Friday, November 13, 2026
Friends and former colleagues came to pay their respects at the fifth-year anniversary of Lt. Clayton Smith EOW (End of Watch).
Friends from the community at Clayton Smith’s memorial at South Beach.
From left: Former Marco Police Chief Al Schettino, Clayton Smith’s sons Zach and Buzz, wife Lisa Smith, and grandkids Christopher and Mackenzieat the South Beach Memorial.
A photo of Lt. Clayton Smith patrolling the beach.
Marco Police Officer Josh Ferris with family: Mala, Rowdy, Bodhi, and Lainey.
On February 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM, a small group of officers from the Marco Island Police Department led by Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, members of the Marco Island Police Foundation, family members, and local friends gathered at South Beach to remember Lieutenant Clayton B. Smith. A bench at South Beach bears a memorial plaque in Clayton’s memory – thanks to the generosity of local residents.
The bench has the following inscription: “In loving memory of friend, husband, father, grandfather and police officer. One who gave his all to protect us. God Bless Clayton, Guardian Angel of Marco Beach. Lt. Clayton Belmont Smith, EOW (End of Watch): 2-6-2020.”
The Reverend Scott Kerens of the Marco Presbyterian Church gave the memorial blessing. Former Marco Island Police Chief Al Schettino said a few words recalling a “man who was not a 9-5 cop, and a friend to many residents. Schettino added, “Clayton loved the beach and the community and he was often seen by many beach walkers picking up dead fish during the severe red tide event of 2017-2018. He was known as our beach ambassador, and we miss him.”
On February 5, 2020, while riding his scooter home from running errands, Clayton was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Bald Eagle Drive and San Marco Road as the vehicle turned into him in the middle of the intersection.
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