ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of people filled the First Baptist Orlando church Sunday afternoon to pay their final respects to fallen Orange County Deputy First Class Norman Lewis.
The funeral comes a day after more than 5,000 people filled the same church to honor Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton.
During the service, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings awarded Lewis with an agency Purple Heart for his sacrifice, and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs proclaimed Jan. 15 Deputy First Class Norman Lewis Day in the county.
Raw: Deputy Norman Lewis' mother gives emotional message
Before the funeral, Demings said that Lewis' mother would attend the funeral, despite having recently been hospitalized. The service was originally planned for Friday but was postponed due to a "family emergency."
Lewis, or "Big Norm" as some of his colleagues affectionately called him, died in the line of duty Monday.
The 11-year veteran was struck and killed by a driver who crashed into his motorcycle.
Photos: Orange County Deputy Norman Lewis' funeral
He was responding to the search for Markeith Loyd, the man accused of killing Clayton.
During the service, which began at 2:30 p.m., "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" will be sung. View the funeral program here.
Lewis has been fondly remembered by the community he served. Since his death, relatives and friends have shared countless memories of his kindness.
Listen: Dispatcher reads ‘last call' for fallen Orange County deputy
Photos: Orange County Deputy Norm Lewis
Former Orange County deputy Spike Hopkins posted to Facebook that he contacted a woman who told him she had a particularly touching story about Lewis.
The woman told Hopkins that Lewis responded to her neighborhood for an incident that ended up being resolved.
While he was there, she offered Lewis a plate of brownies, but he politely declined.
Related story: Chick-fil-A honors fallen deputy in touching tribute
She said he came back a few days later and asked for more brownies, except this time he offered to pay for the treats.
The woman said she believed it was his way of making sure her children had lunch money.
Lewis, who was born Jan. 2, 1982, in New York City's Manhattan borough and graduated from Port Charlotte High School in South Florida.
Raw: Deputy Norman Lewis remembered as a 'great man'
He later moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida, where he played football. In 2004, he graduated from the school with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Lewis joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in August 2005. The deputy, who had a passion for motorcycle, later joined the agency’s motors/DUI unit to curtail aggressive driving.
Norman is survived by his parents, Norma and John Lewis. He is preceded in death by his brother, Darryl Smiley, and his sister Cecilia Jean Lewis.
Related story: ‘He wanted to make a difference,’ says mother of fallen Orange County deputy
Following the service, Interstate 4 was temporary shut down near South John Young Parkway.
A second viewing and funeral service is planned for Monday afternoon at the Murdock Baptist Church in Port Charlotte.
Lewis will then be buried at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda.
Previous story: Fallen Orange County deputy 'always with a smile,' relatives say
Videos of Clayton's funeral service:
- Raw: Procession of Deputy Norman Lewis to First Baptist Orlando
- Raw: Casket carrying Deputy First Class Normal Lewis arrives at First Baptist Orlando
- Raw: Deputy Norman Lewis' casket being carried into church
- Raw: 'He was a cop's cop' says Sheriff Demings before Deputy Lewis' funeral
- Raw: Officers speak about Deputy Lewis
- Raw: 'I'd imagine he's giving a ticket to someone in heaven'
- Raw: Orange County sheriff posthumously awards Deputy Lewis a Purple Heart
- Raw: Deputy Norman Lewis' motor squad recalled memories of their friend
- Raw: Deputy Norman Lewis' motor squad remembers kindness, servitude
- Raw: Mayor Teresa Jacobs declared Jan. 15 as "Deputy First Class Norman Lewis" Day