Officer Lewis receives the award for his heroic actions on December 29, 2011. He was working off-duty at a local grocery store when two armed and masked gunmen entered with a semi-automatic weapon, demanding money. Officer Lewis announced that he was an officer and moved to shield other employees as he drew his weapon.
Officer Lewis was struck four times by the assailants’ bullets and ultimately succumbed to his wounds. He died after protecting the store’s employees and customers, none of whom were harmed.
For giving his life in defense of others, we honor Officer Lewis. His mother, Maxine Hooks, and his fiancée, Tamara Tucker, will accept the award on his behalf.