In a powerful display of solidarity and remembrance, the Indian River County community gathered in Sebastian this past Saturday to honor the legacy of a fallen hero and provide support to the family she left behind. The emotional fundraiser was organized to assist the daughter of Indian River County Sheriff’s Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, who was tragically killed in the line of duty late last year.
The event, spearheaded by the St. Michael’s Legione Indian River County chapter, drew hundreds of attendees, including law enforcement officers from across Florida and as far away as New York. The primary goal was to raise funds and spirits for Sweeting-Mashkow’s 14-year-old daughter, Haylee Birtel. Organizers reported that the evening was a success, raising over $7,500 to help support the teenager as she navigates life without her mother.
A Community United by Loss and Service
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow, 47, lost her life in November while serving an eviction notice—a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers face daily. Her death sent shockwaves through the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the wider Treasure Coast community. Months later, the grief remains palpable, but so does the resolve to honor her memory.
Rick Burns, president of the St. Michael’s Legione Indian River County chapter, emphasized the necessity of the event.
After the incident that happened with Terri, we decided that we needed to do something to support her. It means the world to us to be able to support the family.
The gathering in Sebastian was not just about financial support; it was a demonstration of the “Blue Line” brotherhood. Peter DiCandia, president of the St. Michael’s Legione Long Island chapter, traveled from New York specifically to attend the fundraiser. He noted that regardless of geography, the law enforcement community stands together when a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice.
It’s a brotherhood. I don’t care where you’re from. Law enforcement is law enforcement and when someone goes down we all come together. [It] makes me think back to my career, think about how I got out safe and it’s just unfortunate because you hear these situations and you hear they have young kids and that’s even more heart breaking.
“Serve Like Terri”
Throughout the evening, the phrase “Serve like Terri” resonated among the crowd, becoming a rallying cry for those continuing her work. Califfor Labbe, a member of St. Michael’s Legione, explained that as time passes, the reality of her absence sinks in deeper, making it vital to keep her spirit alive through service.
The fundraiser served as a poignant reminder to Haylee Birtel that despite the immense loss of her mother, she is supported by a vast network of officers and residents who refuse to let Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow’s sacrifice be forgotten. The large turnout in Sebastian stands as a testament to the lasting impact the Sergeant had on her community and the enduring strength of Indian River County neighbors supporting one another.
