Det. Serrano, who served as a driver and bodyguard for then-Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, died when a hit-and-run driver slammed into his car after a shift.
TAMPA, Fla. — On Wednesday, Tampa police officers, family and former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio gathered outside the Tampa police memorial to honor the life of Detective Juan Serrano.
On Feb. 25, 2006, Detective Serrano had just finished a shift with Mayor Iorio at the Gasparilla Distance Classic. He was on his way home when a driver ran a red light and slammed into his car at the intersection of Gibsonton Drive and I-75 in Riverview.
Serrano spent 13 years as an officer in Puerto Rico before moving to Tampa. He then spent 17 years with the Tampa Police Department.
His widow, Mylin Matos-Serrano, told 10 Tampa Bay News he was finishing his career as the mayor’s bodyguard.
“It was his pride and joy, taking care of her and her daily activities,” she said. “He was really proud of his job.”
Shortly after his death, former Tampa Mayor Iorio said, “Detective Juan Serrano represented the best traits you can find in an officer. Hardworking, dedicated, honest, straightforward, uncomplaining and loyal. I saw in Juan a person who lived his life each day according to values and beliefs that were strong and unwavering. Detective Serrano was truly representative of the men and women of the Tampa Police Department.”
Det. Serrano was 49 when he died.
As for the driver who killed Det. Serrano, Jose Luis Espinoza, was sentenced in 2007 to 30 years in prison for DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. As of Wednesday, FDLE records show his release date is Aug. 23, 2031.