VERO BEACH — Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers posthumously recognized David Long, a locksmith killed during an attempted eviction last month, as an honorary deputy during Long’s funeral service. The sheriff said the recognition became effective Nov. 21 – the day Long was shot multiple times in a sudden, unexpected ambush-style attack that killed a deputy veteran and wounded another deputy.
Flowers presented a sheriff’s badge in honor of Long, a U.S. army veteran. Family members said Long had a million-dollar smile and would light up the room anywhere he went.
“David was a longtime partner of our agency, just like the countless tow truck drivers, process servers, linesmen, and others who work hand-in-hand with us on a daily basis,” Flowers said. “David was a true unsung hero just trying to do his job. This senseless tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and what a dangerous world we live in.”
Flowers said he regrets not personally knowing Long, who many said was a longtime, respected Vero Beach business owner with a passion for family, dogs, golfing and stack car racing.
Flowers called 76-year-old Long an unsung hero who treated his customers like family. The sheriff said since the deadly shooting, the Vero Beach community has made their admiration of Long quite well-known.
Video by Nick Samuel
Family, friends, colleagues, law enforcement officers and more gathered Thursday afternoon to remember Long. Long was fatally shot on Nov. 21 as deputies attempted to carry out an eviction at a beachside home.
Long’s funeral service, held with military honors, was live-streamed here. Dozens of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Long.
Visitation was held at 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in Vero Beach, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. The church is located at 941 18th St., in Vero Beach, west of U.S. 1.
Memorial videos, a flag presentation and folding were held at the beginning of the service. Musical selections included a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace.’
“We’ve witnessed the outpouring of support from this community,” Flowers said. “Thanks in part to the man David was, the spirit of solidarity has been strong in the aftermath of this atrocity.”
Long’s funeral was held two days after the funeral for Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, who was also killed in the eviction-turned-shooting last month.
Brian Strickland, pastor of GraceSpring Church in Vero Beach, said he visited Long’s family in the hospital room and prayed for Long the night before he passed.
Long was ‘committed to community’
Indian River County Commissioner Joe Flescher, who knew Long personally, said Long did everything for the right reason. Flescher said Long was focused on building a relationship with the community.
“He really was a genuine individual, hardworking and one of the most talented locksmiths I have experienced,” Flescher said. “He was committed to community.”
Relatives say Long was a well-known and beloved member of the Vero Beach community. Long was nicknamed “Sunshine” because of his bright smile, family members say.
“He had a dry sense of humor and has been described as a unique and funny man, the sweetest grumpy old man, a generous man with a big heart, and he loved being a little obnoxious just to see if you have a sense of humor,” family members said in Long’s obituary.
Flowers said Long was steady, honest and cared about the people who needed his help. The sheriff said Long was known for his integrity and work ethic.
Long’s family and friends took the stage to share their fondest memories of him.
Family members said Long shared his famous poundcake recipe with them. Long’s family said he was tough on the outside, but a teddy bear on the inside.
Long’s nieces and nephews remembered him as the “cool uncle.”
Long’s neighbor, Kathy Sullivan, said she was honored to know him. Long had a “neighborhood crew” who would drink beers and have sparking conversations in Long’s garage.
“It is my hope we will remember (Long’s) infectious smile and extend it to each other,” Flowers said.
Eviction-turned-shooting
Long accompanied deputies Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, Tino Arizpe and Gary Farless to serve an eviction at the Bermuda Club – a gated, beachside community – when the shooting happened. Michael Halberstam’s mother was trying to remove him from the residence.
Halberstam, 37, fired several rounds indiscriminately as Mashkow, Arizpe and Long walked in the entryway to the home. Sweeting-Mashkow died at the scene.
Long was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he died two days later.
Halberstam was shot multiple times after exchanging gunfire with Arizpe and Farless. Halberstam was also taken to Lawnwood, where he died the day after the shooting.
Arizpe was shot in the shoulder. He was taken to the hospital and released two days later.
Farless, who was standing outside of the home, was not hurt.
Long leaves behind his brother John R. ‘Jack’ Long, along with many nieces and nephews. Family members said Long had a gruff exterior, but a tender heart.
“He will be deeply missed but never forgotten,” Long’s obituary read. “May he rest in eternal peace.”
Family members requested that donations be made to any local humane society.
Long was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the second youngest of nine siblings, family members said.
Long’s family moved to Fort Pierce when he was a young boy.
Long attended Dan McCarty High School. He served in the U.S. Army, worked at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach and then Bob’s Mobil gas station in Fort Pierce, his obituary showed.
Long began his career as a locksmith in the late 1970s. Family members said Long made a lasting impression on his clients.
“He took pride in his work and was respected by colleagues and friends alike,” Long’s obituary read.
Long’s hobbies included golfing, playing pool and softball, riding motorcycles, watching stock car races and conversing with neighbors in his garage. A memorial tribute video to Long can be found on his online obituary.
Photos by Nick Samuel
