TAMPA, Fla. — Early Tuesday morning, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan delivered the news that one of the department's officers had been killed in a wrong-way crash in the line of duty.
Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, died when a 25-year-old man driving the wrong way on I-275 crashed into his police cruiser. Officer Madsen had served the Tampa Police Department for more than 16 years.
Chief Dugan said Madsen is the department's 32nd officer to die in the line of duty.
State leaders and law enforcement agencies from across the Tampa Bay area are sending their condolences.
Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted that he and the First Lady were heartbroken by the news.
"@FLCaseyDeSantis and I are heartbroken by the death of @TampaPD Officer Jesse Madsen who was tragically killed in the line of duty. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the Tampa law enforcement community."
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office tweeted this from Sheriff Chad Chronister: “It pains me to say that for the third time this year, our Tampa Bay law enforcement community has lost one of our own in the line of duty. Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen was killed in a wrong-way crash this morning. Officer Madsen’s sacrifice for the safety of our community will never be forgotten. All of us on #teamHCSO are praying for and will stand with you @TampaPD”
This is what the Sarasota Police Department said: "We’re devastated to hear this. @TampaPD Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen was killed this morning in the line of duty by a wrong way driver. Officer Madsen, thank you for your service & sacrifice. Our hearts are with Officer Madsen’s family and our brothers & sisters @TampaPD."
The Ocoee Police Department sent their condolences on Twitter.
"Sadly, we are once again shrouding our badges with a mourning band. We honor of the sacrifice of Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen, who died in a traffic crash this morning. He was killed when his police vehicle was stuck by a wrong way driver early this morning."
The Clearwater Police Department said on Twitter, "Our thoughts are with our @TampaPD family and the family of Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen. The 16-year veteran police officer was killed in the line of duty early this morning when a wrong-way driver struck his car head-on. We will #NeverForget his service and sacrifice."
Tampa Fire Rescue tweeted, "Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss of MPO Jesse Madsen. Our condolences to his family and our brothers and sisters at the Tampa Police Department. May God rest his soul."
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor tweeted her condolences.
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