Slain Orlando Sergeant Remembered as Search for Suspect Continues

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Orlando Police Department(ORLANDO, Fla.) — Thousands gathered in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday to mourn the death of a veteran police officer killed in a shooting this week as officials continue to search for her killer.

Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, who was posthumously promoted to lieutenant by Orlando Police Chief John Mina, was a wife and mother who served on the force for 17 years. She was gunned down while on duty Monday morning by a suspect accused of murdering a pregnant woman, police said.

Mina saluted her life’s “work to help our youth and make this a better place to live.” He added that Clayton last year was one of 10 out of 80 sergeants promoted to master sergeant.

“You exhibited the best in policing,” he said. “You set an example not just for officers but for all people.”

Authorities are offering a $100,000 reward for help capturing suspect Markeith Loyd, 41, but officials have said they believe people are harboring the suspect, which is considered a felony.

“We’re not going to stop looking for them, either,” Mina said earlier this week of those helping Loyd. “If people know of people who are harboring Markeith Loyd … they need to call 911.”

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