Sponsoring the Rogai Family Foundation Honoring Fallen Officer Jesse Madsen

After making the ultimate sacrifice by veering his vehicle in the line of a wrong-way driver, Officer Jesse Madsen lost his life. Tampa recently honored the heroic officer, and Zervos & Calta, PLLC was proud to be part of the memorial. 

Honoring Fallen Officer, Jesse Madsen

Officer Jesse Madsen lived a life of service. He served in the Army and Marine Corps. He is a decorated combat veteran who served two combat tours in El Salvador and Afghanistan.  

Officer Madsen saved a person who was shot at a Tampa nightclub in 2012. As a patrol officer, he constantly took risks when responding to calls. He was a recipient of the Tampa Police Department’s Life Saving Award nine times. For 16 and a half years, he proudly served as a Tampa Police Officer.

On March 9, 2021, Officer Madsen completed his last act of heroism. A drunk wrong-way driver was speeding on Interstate 275. Madsen recognized the danger to other motorists. He activated his emergency lights and crashed into the wrong-way driver to save the lives of others. A local woman, Yarrellys Ruiz, was driving down the same road as Officer Madsen that fateful night. She said that he saved her life with his incredible act of bravery, as well as six other lives that night. She now plans to work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and fight to ensure Jesse Madsen’s name is never forgotten.

Officer Madsen’s badge was retired, and his name was etched into the Tampa Police Fallen Officers Memorial. He was the 32nd Tampa Police Officer to make the ultimate sacrifice. His loved ones remember Madsen as a loving husband, father, and friend. 

After his death, police went into a seven-day mourning period. City Hall and bridges lit up in blue to honor the fallen officer. The Tampa Police Benevolent Association raised funds for the officer’s family. They also sold memorial t-shirts, with proceeds going directly to the family.

Zervos and Calta PLLC Sponsorship

The Tampa Police Department held a memorial ceremony one year after the slain officer’s death. Officers dressed in full regalia observed a period of silence and listened to stories about the officer’s acts of heroism. The memorial took place outside Tampa headquarters, where loved ones were also present. A local singer performed “Amazing Grace.” An officer rang a bell while proclaiming, “Officer Jesse B. Madsen, you are not forgotten.”

That evening, an inaugural event sponsored by Zervos & Calta, PLLC, and other supporters was held to launch the Rogai Family Foundation. The event raised funds to support L.E.O. “Law Enforcement Officer’s” Memorial Sculpture. An art installation is being planned to use parts of Officer Madsen’s patrol vehicle. The sculpture will be erected at the Tampa Police Department District 1 Station in honor of Jesse Madsen and other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help or if you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, contact Zervos & Calta, PLLC.