Tampa Landmarks to Shine Blue in Memory of Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen

TAMPA, FL (March 9, 2026) - - Tonight, the City of Tampa will be illuminated in blue to mark the five-year anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice made by Master Police Officer (MPO) Jesse Madsen. This tribute serves as a solemn reminder of MPO Madsen’s final act of bravery and a permanent commitment to honoring all Tampa Police Officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

"Jesse Madsen gave his life so that others would have a tomorrow," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "Tonight, we light up our city to ensure his light, and the light of all our fallen heroes, never fades."

"MPO Jesse Madsen did not just stand between our community and harm, he intentionally faced it so that others could go home," added Chief Lee Bercaw. "His sacrifice is the definitive standard of what it means to protect, and as we light the city blue, we reaffirm that his devotion to the safety of others continues to inspire this department."

In the early hours of March 9, 2021, MPO Madsen, a U.S. Marine combat veteran, husband, father of three, and nine-time Life-Saving Award recipient, intentionally veered his patrol vehicle into the path of a wrong-way driver on I-275. By turning his car into a shield, he sacrificed his life to save others. While his badge, number 507, has been retired, his legacy continues to influence the Tampa Police Department.

MPO Madsen’s spirit of selfless service carries forward through the Jesse Madsen Lifesaving Award. To date, four extraordinary Tampa officers have received this honor for demonstrating the same courage in the face of imminent danger that defined Jesse’s career.

To ensure the names of the fallen are never lost to time, the City of Tampa will illuminate key landmarks in blue on the End of Watch anniversary for each of the 32 officers etched into the department’s Monument to Fallen Officers.

Landmarks included in tonight’s illumination:
• Old City Hall 
• The Tampa Riverwalk
• Curtis Hixon Park (Palm Trees & Louver Fountain)
• Sulphur Springs Water Tower
• Bridges: Brorein St, Kennedy Blvd, Fortune St, and Platt St