TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police and hundreds of supporters took to the streets Saturday morning for the 28th Annual Memorial 5K Run for Fallen Officers.

What You Need To Know

  •  Saturday was the 28th Annual Run for Fallen Officers

  •  Thirty-two Tampa Police Officers ran in memory of those that have fallen in the line of duty

  •  Proceeds from the run go to scholarships and financial assistance for families of fallen officers 

First responders are known for running towards danger to protect and serve but this time they’re running for those who ran towards that danger, and paid with their lives.

“We have 32 men and women here who are running in honor of each of those officers,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “(They) carry on that promise... that we will never forget the sacrifice that they have made.”

Among the 32 Tampa Police Officers running in the 5K run was Major Eric DeFelice.

“Specifically, I’m running for Jesse Madsen.” said DeFelice. “Jesse was not only a co-worker, he was also a dear friend and a fishing partner.”

Master Officer Madsen was killed in the line of duty on March 9, 2021 when he used his vehicle to stop a wrong way driver on I-275.

Running in Madsen's memory and the memory of the other officers was an easy call for the major.

“Today isn’t about an individual’s pain," said DeFelice. "It’s about the 32 men and women who lost their lives at the Tampa Police Department and today we honor them.”

Proceeds from the annual run, go towards scholarships and financial assistance to the families of those fallen officers.