ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people gathered to say goodbye to a fallen Orlando police sergeant.
The viewing for Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was held Friday night at the First Baptist Church of Orlando.
As people walked inside, they got to pass by Clayton’s patrol vehicle, a reminder of her two decades on the force.
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People began showing up to the viewing at about 5 p.m.
Dozens of Orlando police cruisers were in front of the church.
[ Photos: Procession for Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton ]
A few feet away was a parked hearse—a reminder of her sacrifice to the community she loved.
“You never know when God’s going to call you home,” said Gina Riley, a friend of Clayton’s.
Riley said Clayton mentored her niece and occasionally stopped by the family’s home just to chat.
“She was just a good role model. I know my niece aspired to be like her,” said Riley.
Clayton died Monday morning, after police said homicide suspect Markeith Loyd shot her multiple times in a Pine Hills-area Walmart parking lot.
Police said Clayton confronted Loyd, who was already wanted in the shooting death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.
While the night was about remembering Clayton, those in attendance couldn’t help but think of her suspected killer, who has spent the last five days on the run.
“Eventually, it will catch up to him. (He) probably just needs to turn himself in,” said Frank Alexander, a friend of Clayton’s family.
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[ Photos: Vigil held for Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton ]
Clayton joined the police force in 1999 after graduating from the University of Central Florida.
Friends said she had recently started a nonprofit to improve relations between police and the community.
She was also involved in numerous outreach programs through the police department.
Clayton leaves behind her husband and adult son.