Orange County

Orlando remembers the life of police Lt. Debra Clayton 5 years after her passing

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday marks five years since the Orlando Police Department lost one of its officers, who has been described as an amazing person and shining light in the community she served.

Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton was shot and killed on Jan. 9, 2017 by Markeith Loyd.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

Loyd was on the run after killing his former girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and her unborn child.

Clayton recognized Loyd and confronted him before he took her life.

A jury recently found Loyd guilty of killing Clayton.

WATCH: ‘Like a sister’: Sheriff, commissioner remember OPD Lt. Debra Clayton

Her sacrifice may have saved the lives of others in the community.

Clayton was hired by Orlando police in 1999, a year after she graduated from the University of Central Florida.

Clayton was survived by her husband and son. She was posthumously promoted from the rank of master sergeant to the rank of lieutenant.

WATCH: “Love one another”: Lt. Debra Clayton’s widower reflects on wife’s passion for law enforcement

The Orlando Police Department said they will never forget Clayton as they honored her memory on Sunday.

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