OPD chief: Slain officer Clayton ‘did not die alone’
Orlando police officer Debra Clayton will be remembered for many things in her 42 years on this earth, including her toughlove approach to policing and her involvement with community youth.
But it’s her ear-to-ear smile — the result of her deep love of family, passion for police work and devotion to God — that may shine the brightest in people’s memories.
“Debra knew something as simple as a smile could lead to a real connection and I’ve never known anyone better at building those bonds,” said Orlando Police Chief John Mina during Clayton’s three-hour funeral service.
More than 40 floral arrangements flanked her casket. A giant screen at the front of the church played a slide show of her at her best times: wearing the dress
blues of the job she loved, at her wedding and with friends and family. In all of them, her smile was wide and bright.
At least 1,000 people attended services Saturday at First Baptist Orlando, many of whom were fellow law enforcement officers from as far away as Connecticut who came to say goodbye.
Clayton, a 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department, died Monday when she was gunned down by a man wanted in connection to the Dec. 13 murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
“I want Debra’s family to know and be comforted by the fact she did not die alone,” said Mina. “She was surrounded by blue, not only performing life-saving efforts, but also holding her and comforting her and talking to her.”
He posthumously promoted Clayton to the rank of lieutenant at her funeral. She died in the line of duty as a master sergeant.
In her personal life, family and friends recalled how Clayton pushed them to seek out help when they needed it and offered encouragement when those she loved felt lost.
“I will forever be in debt to her,” said Rudy Thomas, her brother. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be here this soon; if anything, it probably would have been the other way around.”
She also is survived by her husband, Seth Leron Clayton, and her adult son, Johnny.
Clayton leaves behind a legacy of commitment to bettering Orlando and Central Florida youth, having organized community events encouraging trust and communication between police and local residents.
“She would urge the people to not give up on their police department,” said Mina.
Besides the nearly dozen proclamations and resolutions made in her honor by community churches, and local, state and federal politicians, Clayton’s legacy will live on in tangible ways.
Mina said an award will be created in her honor during the annual Crisis Intervention Team banquet. The second phase of construction at Clayton’s church, Winning Souls for the Kingdom Church in Auburndale, will be named in her memory. Her book, “Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and the Community,” is in publication.
As Clayton was laid to rest, the manhunt continued for her accused killer, Markeith Loyd, 41.
A $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest has generated more than 1,000 tips, but has not led to his arrest.
Three people have been arrested since Monday’s shooting, all accused of helping Loyd avoid capture.
Mourners were urged to let go of any anger they have over Clayton’s death, and the death of Orange County Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, who was also killed Monday in a traffic accident during the search for Loyd. His funeral is today.
Congresswoman Val Demings, who was chief of the Orlando Police Department when Clayton was first promoted to sergeant, said she battled with her own anger when she got the initial phone call Monday notifying her of Clayton’s death.
Instead of turning dark, she chose to remember all the good Clayton has done.
“You see, on that day, I was brokenhearted, grieving and extremely — I admit it — angry, and I know that many of you were, too,” Demings said. “But then I stopped and thought about the life that Debra lived. And then I felt better, more hopeful and so, so proud.”
Orlando Police Chaplain Andrew Wade told mourners to “choose love and forgiveness over hate and evil.”
“Anger leads to wrath, wrath leads to cynicism, cynicism leads to bitterness,” he said. “Don’t be bitter.”
While most speakers addressed Clayton’s family and friends, many of whom were gathered in front of her casket on the main floor, others also spoke directly to the police officers and first responders who attended Saturday’s emotional farewell.
All were thanked for their service and commitment to their respective communities, many times receiving standing ovations for their choice of professions.
Mina took it a step further, urging them to honor Clayton’s memory by following in her footsteps and taking extra measures to engage with the children under their care.
“I could think of no better tribute to Debra’s legacy,” he said.