Service held on Monday for Marco Island Police Lieutenant killed in scooter crash

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Lieutenant Clayton Smith.

Monday, the Marco Island Police Department is honoring one of its own, Lieutenant Clayton Smith who died in a crash while he was off duty riding his scooter near Heathwood and San Marco Road.

The family of Lt. Smith walked inside the church along with a number of people from many different law enforcement agencies across the country.

Many in the community are remembering the fallen lieutenant who was killed when a Jeep turned in front of him and caused the fatal collision.

Before the memorial service started, police departments from Fort Myers to Marco Island and even Hamilton County, Ohio all lined up in honor of the officer.

“He cared about everybody, every life, every creature,” Betsy Monroe said.

People remember Smith as a loving husband, remarkable father and man who loved his community.

“People like Lieutenant Smith are the lifeblood of our community,” said Liz Pecora with Daily Bread Food Pantry on Marco Island.

Pecora knew Smith well. She gathered with hundreds of others to say goodbye to a Smith, a man they knew would sacrifice himself to help someone else. Some in attendance at the service didn’t even know Smith. They just wanted to pay their respects.

“Heart for the community and the people that he served,” Pecora said.”A wonderful man of God, the community and a family.”

The Marco Island Police Department will also host a blood drive in honor of Smith and the many lives he saved.

The blood drive will take place Friday, with information on the MIPD Facebook page.

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