Fallen officer's partner: 'He'd always run to the danger'
TAMPA, Fla. - For almost eight years, Tampa officers Michael Strom and Jesse Madsen rode side by side as partners. They were tight – on the job, and off.
"No matter what kind of situation we were in, I knew we'd be OK because he was right there with me," said Officer Strom.
Wednesday, Strom and others wore a black band over their badge honoring the fallen officer. Tuesday morning, Madsen lost his life stopping a wrong-way driver on I-275. He is said to have purposely driven his cruiser into the path of the oncoming car to save others.
TPD officer sacrificed life to save others from wrong-way driver
Within a matter of moments, the life of a Tampa police officer – a 16-year veteran of the force and U.S. Marine Corps veteran – was cut short in a wrong-way crash, and investigators believe he purposely veered into the oncoming vehicle to save others.
"He'd always run to the danger, there's no hesitation," said Officer Matthew Drumsta.
Drumsta was mentored by Madsen. Their bond was so tight, he asked Madsen to be the godfather of his newborn.
"His godfather was a courageous person, an amazing person," Drumsta continued.
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Hero officer remembered as a brave friend, dedicated father
It's a sad day for the city of Tampa, but especially for those who knew Officer Jesse Madsen. The Marine Corps veteran and father of three deliberately rammed a wrong-way driver to prevent a larger tragedy.
Madsen served 16 and a half years with TPD. He also served in the U.S. Marines. In his off time, he was a fisherman, enjoyed shooting sports, and was a husband and father of three children.
"This community has lost a great cop, somebody that cared about this city and cared about its citizens and its visitors and the safety of them," added Sgt. Ed Croissant. "That's huge."
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