Mother of Fallen Orlando Deputy: ‘He Always Gave Thanks to the Good Lord’

"We know He's looking down on us."
By
Editor

The Orlando police officers who died in the line of duty Monday were honored in a candlelight vigil Wednesday night.

As part of Florida’s “First Responder Week,” hundreds gathered for a moment of silence for Orlando Officer Master Sgt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Norm Lewis, including Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer.

Candles and prayer cards were handed out to the crowd, and Orlando Police Chief John Mina and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings recognized the fallen and promised that their memory would live on.

Mira and Demings assured the Orlando community that fellow officers would not rest until suspect Markeith Loyd was found. The reward for information leading to his arrest has been increased to $100,000.

A moment of silence for the officer then followed.

Clayton was shot and killed Monday morning as she attempted to stop Loyd from fleeing near a Walmart. Lewis was killed in a car crash while participating in the manhunt for Loyd.

Lewis’ mother addressed the crowd, saying although it wouldn’t be easy for the family after his loss, they would have “faith and trust in God.”

This clip shows a portion of her speech, in which she explained how her son had a strong faith.

“But most of all, he always gave thanks to the Good Lord,” she said before becoming teary eyed.

“So on behalf of Norman, me and my husband, and all of my family. We want to say… it’s not going to be easy, but we have faith and we trust God. And we know he’s looking down on us.”

Watch the powerful moment below:

—

Read More:

Police Arrest Several People Who HELPED Orlando Cop-Killer Escape

Franklin Graham Calls Nation to ‘Pray for All Our Law Enforcement’ After Sobering Report on Cop Killings

Mysterious Voice Led Cops to Save a Baby Girl — and This Officer Is Convinced It Was ‘Divine Intervention.’