A. tampaThe Florida police officer who miraculously escaped from the clutches of a serial killer as a young girl and helped authorities capture her attacker is now on her way to becoming a detective, 40 years after her unimaginable survival story.

Chief Deputy Lisa McVey Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office She told Fox News Digital about her harrowing experience as a young girl and how it led her to become a detective, dedicate her life to justice and give voice to victims.

“This is my calling,” McVey told Fox News Digital.

At the age of 17, McVey was riding his bike home in the early morning hours from a double shift at a local Krispy Kreme in Tampa when he was snatched from his moving bike and abducted by a gang. serial killer Bobby Joe Long McVey was subjected to severe abuse and torture for 26 hours as Long brutally raped her repeatedly. He left traces of DNA evidence on Long’s red as he believed he was going to die Dodge Magnum and the apartment to make sure there was evidence of what happened, including fingerprints and a lock of hairpins.

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Having had a traumatic childhood, the teenager already knew what it meant to survive and remained mentally one step ahead of her captor.

“I’m 17 years old and I’m fighting for my life,” said McVey, who is now 57 years old.

Eventually, she overpowered her attacker and convinced him to let her go, using a made-up story about having a sick father who needed her care.

The evidence she left behind and her extraordinarily detailed memories of her abduction, such as the number of stairs leading to her attacker’s apartment, helped authorities track and capture Long.

FOX NATION PREMIERES ‘SURVIVING A SERIAL KILLER’ WITH HARRIS FAULKNER

Master Deputy Lisa McVey of the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office. (Fox Nation)

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“I think that’s what made me want to be a detective,” McVey told Fox News Digital. “They were looking for an infamous serial killer for eight months. Here comes a 17-year-old kid…my proof, my quick thinking and remembering every little detail saved not only my life but countless lives, right? So in two weeks we catch him… . I worked with the police.”

McVey is on the eligibility list to become a detective and participated in a 30-day detective career development program.

“I started working in the Criminal Investigation Division dealing with victims of sexual assault, drownings, battery, missing children, abused children,” McVey said. “I was honored to be a detective for 30 days. “I’m honored to know that I can do this job.”

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McVey is on his way to becoming a detective. (Lisa McVey)

Serial killer Bobby Joe Long. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

Long admitted to killing 10 women in the Tampa area. He was ultimately executed state of florida In 2019, 30 years after his capture, McVey had a front-row seat as a witness for his crimes.

“Bobby Joe Long, thank you,” McVey said after his execution. “Thank you for choosing me over another 17-year-old little girl. The reason I say thank you now is because I have forgiven you for what you did to me. If I hadn’t forgiven you, I might still be in this moment right now.” “My own prison without walls.”

McVey’s 1984 kidnapping, his incredible escape, and his work as Deputy Master are featured in Fox Nation’s three-part series “Surviving a Serial Killer” with Harris Faulkner.

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“Surviving a Serial Killer” tells McVey’s story of survival. (Fox Nation)

McVey recently changed her name to Lisa Mae in honor of someone who cared for her after she escaped death.

“My uncle passed away two years ago and I wanted to take his last name in his honor because my aunt and uncle were the only people who came and rescued me when I was 17 to give me a home.” .

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On the anniversary of her abduction and survival, Deputy Chief Lisa Mae looks back with strength and hope for the future.

“I’m excited to explore and live another 40 years to the fullest, living in freedom,” he said. “You know, my freedom was recognized 40 years ago.”