As Orlando Police mourn slain officer Debra Clayton, Orange County Sheriff's deputies are mourning the death of one of their own in connection with this case.
- Deputy Norm Lewis killed in motorcycle collision on Pine Hills Road
- Lewis, UCF graduate, was 11-year veteran of Sheriff's Office
- Lewis was part of manhunt for suspect in Orlando Police officer slaying
- SUSPECT SEARCH: Complete coverage
Deputy 1st Class Norman Lewis, 35, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a minivan on Balboa Drive and Pine Hills Road Monday morning. Lewis was part of the manhunt for Clayton's killer.
"This motor guy was one of the best," said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes. "And I know people say that all the time but everyone knows this guy, and he was just a wonderful loving human being."
That million dollar smile. The consummate professional. That's how we will remember our gentle giant DFC Norm Lewis. RIP. #BigNorm pic.twitter.com/I6BbSSCLeW
— OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 9, 2017
According to the investigation, a minivan pulled directly into the deputy's path. Montes explained charges are pending against the Minivan's driver, 78-year-old Billie Jarrard of Clermont.
The Sheriff's Office described Lewis as having a million-dollar smile and being a gentle giant. He was an 11-year veteran of the force.
OCSO Deputies,Sheriff, @FLGovScott and others salute as the flag-draped body of our beloved deputy is escorted from the hospital. pic.twitter.com/19HNg6JVQU
— OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 9, 2017
Lewis was a University of Central Florida alumnus who got his degree in criminal justice in 2004. He also was an offensive lineman for the Knights. Clayton was also a UCF alumna.
“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.”
Gone way too soon while answering the call to protect and serve this great community for @OrangeCoSheriff .
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) January 9, 2017
Rest easy, Big Norm. pic.twitter.com/sCnHl4frgp