This story was last updated on: 5:25 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.

The flowers aren't as fresh and the balloons are not as full at the memorials for Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Deputy 1st Class Norman Lewis.

  • Orlando teen Michael Collins raising money for statue outside OPD headquarters
  • The statue will honor the Orlando Police Department's fallen officers
  • The project is part of Collins' service project to become an Eagle Scout

A week has passed since both Clayton and Lewis were killed in the line of duty, and suspected murderer Markeith Loyd remains at large.

"Her life, her legacy was beautiful," said a woman visiting Clayton's memorial outside of the Wal-Mart on West Princeton Street in Orlando.

"That is so sad," said July McClellan, another person who stopped by to pay their respects outside the store where Clayton was gunned down.

Almost every person who stopped by told another their feelings as they laid eyes on the memorial.

"This is a sad situation," Tom Jackson said.

Added McClellan: "All I can say is I hope he turns himself in before there will be another tragedy."

The people at the memorial said they are thankful to have something like this to come to so they can pay their respects.

Knowing some people need a place to go was one reason why Michael Collins, an Orlando-area teenager, decided to make a more permanent memorial.

"A week out, it is still tough to think about," Collins said. "Something like this is actually happening in Orlando."

It's part of Collins' service project to become an Eagle Scout. He received approval from Orlando Police Chief John Mina to commission a statue in the summer for all of Orlando's fallen officers.

"The neat thing about this statue (is) they fully customize it with OPD uniform insignias," he said. "So, it will really be an OPD officer in all respects. For a lot of people, this tragedy has cemented the need for this, you know. Before, it was kind of something that happened elsewhere — in other cities. But now ... this tragedy brings it a whole lot closer to home and makes people realize how important and heroic our law enforcement officers are."

Collins said he needs to raise $45,000 to build the statue. He has already raised more than $30,000.

He hopes to hit the monetary goal by the end of February. The memorial will then be constructed in the summer and will be built outside of the Orlando Police Department's new headquarters.

To help Collins raise money, go to his GoFundMe page.

(This Gofundme.com site is not managed by News 13/Bay News 9. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety).