The UCF community is mourning along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department after two law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty today.
Deputy 1st Class Norman Lewis and Master Sgt. Debra Clayton were both UCF alumni, the UCF Police Department said in a tweet containing the picture used in this story.
Master Sgt. Clayton, a 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department, was killed trying to apprehend Markeith Loyd, 41, who is accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December.
Loyd is still on the run, with a $60,000 reward being offered for anyone with information leading to his capture.
Master Sgt. Clayton loved and was deeply committed to the community she served, Orlando Police Chief John W. Mina said at a press conference today. She was involved in several mentorship programs for children in the Pine Hills and Parramore communities, he said.
According to the UCF Police Department, Master Sgt. Clayton earned a degree in Public Administration from UCF in 1998, and a master’s in Criminal Justice in 2002.
While searching for the man who killed Master Sgt. Clayton, Deputy 1st Class Norman Lewis’ motorcycle was hit by a van on Pine Hills Road.
Deputy Lewis, an 11-year veteran of the department, died at the hospital.
Deputy Lewis will be remembered by his “million dollar smile and consummate professionalism,” The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a tweet.
A former offensive lineman for the UCF football team, Deputy Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2004, the UCF Police Department said.
“Master Sgt. Clayton and Deputy First Class Lewis dedicated their lives to making our community safer, and they were outstanding role models,” UCF President John Hitt said in a statement.
“Our UCF family joins the Orlando Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office in mourning their deaths. They are heroes and Knights forever.”
