This story was last updated on: 7:01 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017.
Hundreds of people packed First Baptist Church of Orlando Saturday to celebrate the life of fallen Orlando police officer Debra Clayton.
- Lt. Debra Clayton laid to rest Jan. 14
- Clayton was shot, killed Monday, Jan. 9
- Accused gunman, Markeith Loyd, still on the run
- Reward raised to $100,000; Call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)
- RELATED:
- Day 1: Orlando officer dead, Orange deputy dies amid shooting manhunt
- Day 2: Hundreds searching for Markeith Loyd; reward at $100,000
- Day 3: 3 arrested, accused of helping Markeith Loyd evade authorities
- Day 4: Mina to Loyd: 'Be a man. Turn yourself in'
- Orange County Deputy Norm Lewis 'a hero, a gentle giant'
- Deputy Norman Lewis the 'happiest, sweetest guy you could ever meet'
- Master Sgt. Debra Clayton: a mentor, a guardian, a 'rare individual'
Clayton was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday morning.
The accused gunman, Markeith Loyd, is still on the run.
Arrival at First Baptist Orlando. pic.twitter.com/Q3Ssna1Xi1
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 14, 2017
One of the first people to speak at the funeral was Orlando Police Chief John Mina, who shared his deepest condolences and memories of Clayton.
"We have all struggled this past week to come up with words to soften your loss," Mina said during a tribute. "And, there really aren't any. Words cannot begin to express our heartache."
He also highlighted her passion to help her community.
“She wore the blue for over 17 years, but I want to honor her community work.”
During the service, Mina posthumously promoted Clayton to the rank of lieutenant.
Congresswoman and former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings also spoke at the service.
“She was one of the good guys not just because of the job she did, but because of her unwavering commitment to change community for the better,” Demings said.
Throughout the morning different law enforcement agencies arrived at the church to pay their respects.
Clayton’s co-workers say she was loved by her community.
The sky matches the mood here as we prepare to lay Master Sergeant Debra Clayton to rest. pic.twitter.com/yjJDgSiAsT
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 14, 2017
First Baptist Church is packed with people for Sgt. Clayton's funeral. Apostle Lizelle Bradley calls it a celebration of life. @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/fMNIWRX3D7
— Erin Murray News 13 (@emurray1) January 14, 2017
Clayton was allegedly shot and killed by Markeith Loyd on Jan. 9.
Since then, several agencies have been searching day and night to catch Loyd, but so far have not been successful.
However, three people have been arrested, accused of helping Loyd hide from authorities since December, when he was accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
Authorities are offering a reward up to $100,000 for information that leads to Loyd's arrest. Anyone with information can call Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-423-TIPS.
A funeral for Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, who was killed in a crash during the manhunt for Markeith Loyd on Monday will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Orlando.