Captain's memorial draws 1,100 mourners

Shortly before noon Saturday, Capt. Mike Biaggini signed off for the last time with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Mourners at the veteran law enforcement officer's memorial gasped and wept as they heard Biaggini in a message recorded two weeks before he died give his badge number (141), say he was 10-42 (ending tour of duty) and was 10-6 (busy) "with the Heavenly Father."

It was the final touch in a celebration of life for Biaggini in which he was able to make his last wishes known. He died Feb. 17 of colon cancer at age 55.

More than 1,100 people attended the service at St. Gall Pastoral Center including family, co-workers, law enforcement officers from around the state and California, and people who came to know Biaggini in his 28 years working for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Ron Pierini fought back tears as he talked about how much he missed his colleague of nearly three decades.

"I truly miss him. I miss seeing him, shaking his hand, laughing about the crazy things, and asking his advice," Pierini said. "Capt. Mike Biaggini was my hero, and I am sure he was yours. Farewell, my friend."

Before the service, members of the East Fork Fire & Paramedic districts stood at attention as Biaggini's remains were brought from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Garden of Heroes. Constable Paul Gilbert and Sgt. Ron Elges stood at attention as the Biaggini family prepared to leave for the service.

The urn was placed in Biaggini's patrol vehicle which was driven Saturday by his cousin, Deputy Les Vido. With a motorcycle escort, Vido was the first vehicle in a motorcade of law enforcement representatives which stretched for two blocks along Highway 395 to the pastoral center in Gardnerville.

A few people, some with large American flags, stood on the street to watch the motorcade. The marquee at Sharkey's read, "Mike - we lowered our flag for you."

At the church, the motorcade passed under an arch made by two fire department ladder trucks draped with an American flag.

Family members were escorted to the pastoral center by the Douglas County sheriff's honor guard of which Biaggini was the commander.

A tower of orange and black balloons flanked the stage, honoring Biaggini's participation in Douglas Pop Warner football.

Children and their parents dressed in Douglas Pop Warner black and orange provided a counter balance to the hundreds of law enforcement officers in their departments' uniforms of muted blues, khaki and green.

Pastor Pete Nelson, who also serves as chaplain for the sheriff's office, welcomed the assembly he said represented Biaggini's three families: His immediate family, co-workers in law enforcement and "the rest of us who represent the family that is present in Carson Valley that Mike loved and served so well."

"We prayed that this day would not come so soon," Nelson said, reflecting on Biaggini's nearly nine-year battle with colon cancer.

"Mike gave me a few instructions for this day," Nelson said. "He chose each and every person on this stage.

"And he had three things to say to the Douglas County Sheriff's Honor Guard," Nelson said, looking at the nine officers on the stage:

"Stay professional, know you are the best in the state and know that Mike Biaggini is watching."

The honor guard presented Mary Biaggini with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol, sons Michael with his father's honor guard hat, and Nick with Biaggini's badge.

Biaggini's uncles Manuel Sebastian and John Bushman talked about his youth, growing up in California with a large extended family.

He learned to hunt with his grandfather, the value of a handshake and the importance of paying attention to detail, all traits that served him well in law enforcement.

"He had a quiet dignity and great steadiness about him that truly was remarkable," said Bushman. "Mike would always be there for anyone in their time of need. It was his father's hope that one day he would become president of the California Cattleman's Association, but Mike had a different calling."

Addressing Mary, Michael and Nick, Bushman pledged the family's support.

"I say to each of you what you already know, how fortunate we were to have him in our lives. As we have done before, we will get through this together and emerge stronger than ever," Bushman said.

Sebastian spoke of Biaggini's struggles at birth with major heart defects that resulted in two open heart surgeries at ages 4 and 7.

"Those surgeries didn't keep Mike's heart from becoming something wonderful and special," Sebastian said.

Biaggini began his career in law enforcement in San Luis Obispo and moved to Douglas County in 1981.

"He became part of this wonderful community. You witnessed how fully and passionately Mike shared himself with the community. Mike became a part of all of us here today," Sebastian said.

For David Johnson, Saturday's service was a chance to say good-bye to his neighbor.

"We live four houses down from the Biagginis and have been neighbors for about six years," he said. "It's bittersweet. We knew how he was suffering but our hearts go out to Mary, Michael and Nick."

Longtime Valley resident Nate Leising was one of dozens of firefighters who paid their respects.

"Mike was a good friend to everyone," Leising said. "This is a real tribute to what he's done here for everybody. It really reflects that part of the bond between firefighters and law enforcement in serving the public."