Mother of fallen officer joins University of Central Florida to honor son's life

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - One year since their deaths in the line of duty, Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Norman Lewis were memorialized in two ceremonies this morning.

The first happened at their alma mater, the University of Central Florida. The family of Deputy Lewis was there to present a portrait of him to UCF. Before the ceremony even started though, Lewis' mother, Norma, knew she had something to say.

“Today is going to be a day of celebration -- we are celebrating Norman's life,” Lewis said, “the sacrifice that he gave, but doing the job that he loved to do.”

Exactly one year ago, Deputy Lewis died in a motorcycle crash while hunting for Markeith Loyd, who Orlando Police say gunned-down police Lt. Debra Clayton, earlier that morning. His mother said he would have had no regrets.

“And trust me, if he had to do it all over again, he would do it exactly the same way,” Norma Lewis said.

Lewis and Lt. Clayton both graduated from UCF, Lewis was also a lineman on the football team. At the ceremony, his mother proudly wore his college ring. Lewis' family said the Student Athlete Leadership Center on campus was the perfect place to hang a portrait of their fallen son. They say he was through-and-through, a UCF Knight.

“This is Norman as Norman, with his smile as a gentle giant,” Norma Lewis beamed, “so, Momma Lewis is doing what Momma Lewis do - and go Knights! Go!”

After addresses by Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and UCF Police Chief Richard Beary, a motorcade of police officers and sheriff's deputies left campus, ready to carry-on Norma Lewis' wish for people in Central Florida to serve and protect their communities.