This story was posted on: 5:31 p.m., Monday, Jan. 09, 2017.

Debra Clayton, the 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department who was shot and killed by a murder suspect Monday morning, was known for her smile, her affection for children and her passion to make Orlando a safe place to live.

"Debra Clayton is a hero, and she gave her life protecting the community that she loves," Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Monday. "She will be deeply missed."

Clayton, 42, was active with Parramore Kidz Zone, the city of Orlando's initiative to help children in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood.

Clayton, who was a master sergeant with the agency, was married and a mother of one child. She was with the Orlando Police Department since May 1999 and was promoted to the rank of master sergeant in 2016.

She was assigned to the day shift patrol. 

Clayton was at a Wal-Mart in the Pine Hills area of Orlando at about 7:17 a.m. when she attempted to contact murder suspect Markeith Loyd. 

Two minutes later, the Orlando Police Department received information that Clayton had been shot. She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Clayton, who grew up in Orlando, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in 1998 and then a master's degree in 2002. 

Mina said Clayton personally organized several marches against violence.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Clayton's loss will be felt throughout the department and the community.

"She will be missed as a mother, as a wife, as a daughter, a sister," he said.

Clayton received several commendations during her 17 years with the agency. Below is one from Dec. 15, 2015, in which Mina said, "We can count on you to go that extra mile."

In another commendation dated Sept. 7, 2004, Clayton was recognized for her professionalism and dedication during the Night Stalker Awards Program.

"Your outstanding efforts in terms of high productivity and initiative are indicative or your commitment to excellence," Deputy Chief Michael Jordan wrote at the time. "Your teamwork goes far toward our stated goals of safe streets and liveable neighborhoods."


(Orlando Police)