(CNN) One officer was a mother known for working with youth in the Orlando community.

The other was a hulking former college football player known as "Big Norm."

On Monday morning, Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, 42, was shot to death. A few hours later, Norman Lewis, a deputy first class with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, was killed in an vehicle accident while searching for Clayton's assailant.

The deaths are a double tragedy for a community still recovering from the Pulse nightclub shooting that left 49 dead in June.

"To lose two law enforcement officers on this Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day is indeed a tragedy," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

A candlelight vigil in their memory was held Tuesday evening in the Walmart parking lot where Clayton was killed. At police headquarters, Clayton's patrol vehicle was parked in front, next to a memorial wreath.

Here's what we know about the two officers:

Debra Clayton

Clayton was killed Monday morning while trying to arrest Markeith Loyd, a murder suspect, outside a Walmart, police have said.

She grew up in the Orlando area and had worked 17 years for the police department, police Chief John Mina said.

Clayton earned two degrees from the University of Central Florida, a bachelor's degree in public administration and a master's in criminal justice, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Her cousin, Jonathan Thomas, told the Sentinel that Clayton had long been interested in police work.

"It was her passion," he said. "She wanted to be a police officer so she could do good and get bad people off the streets."

Mina said Clayton devoted herself to helping youth.

This loss only strengthens our resolve to fight for justice. Sgt. Clayton grew up in this area and made it her life's work to protect it. pic.twitter.com/4r1ZVj5JLe — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

"She did so many different projects in the community.," he said. "She organized several marches against violence by herself."

Clayton was involved in Operation Positive Direction, he said. That's a youth mentoring program that helps middle and high school students "who face social, economic and academic challenges in an effort to set them on successful paths for their future," the city website said.

Sgt. Clayton was extremely active with @pkzorlando. She loved working with kids and they loved her too! Rest peacefully, Sarge. pic.twitter.com/Xfpm4ctiqP — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

"She personally traveled and mentored kids in this area and went on trips to Washington, D.C., and other parts of the country," Mina said.

"Debra Clayton is a hero," Mina said, "and she gave her life protecting the community that she loved."

One commendation Sgt. Clayton received in her 17 years at OPD. In this one, @ChiefJohnMina says "we can count on you to go that extra mile" pic.twitter.com/3RvSxRp5Da — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

Teresa Sokolovic said Clayton was a faithful friend, staying with her two days last year after Sokolovic had surgery.

"I didn't know anyone with a bigger heart," Sokolovic told the Sentinel. "She was an angel."

The funeral for Clayton is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Orlando.

Many have asked how they can help. There's a fund for Master Sgt. Clayton's family. This is the ONLY official fund. https://t.co/QfjYmY3nrg pic.twitter.com/ih2RQxurhI — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 10, 2017

Norman Lewis

Lewis was killed in an auto accident about 2½ hours after Clayton was shot. As a massive manhunt for the shooting suspect was underway, Lewis was driving a motorcycle when a motorist turned in front of him, Demings said.

Lewis had worked 11 years with the sheriff's department, mostly in the traffic division. He also graduated from the University of Central Florida, playing in the offensive line on the school football team from 2000-2003 and graduating in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice, CNN affiliate WFTV reported.

Orlando attorney Brian Sandor met Lewis while both were students at UCF. They remained friends.

"'Big Norm' was known as much for his infectious ear-to-ear smile as he was his 6-foot-3, nearly 300-pound towering frame," Sandor said. "His smile and laugh took over any room he was in."

Sandor said he would run into Lewis in the courtroom and other spots.

"I'll miss our time goofing off in court during recesses," Sandor said. "He always made long breaks fly by. However, what I will miss the most is my friend and a man who I knew was always ready to protect this entire community."

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of beloved Deputy First Class Norman Lewis. The 11-year-veteran died in a crash today. #RIP pic.twitter.com/LX5zN7JzLx — OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 9, 2017

Kyle Israel, who played quarterback at UCF, posted his thoughts on Facebook:

"R.I.P. BIG Norm. You were always a great ambassador for the UCF football program and a guy teammates always loved! Can't believe catching up with each other two weeks ago was going to be the last time. You will be missed my friend."

Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol told WFTV that Lewis was a loyal officer.

"He did his job every day and I think the public needs to know whether it's doing mundane (tasks) or looking for the worst person possible, we are out there doing our jobs, and that's what he was doing," Montes said.</s>(Reuters) - A man wanted for killing his former girlfriend fatally shot an Orlando, Florida, police officer on Monday, authorities said, prompting a manhunt and a reward of up to $60,000.

Helicopters buzzed the skies while scores of police shut streets and went door to door in their search for the suspect, identified as Markeith Loyd, 41. He was considered armed and dangerous.

An Orange County sheriff’s deputy in the manhunt for Loyd was killed in a collision between his motorcycle and a van, police said. The driver of the van was a 78-year-old man, according to local TV station News 6.

“We are bringing this dirt bag to justice,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina said of Loyd at a news conference, adding that federal agents had joined the search.

“We will track him down to the ends of the earth,” he told a later news conference.

Authorities said the slain officer, Master Sergeant Debra Clayton, was shot while responding to a sighting of the suspect at a local Walmart. Loyd fired at her and she returned fire, Mina said, adding that he did not believe Loyd was hit.

Loyd fled the shooting scene outside the store in a car and fired at a deputy who tried to the stop him, authorities said. The deputy was unharmed.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a day of mourning after the officers’ deaths.

Authorities have been trying to capture Loyd in connection with the December murder of a pregnant woman who was once his girlfriend, the Orange County Sheriff’s office said.

Clayton, a decorated 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department, died at a hospital, the department said. Photos posted on social media showed her at community events, working to improve relations between police and residents.

“The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today,” the department said on Twitter, showing a video of officers escorting a U.S. flag-draped gurney.

Slideshow (2 Images)

Local media said Clayton was one of the first officers to respond to the Pulse gay nightclub massacre in Orlando last June, the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history, where a gunman killed 49 people.

Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, an 11-year-veteran, was killed in the manhunt for Loyd, the Orange County Sheriff’s office said. Lewis, 35, once played football for the University of Central Florida. it said.

“Norm will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, gentle giant,” it said on its Facebook page.</s>Two Florida officers were killed Monday during a manhunt for a murder suspect who has been on the run since he was accused of fatally shooting a pregnant mother last month.

Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was shot by the suspect, Markeith Loyd, after responding to a sighting of him outside a Walmart around 7:15 a.m. Monday, police chief John Mina told reporters. Clayton was a 17-year veteran of the force and didn’t survive her multiple gunshot wounds, despite other officers rushing to her aid shortly after, Mina said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office then responded to the scene, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. The suspect carjacked a vehicle and a high-speed car chase ensued, with the suspect firing at least one shot, Demings said.

A Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed in a resulting crash while traveling on his motorcycle, Demings said. The deputy has not yet been identified.

Loyd is accused of the Dec. 13 killing of Sade Dixon, 24, who was three months pregnant and was a mother of two.

Officials said the hunt continues for Loyd, who is believed to be armed and dangerous.

“We’re going to bring this dirtbag to justice and he’s going to go to jail,” Mina said at a news conference.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared Monday an official day of mourning. Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he was “heartbroken and angered” over the loss of lives.</s>Two law enforcement officers have been killed during a massive manhunt for a murder suspect in Orlando, Fla.

Master Sgt. Debra Clayton radioed from a Wal-Mart shortly after 7 a.m. Monday, saying she was "attempting to contact a murder suspect," according to a statement from the City of Orlando. Other officers radioed two minutes later, reporting that an officer had been shot. The 17-year veteran of the department died after she was transported to a hospital.

Police are seeking Markeith Loyd in the murder of a pregnant woman named Sade Dixon last month.

Loyd fled from the Wal-Mart and pulled into a nearby apartment building, where police say he fired shots at a sheriff's deputy but did not harm him. Loyd then allegedly stole a car and escaped.

This put a manhunt into motion for the suspect, described as "armed and extremely dangerous." During the search, authorities say, a sheriff's deputy riding a motorcycle was hit by a car and later died. The deputy has been identified as Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, an 11-year-veteran of the force.

"This is probably one of the toughest days for me in my career," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. "Because not only did we lose an Orlando police officer today, we lost an Orange County deputy sheriff as well who was traveling on his motorcycle as a result of these broad efforts that we have underway."

Law enforcement is "highly motivated to bring this suspect to justice," the sheriff said. There is a reward of up to $60,000 for information about the 41-year-old Loyd.

The Orlando Police Department says Clayton was married with a son. "She was extremely committed to our youth and really, the community," Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters. "And she did so many different projects in the community. She organized several marches against violence by herself — that's how committed she is."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office tweeted that Lewis was a "gentle giant" with a "million dollar smile."

In a statement, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said, "These tragic deaths make clear the great risks that our brave men and women in uniform face each and every day, and the deep and abiding gratitude that our nation owes them for their service."</s>Nearly 400 Orange County, Calif., timeshares -- including 30 at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas above, will be auctioned off by the county in its first online tax auction, set for Jan. 18-19. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Monday.

Start the conversation, or Read more at The Orange County Register.</s>A 21-year-old suspect wanted in connection with the murder of an Indian student in Dherynia has been handed over to the Cyprus police following his arrest by the Sovereign Base Areas Police. The suspect was arrested at the Pergamos crossing on Thursday night along with two Pakistani nationals who were trying help him escape to the north of the island.

Start the conversation, or Read more at The Cyprus Weekly.</s>PHOENIX - A suspect was killed in a police shooting Monday afternoon in Phoenix near 35th and Dunlap avenues.

Phoenix fire officials said the 38-year-old suspect was taken to a trauma center in extremely critical condition. Police later said the suspect had died.

Police at the scene said officers had stopped a white SUV. The driver had an outstanding warrant and was arrested.

Officers then searched the vehicle and found a shotgun. They began talking to the passenger, who took off on foot. While an officer chased him, the suspect threatened the officer, concealing his hands and saying he had a gun and would shoot him, a police spokesperson said.

The officer chased the suspect past another officer who was in the area on an unrelated matter. After passing the second officer, the suspect turned around to confront the officers, the spokesperson said. Both officers shot at the suspect, who was hit.

Police said no officers were injured and no suspects were outstanding.

The police spokesperson did not say whether a gun was found on the suspect.</s>Mesa County authorities have issued a warrant for a 37-year-old Littleton man in the October homicide of a Palisade man.

Matthew Mitchell is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

His whereabouts are unknown, though investigators do not believe he is still in the Grand Junction area. He is believed to be in a 2005 dark blue Cadillac with temporary Colorado license plates, according to a Mesa County sheriff’s press release.

Mitchell is suspected in the Oct. 16 shooting death of Paul Davis. In the meantime Mesa County authorities have been working with Denver metro agencies and executing search warrants and court orders to collect DNA and fingerprint evidence.

Mitchell is wanted for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, first-degree burglary, theft between $5,000 and $20,000 and possession of a firearm by a previous offender.
Two Orange County, Florida police officers are killed in connection with an apprehension attempt of a murder suspect.