Mourners offer condolences to deputy’s family

Hundreds honor Lewis at visitation

Hundreds of family members, friends and fellow law enforcement officers from across Central Florida gathered Thursday night to honor fallen Orange County deputy Norman Lewis, who was killed Jan. 9 in the search for an accused cop killer.

They greeted each other with hugs and tears as they attended a four-hour visitation for Lewis at First Baptist Orlando.

Photos and memorabilia filled two tables in the lobby, one with Lewis’ work books and the helmet he wore while riding his motorcycle on patrol.

Outside, a black Orange County patrol car honoring fallen officers was parked near the entrance with a large wreath of flowers on the windshield to honor Lewis, an 11-year department veteran and former University of Central Florida football player.

Loved ones lined up to pay their final respects. Each walked away from Lewis’ coffin in tears.

His body was dressed in his uniform, a white button-down shirt and green pants. The top of the wooden casket was marked with the Orange County Sheriff Office’s logo, Lewis’ name and years of birth and death. He was 35 when he died.

The casket was flanked on both sides by nearly two dozen colorful flower arrangements — one in the shape of a sheriff ’s star — and by a large photo of him in uniform.

One by one, Lewis’ parents greeted guests and thanked them for their support, each time tearing up. They wore black shirts bearing images of their son.

Each guest shared a story about Lewis. Some memories brought la u g h t e r. Others brought tears.

Lewis was killed in a traffic crash as he and other law officers assisted in the hunt for Markeith Loyd, 41, who is wanted in the shooting death of Orlando police Sgt. Debra Clayton earlier that day. Investigators also say he killed his preg- nant girlfriend, Sade Dixon, 24, in December.

A funeral is planned for today at the church. Lewis will be honored with a video tribute, songs and speeches by fellow deputies. The service begins at 11 a.m.

A second memorial is scheduled for Sunday at Murdock Baptist Church in his hometown of Port Charlotte, followed by his burial at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Punta Gorda.