UPDATE: Police honors fallen honorary officer

UPDATE 9 P.M. MONDAY, SEPT. 6, 2021

CYNTHIANA, Ky. (WTVQ) – Teenagers aren’t supposed to die from a brain tumor. They’re supposed to grow up and chase their dreams. That’s what Clayton Arnold did in his hometown of Cynthiana, where he always wanted to become a police officer and serve his community.

His community is dealing with the heavy loss of Clayton Arnold, who died over the weekend after a courageous fight. His death coming just days after making his dream a reality.

“Clayton was always real energetic,” says Sgt. Alan Judy of the Cynthiana Police Department. “He was always happy.”

Clayton was sworn in as an honorary Cynthiana police officer last Wednesday and he died Saturday morning. Cynthiana Police Chief Doug Robinson says there’s no doubt in his mind Clayton would have made a great officer and he will be receiving the honors of a fallen officer through wearing the stripe over officer badges and having the Lexington Honor Guard be part of a ceremony.

“Everybody feels something like this,” says Chief Robinson. “Everybody feels it, whether you knew him or not, you feel it because of what he stood for, because of what he dealt with and the strength that he had as an individual and as a young man.”

Clayton was given badge number 59 and did a final ride along where he was able to answer radio calls using his own badge number.

“I’m glad he got the experience. It’s something he wanted to do and he was able to achieve that,” says Judy.

“Strength and honor and courage, for someone like that young man,” says Robinson. “I mean those are things you just don’t find everywhere and that’s what made him special.”

Clayton’s visitation is Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Ware Funeral Home followed by his funeral Wednesday morning at 11.

ORIGINAL POST

CYNTHIANA, Ky. (WTVQ) – A young man who had his dream fulfilled last week has died.

Clayton Arnold always wanted to be a police officer and had become an inspiration for members of the Cynthiana Police Department, joining them for ride-alongs and helping around the station.

A brain tumor had begun to debilitate him and Wednesday, he was sworn in as an honorary Cynthiana Police officer, fulfilling his dream. He was given badge number 59.

The department announced Saturday he had died.

“It is with our deepest sympathies that we announce the passing of Honorary Officer Clayton Arnold. You truly were a fighter, you were loved by many and you will be missed #59. Please keep Clayton’s family in your thoughts and prayers!” the department said in its Facebook post.