University of Dayton Public Safety Officer Anthony “Tony” Eugene Cloyd will be among the law enforcement officers recognized next year at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., as an officer who died in the line of duty.

Cloyd’s name will be added to the memorial May 13 as part of the 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil during National Police Week. Because of his inclusion in the national memorial, Cloyd also will be honored on state and local memorials in Columbus and Dayton, respectively. 

Cloyd died Dec. 9, 2021, from COVID-19 at 59. He is the first UD officer to die in the line of duty, and UD retired his badge, No. 315, after his death. 

“Tony was a true representative of what it means to be a University of Dayton campus officer,” said UD Chief of Police Savalas Kidd. “He was a real part of the campus community and a true police professional with a tremendous servant’s heart.”

Cloyd came to UD in May 2005, and spent his entire career at UD as a patrol officer in the student neighborhoods. Colleagues said he enjoyed walking throughout campus, meeting and interacting with students. In the University’s announcement shortly after his death, Cloyd was described as an officer who was friendly, personable and kind, and who would pay for meals from his own pocket for homeless individuals he encountered on his beat.

Cloyd received numerous awards during his 16-year UD public safety career, and provided exemplary support and service not only to students, but to faculty and staff, the announcement read.

Because Cloyd was an active officer when he contracted COVID, his death is considered to be in the line of duty, making him eligible for inclusion on law enforcement memorials.

Cloyd’s wife, Deborah, said when she learned other officers who died during the pandemic had been added to the memorial, she contacted UD Sgt. Bradley Swank to ask about submitting his name.

“He showed up to work every day during the pandemic and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Deborah Cloyd said. “He was so humble and I know he wouldn’t like all this attention, but he deserves this honor. I’m proud he will be remembered forever through these memorials in Washington, the state of Ohio and in Dayton.”