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Brevard County sheriff's deputy uses paint and canvas to honor fallen Orlando officer

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County sheriff’s deputy has put brush to canvas to honor the memory of fallen Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was killed in the line of duty trying to apprehend a murder suspect on Jan. 9.

A self-taught artist, Lance Behringer has mainly focused on painting sports figures, but after Clayton’s death decided to use his talent to do something for her family.

Photos: Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton

Video: 'Missing Man' formation honors fallen OPD Sgt. Debra Clayton

Clayton was shot to death on Jan. 9 when she confronted a man wanted in connection with the killing of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December.

The alleged gunman in both cases, Markeith Loyd, was arrested on Jan. 17 at an abandoned home on the 1100 block of Lescot Lane after a massive manhunt that spanned more than a month.

Behringer took to Twitter to offer the painting to Clayton’s husband and children, drawing a, “Wow! Thank you” from the Orlando Police Department.

According to the deputy’s Facebook page, he decided to make the painting shortly after Clayton was killed.

A time-lapse video of Behringer making the portrait was also posted to his Facebook page.