and last updated 2021-03-09 23:15:46-05
TAMPA, Fla. â The Tampa Police officer who died after crashing into a wrong-way driver was awarded the agency s Life Saving Award seven times throughout his career.
Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, had served as a Tampa Police officer for 16 and a half years.
He was a husband and father of three. He was also a U.S. Marine.
He died on Tuesday morning around 1 a.m. after his patrol car crashed into a wrong-way driver on I-275. We have reason to believe that he veered into this oncoming car to protect others, that is what we gathered through some of our witnesses, said Police Chief Brian Dugan. When you look at someone who has earned seven Life Saving Awards, it s no surprise, he would take such swift action and do this.