TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department will hold a memorial ceremony this Thursday to honor the life and sacrifice of Officer Norris Epps Jr., who died in the line of duty 30 years ago.
On January 18, 1995, Officer Epps, a six-year veteran of the force, was participating in a search and rescue mission for a missing firefighter in Old Tampa Bay when the helicopter he was in crashed into the frigid waters. Tragically, Officer Epps lost his life in the accident.
Despite the dangerous conditions, Officer Ed Bowden bravely jumped into the bay to attempt a rescue, using the back seat of his patrol car as a flotation device. He was able to save the helicopter pilot, Dan Gilligan, but sadly, Officer Epps could not be reached in time.
Officer Epps, who had dreams of becoming a canine handler, was only 30 years old at the time of his death. His loss left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the entire Tampa Police Department.
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To honor Officer Epps’s memory and the sacrifices of all fallen officers, the Tampa Police Department will host a Memorial Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at 11:30 AM in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers outside Tampa Police Headquarters.
The ceremony will include a tribute by the Tampa Police Honor Guard and the presence of members of the Tampa Police Aviation Unit, standing alongside Officer Epps’s family.
The community is invited to attend the ceremony and join in remembering Officer Epps and ensuring his sacrifice is never forgotten. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live on the Tampa Police Department’s Facebook page.
This memorial ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the risks taken by law enforcement officers every day to protect and serve their communities. Officer Epps’s dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Tampa Police Department and the citizens of Tampa.
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