Photos, Videos – Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow funeral with honors

VERO BEACH — There were moments of silence, reflection and heartbreak as mourners remembered a deputy killed in the line-of-duty as having courage in chaos, placing service before self and having a heart that never quit. The fallen officer, 47-year-old Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, was known by many to be firm, but fair…tough on the outside and tender on the inside.

“911 callers would ask for Terri,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said during a funeral service for the beloved deputy. “Terri had a positive impact on those blessed to know her. Her encounters with the public earned her respect.”

Sweeting-Mashkow was the second deputy to be killed in the line-of-duty since the inception of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office 100 years ago. She worked at the agency for 25 years.

Her casket was draped with the American flag. The pain from the unexpected, sudden tragedy still stings for many who were close to Sweeting-Mashkow, Flowers and other mourners said.

“We’ve spent the past week and a half crying, hugging, praying and sharing stories about Terri,” Flowers said. Then, Flowers spoke directly to Sweeting-Mashkow’s daughter, Haylee.

“Your mom was loved by this agency and community,” Flowers said. Deputies said Sweeting-Mashkow’s family will forever be part of the law enforcement family.

Video by Nick Samuel

Sweeting-Mashkow’s funeral – replete with bagpipes, salutes and law enforcement officers from across the nation – was held with full honors on Tuesday, Dec. 2 inside the Corporate Air Hangar, located at the Vero Beach Regional Airport. The service included a firing squad discharging three shots, several helicopters flying over the hangar, a flag fold, flag presentation and the last radio call.

More than 3,000 mourners from across the state and country paid their respects to the fallen deputy. Gov. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, U.S. Representative Mike Haridopolos, Florida Representative Robbie Brackett, and dozens of other dignitaries were in attendance.

Two large American flags were mounted atop the ladders of fire trucks just outside of the hangar. The mood was somber.

The Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums played a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Many impactful, touching moments during the service included a poem written by Sweeting-Mashkow’s husband, KC Mashkow, along with memorial and tribute videos. Pastor Charles “Gibby” Gibson read the poem on behalf of KC Mashkow.

In the poem, KC Mashkow said that Sweeting-Mashkow did not “work” in law enforcement, but instead “lived” it.

“She was the glue that held everything together. She was a sister to everyone. She had a way of lifting people up. She didn’t calculate whether someone deserved her kindness. She just gave it,” the poem read.

“I miss hearing her voice…the way she called me babe. It’s hard not hearing her say ‘I love you more.'”

In the memorial video, Sweeting-Mashkow’s colleagues described her as a devoted daughter, a loving wife, a fantastic mother, terrific friend to everyone, and truly a great person.

“She was kind and friendly to everyone that she met,” Indian River County sheriff’s Lt. Mike Pierce said in the memorial video. “Terri was the person we looked forward to seeing every day. She always greeted you with a smile and a hug. From the day she came into our lives, we loved everything about her. The lessons that she taught us was that tomorrow is not certain, but today and yesterday is to be cherished. We love you Terri and thank you for coming into our lives.”

Retired Deputy Kathy Gibson said she met Sweeting-Mashkow in 2006. Sweeting-Mashkow was Gibson’s field training officer who later became her best friend.

“I was told she was tough, and I would have to excel to make it through,” Gibson said. “We worked together on the same shift. There were very few days where we didn’t speak on the phone or in person several times a day.”

Gibson said Sweeting-Mashkow had an aura that would draw people to her. Her smile lit up the room, Gibson said.

Gibson said Sweeting-Mashkow loved Gifford, knew a majority of the residents, and earned nicknames such as the “Mayor of Gifford” and “Sweets.” Sweeting-Mashkow’s family meant everything to her, according to Gibson.

“Her greatest love was for her daughter,” Gibson said. “The love she has is beyond words. (Haylee) is her greatest accomplishment. She was proud of you. I will protect you at all costs and will be your biggest cheerleader.”

Video by Nick Samuel

Sweeting-Mashkow was fatally shot the morning of Nov. 21 while she, along with deputies Tino Arizpe and Gary Farless, attempted to serve an eviction at a residence in the Bermuda Club – a beachside, gated community. A longtime local locksmith, David Long, accompanied the deputies.

Long, 76, was shot multiples times. He died at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce two days later.

Arizpe was shot in the shoulder. He was released from the hospital on Nov. 23.

Farless, who was standing outside, was not hurt.

The shooter, Michael Halberstam, was shot multiple times after exchanging gunfire with Arizpe and Farless. Halberstam died at the hospital the day after the shooting.

It was unclear if Sweeting-Mashkow also fired at Halberstam.

At the funeral, law enforcement officers played the last radio call for Sweeting-Mashkow.

Video by Nick Samuel 

“Attention all units. On November 21, 2025, after 25 years of dedicated, professional and honorable service, Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow paid the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of her duties when she was senselessly shot and killed while doing the job she loved,” a voice said over the radio during the last radio call.

“This agency, the community and the entire law enforcement family will forever have a void in our hearts. We remember her passion for the job, the love she had for her family, especially her precious daughter Haylee, and her infectious smile that could calm chaos and dry tears.”

On Tuesday morning, DeSantis ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Indian River County from sunrise to sunset.

“Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow died a hero and took pride in protecting her community from danger,” DeSantis said in an emailed statement. “Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow served the state of Florida and Indian River County for 25 years. She leaves behind her husband, daughter, and stepson. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow served her community with integrity, courage, and compassion. She will not be forgotten.”

Sweeting-Mashkow’s unit number, A900, and radio call sign Civil 1, were permanently retired. The deputy veteran was born in Oswego, New York in 1978.

She graduated from the police academy at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce. She became a sworn Indian River County deputy in 2003, Flowers said.

Flowers said Sweeting-Mashkow won numerous awards while working at the sheriff’s office. Some of those awards include the Life-Saving Award, Honorable Service Award, Law Enforcement Deputy of the Quarter Award, Hurricane Milton Service Ribbon and the Going the National Mile Award.

Sweeting-Mashkow was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, along with the Purple Heart.

As the service ended, a light drizzle fell across the onlookers. A law enforcement procession transported Sweeting-Mashkow’s body to Crestlawn Cemetery for burial.

Video by Nick Samuel 

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