Orlando Police Chief John Mina escorted the family of slain Lieutenant Debra Clayton for a special remembrance ceremony Thursday. 

  • Annual Orange County Law Enforcement Memorial 
  • Special tribute for Lt. Debra Clayton, Deputy Norman Lewis

Hundreds filled the courtyard in front of the Orange County Courthouse for the 2017 Law Enforcement Memorial and Candlelight vigil.

The ceremony was about honoring not only Lt. Debra Clayton and Deputy First Class Norm Lewis, but all of those who have fallen before them in Orange County.

The families of the fallen sat in the very front. Orlando Police Chief John Mina noting their sacrifice during his speech.

“You have shared in the grief and the tears with us, and your love will help us heal,” said Mina.  

Forty-eight men and women in total have died in the line of duty in Orange County.

In their honor, a candle of remembrance was lit during the ceremony.

"We are a community that has been a victim of extreme violence this past year, that has left many emotionally scarred,” said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.   

Scarred but not broken, because each person who came out Thursday night, came for those not able to stand in the crowd. They came for the people everyone has vowed to never forget.

"You have proven heroes live forever, you have shown that we will never forget. And because of you, our heroes may be gone, but never forgotten,” said Menachem Green, treasurer, Central Florida Concerns of Police Survivors.

Deputy Lewis' family was not able to attend. Sheriff Demings said Lewis' father is currently in hospice, which is why they were unable to come.