FHP Trooper Michael Diego Memorial Service: Live Stream & Details (Feb 28, 2026)
Naples, Florida – A funeral service will be held this Saturday, , for Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Diego, who died in the line of duty on . The service, to be held at First Naples Church, will offer a public viewing beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service at noon.
Trooper Diego, a more than four-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, succumbed to a medical emergency while participating in a competitive process for the Patrol’s Criminal Interdiction Unit at the FHP Training Academy. He had previously served in Troop L in Davie and Troop F in Fort Myers, and was a graduate of the 149th Recruit Class.
A law enforcement procession is planned prior to the service, commencing at 8:00 a.m. From Hodges Funeral Home, located at 12777 State Road 82 in Fort Myers. The procession will travel to First Naples Church, situated at 3000 Orange Blossom Drive in Naples, following a specific route designed to minimize disruption while honoring Trooper Diego’s service. The route includes westbound State Road 82 to Colonial Boulevard, westbound Colonial Boulevard to southbound Interstate 75, southbound Interstate 75 to Immokalee Road (Exit 111), westbound Immokalee Road to southbound Livingston Parkway, and finally southbound Livingston Parkway to First Naples Church.
Authorities anticipate brief traffic delays along the procession route and advise motorists to plan accordingly. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has issued a media advisory outlining arrangements for press coverage of the event.
Credentialed members of the media are permitted to attend the service, but cameras and recording equipment will not be allowed inside the auditorium. The service will be live-streamed and accessible via the FLHSMV Website Memorial Page dedicated to Trooper Diego. No interviews or questions will be permitted during the event. Media personnel are requested to arrive by 9:30 a.m. To establish positions in the designated staging area located west of the church.
Following the memorial service, full line-of-duty death honors will be rendered to Trooper Diego at the First Naples Church Commons Building. This signifies the formal recognition of his sacrifice in the line of duty.
The outpouring of support for the Florida Highway Patrol and the Diego family has been acknowledged by the FLHSMV. Lieutenant Greg Bueno, Troop F Public Affairs Officer, is available for media inquiries via email at GregBueno@FLHSMV.Gov or by phone at (239) 292-4925. Madison Kessler, from the FLHSMV Office of Communications, can also be contacted at MadisonKessler@FLHSMV.Gov or (352) 363-8414.
The death of Trooper Diego underscores the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers in their daily duties. While details surrounding the medical emergency that led to his passing remain limited, the incident highlights the physical demands and potential for unforeseen circumstances within the profession. The competitive nature of the Criminal Interdiction Unit selection process suggests a rigorous training environment, further emphasizing the challenges faced by those seeking specialized roles within the FHP.
The Florida Highway Patrol, a division of the FLHSMV, is responsible for traffic enforcement, crash investigation, and public safety across the state. The loss of a trooper represents a significant blow to the agency and the communities it serves. The memorial service and procession are intended to provide a final tribute to Trooper Diego’s dedication and sacrifice, while also offering support to his family and colleagues during this difficult time.
The decision to live-stream the service reflects a broader trend of utilizing technology to extend access to memorial events, particularly in cases involving public servants. This allows individuals who are unable to attend in person to participate in the remembrance and offer their respects. The restriction on cameras within the auditorium is likely intended to maintain a sense of solemnity and privacy for the grieving family and attendees.
The planned law enforcement procession is a traditional display of respect and solidarity among officers from various agencies. Such processions often involve a coordinated movement of vehicles, symbolizing the collective mourning and support for the fallen officer. The route selection and traffic management measures are crucial to ensure the safety of participants and minimize disruption to the public.