gun Salute is often used at law enforcement and military funerals and consists of seven rifles or shotguns firing one round, three times in unison. When executed properly, it sounds just like three gunshots, but it is actually 21 rounds of ammunition being fired.
Taps
Taps is a longstanding American military tradition and was a call before the Civil War that would signal soldiers to put out the lights and go to sleep. Shortly after 1862 when the song was written, there was a funeral in one of the artillery companies. Captain John Tidball decided he did not want to fire the customary 21-Gun Salute over the grave since it could potentially instigate a fight with their enemies, so he told his bugler to play Taps. After the Civil War, both the 21-Gun Salute and Taps became a part of military funerals.
"Missing Man" Flyover
The missing man formation is an aerial salute performed at a funeral or memorial event, typically in memory of a fallen pilot or well-known service member. The most common formation has the aircraft flying in a V-shape with the flight leader at the point and the second flight leader abruptly pulls out of the formation and flies away into the distance to signify the fallen person's departure from this life. Other formations leave one spot empty in the V-shape or fly out closer to sundown so that the "missing man" can fly west into the sunset. King George V received the first recorded Flyover, and the United States adopted the tradition in 1938 during the funeral of Major General Oscar Westover, and it included 50 aircraft. The Flyover at Deputy Magli's funeral included eight helicopters.
Presentation of the Flag
At military and law enforcement funerals, the American flag is draped over the casket and then raised above it during Taps. Once Taps and the "Missing Man" Flyover are complete, the flag is ceremoniously folded to ensure there is no red visible, and only the blue field with the stars can be seen. It is then handed off to an officer to present to the family.
Changing of the Guard
This tradition is most common among law enforcement and changes the two honor guard members watching over the deceased every 15 to 20 minutes. This specific interval is important because it becomes difficult to stand motionless for more than that length of time. For Deputy Magli's funeral, members of the PCSO Honor Guard were present with him from the time he was brought to the Medical Examiner's Office until his burial. The practice shows honor and respect to the person who has died.
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Sincerest Thanks to the Community for all the Prayers & Support
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The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is grateful for all the support the community has shown the Magli family and our members.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is accepting donations on behalf of the Magli family. The Deputy Michael J. Magli Memorial Fund will serve as the official memorial fund for the Magli family. Those interested in donating can visit any SunTrust banking location or send checks to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Fiscal Affairs Bureau made payable to the memorial.
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"This bi-weekly newsletter is another step in my effort to give interested residents the most up-to-date information about services and programs here, at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
I value your feedback and look forward to continuing our dialogue about public safety."
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Sheriff's Administration Building
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
North District Station
2496 Bayshore Boulevard
Dunedin, FL 34698
For Non-Emergencies
(727) 582-6200
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Deputy Michael J. Magli Tribute Page
To leave a message in remembrance of Deputy Magli like the comments listed below, visit Deputy Magli's Tribute Page. All condolences will be compiled and given to the Magli family.
Deputy Brian Camadeca
I not only had the pleasure to work with Mike, but I also shared many laughs with him. I will truly miss exchanging recipes for amazing dinners. Mike would meet up with me just to tell me what he made for dinner the night prior and what an amazing chef he was. Rest in peace my friend. My deepest condolences to your family.
Susan Kristoff-Elam
Thank you Deputy Magli for protecting me and all the citizens of Pinellas County. I will always be grateful for this ultimate sacrifice. With heartfelt sympathy.
Sr. Chaplain Karen Hanson
Dear Stephanie, my heart goes out to you and your children as I keep you lifted up in prayer for the comfort and peace that only the Lord knows how to bring. One day at a time. And please know that you are not alone.
Tracey Mangold
Even though I didn't know him personally, Mike will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. Prayers and thoughts are with your family and brothers and sisters in blue.
Deputy Olivia Bentschner
I worked with Deputy Magli very briefly for a few months while in North County. He always had a smile and was a pleasure to work with. Being a newer deputy, he was someone to look up to and made you strive to be the best at the job.
Deputy Brian Sudbrink
I first met Deputy Magli as his Field Training Officer as he came into law enforcement. I had the pleasure of training him and learning what a nice guy he was. I just saw him a few weeks ago on a call. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to his family.
Deputy Bob Plasse Jr.
I just started my second law enforcement career here, and have met a lot of law enforcement officers in my past 40 years of service. I could tell Michael was at the top of the list as a great officer and person. Just two weeks ago, I started to work with Michael, and the first time he backed me up on a call he not only expressed his compassion toward a transient person, but made sure I knew I could call upon him for any questions or help I needed as I made this transition. Rest in peace my brother. It has been my honor to have met you. My condolences to Michael's wife, children, family, and friends.
Sergeant Paul Langlais
I had the pleasure of watching Mike grow into a well-rounded deputy. He had a natural gift for establishing a rapport with people because of his kind nature. I enjoyed many conversations with him about work and his aspiration to keep growing as a deputy. He was a strong family man, and for that along with his work ethic, he was well respected. Rest in peace Mike. You will forever be missed.
Deputy Jana Demperio
I did not know Deputy Magli very well and met him only a short time ago while working the desk. He always had a smile on his face and would always take the time to say hello, and when he couldn't, he made sure to wave. My heart is broken for his family, for our family, and for those who loved him. May God grant you peace.
Deputy Jacob Ferretti
I only had the pleasure of being with Mike on one call last year, but over the course of the time I spent with him that day, I was struck by how compassionate he was toward the people we worked with, and how willing he was to help a newer deputy, such as myself, learn the nature of the job. Although I only met him a few times, Mike was a wonderful person to be around and was always willing to listen and help with any issue. I am earnestly praying for the Magli family. Know that you are loved, that Mike made a difference, and he was loved here very dearly, and he will never be forgotten.
Corporal Alan Clark
I had the honor of working with Mags for the past few years in my squad. He was a great police officer and an even better human being. He truly cared about his job and the people he met working here, both deputies and citizens. He always went the extra mile. You will be missed! We love you! Rest in peace brother. God bless you and your family.
Corporal Thomas Goldberg
Deputy Magli was both a fellow brother and friend! We spoke on numerous occasions and even shared some laughs at an agency training. To Mike my friend, thank you for all you have done, and most of all, for giving your life to save so many others. Rest in peace brother and know you will be missed, however never forgotten. To Stephanie, their two children, parents, and family, I am very sorry for your loss, and you have my sincerest heartfelt condolences. May God help each of you through this difficult time and bless you in every way possible.
Crystal R
I did not know Deputy Magli on a personal level, but have ran into him around PCSO over the years. He was always so nice and had that smile. Thank you Michael for your sacrifice. My 16-year-old and fairly new driver and her teammates left East Lake High School literally mins after this happened headed for an away game. In my eyes, he saved my daughter and her friends and also other drivers on the road that day. He is a HERO and I hope his daughters grow up knowing that and never forget that their Dad was a true hero that sacrificed his life for others who were in danger that day. The Magli family you are in my prayers and he will never be forgotten.
Alan T. McHale
I did not know you, but you protected me and my family. I never knew you, but you were there for me. I didn't ask you, but you gave everything to protect me and my community. We will never be able to thank you, nor repay you for what you gave, but we will remember you. We will care for your family, and we will never forget your bravery. Rest in peace Deputy Magli. May God keep you by his side till we meet. Thank you.
Deputy Travis Stanton
Mike you were such a great guy to be around and work with these past couple years. I will cherish our brief time we spent watching the early voting locations, talking all day about football, video games and life. You were a family man at heart which is something that will stay with me forever. Rest in peace Mike.
Joe
I had the pleasure of working with Mike a number of times before leaving for midnights in July 2020, and I was always struck by his warm disposition, his unceasing smile, and his quick wit to throw a joke at just the right time. Mike was compassionate and thorough; the epitome of a good deputy sheriff. Mike, you will definitely be missed. Magli family, thank you for sharing Mike with us. Those who knew and worked with him are much better for it!! My prayers are with you as you continue to grieve!
Anne McDonough
Deputy Magli, thank you for your service. You gave your life to save others, which is the greatest sacrifice. May you rest in peace. To Deputy Magli's family and friends, you have our deepest sympathy for your great loss. The memory of Deputy Magli will go on in our hearts forever. We are thinking of you in these difficult times.
C. Russell
To the family of Deputy Magli, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and strength during this very difficult time. My deepest condolences to your family.
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