TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay community is remembering a fallen hero.

Tampa Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen was laid to rest Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

Madsen, 45, was killed last week in a crash while responding to calls about a wrong-way driver on Interstate 275.

"What Jesse did that morning goes to the very core of who he was...a protector," Mayor Jane Castor said. 

Today’s visitation and funeral was held at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz. The services were open to the public.

The service included full honors, including a 21-gun salute, a playing of Taps, a riderless horse, a flyover, a flag-folder presentation and a final radio call.

Attendees are asked to wear formal, dark colored clothing and a mask.

The committal service follows at 2:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery.

Madsen was a husband and father of three and a Marine. He was a 7-time Lifesaving Award-winner. He is the 32nd Tampa police officer to die in the line of duty.

“One of the most loyal, honest people I’ve ever met,” said fellow officer Ofc. Ryan Agostinis. “And its…. It's a shame he had to go out this way but I know he went out doing what he loved. Protecting the citizens of Tampa, people he’d never even met.”

"Ya know, if you called 911 and needed someone's help, he is the one you'd want to show up," Chief Brian Dugan added. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff today at a number of places in honor of Ofc. Madsen.

A Memorial Fund for Jesse’s family has been established at the Tampa PBA and Rise Tampa (risetampa.org/OfficerMadsen). Donations may be made online or by check. Please include Jesse’s name in the memo line for all checks.

Law Enforcement Agencies To Honor Ofc. Madsen With Boat Parade Tuesday Night

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other agencies from the Tampa Bay area will honor Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen of Tampa Police Department, Sergeant Brian LaVigne of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy Michael Magli of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for their service and ultimate sacrifice to their community.

Law enforcement officers will begin their tribute at 8 p.m. with a line of 16 vessels at the Platt Street Bridge all heading north on the Hillsborough River to represent Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen’s sixteen years of service in law enforcement. Once they arrive at Armature Works, three vessels (one representing each of the three officers lost in the line of duty in the Tampa area this year) will lead their return to the Tampa Convention Center.

The following agencies will be represented: Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Air Force (MacDill AFB), United States Coast Guard, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, New Port Richey Police Department, and Treasure Island Police Department.

The FWC and partner agencies would like to honor these heroes in the best way that we know how and any members of the public who wish to show their support can view the tribute from Riverwalk at the Platt Street Bridge up to Armature Works. We ask that the public view the tribute from land so that the view of the law enforcement vessels is not impeded.