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…