On the morning of Friday, November 21, 2025, the community in Indian River County, Florida was shaken to its core when a routine call — the service of an eviction notice — ended in fatal violence. According to officials, a deputy of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Terri Sweeting‑Mashkow, was killed and two other individuals were wounded in the line of duty.
What Happened
Authorities say the incident occurred at a residence in the Bermuda Club area near Vero Beach, where deputies were executing an eviction at the request of a property owner.
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The suspect, identified as Michael Halberstam, opened fire as deputies entered the home.
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Deputy Mashkow, age 47 and with more than 25 years of service, was fatally shot.
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A second deputy was wounded in the shoulder and was hospitalized.
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A locksmith working with law enforcement was also critically injured in the shooting.
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The suspect, after being engaged by deputies, was also wounded and remains in critical condition.
Sheriff Eric Flowers described what had appeared to be a “standard call for service” turning into a devastating ambush.
The Deputy We Lost
Terri Sweeting-Mashkow served the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) for over 25 years, beginning her career as a dispatcher and later moving into the Legal Process Civil Unit.
She was described by her colleagues as compassionate, dedicated, and someone whose presence enriched the office daily. Sheriff Flowers said: “She had a beautiful heart. She will be missed.”
The Ripple Effect on the Community
This tragic scene has left many in the region reeling:
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For IRCSO, this marks only the second line-of-duty death in the century-old history of the agency.
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The incident underscores the unseen danger that can emerge even from what appears to be a routine law-enforcement task.
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Local residents of Bermuda Club and surrounding neighborhoods are confronting shock and grief as they process how quickly a familiar space became the site of tragedy.
Remembering & Responding as a Community
In the wake of such profound loss, the following steps can support healing and honour the fallen:
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Hold space for the family: At times like this, condolences, presence at services, and even messages of support bear significant weight.
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Recognize the sacrifice: Public acknowledgment of Deputy Mashkow’s service helps affirm the value and risk of public service roles.
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Encourage community solidarity: Neighbors talking, offering support, and creating safe places to share feelings can build resilience.
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Raise awareness of risks: Though most service calls proceed without incident, this event reinforces the importance of continuous training, de-escalation tactics, and support for crisis response.
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Memorialise the life lived: Collecting stories of Deputy Mashkow’s impact, her kindness, her service, ensures her memory remains anchored in the community’s narrative.
A Legacy of Service Amid Tragedy
Terri Sweeting-Mashkow’s life and service shine as a reminder of courage, dedication, and the human face of law enforcement. While her death brings immense sorrow, the legacy she leaves speaks to the best in public service: protecting, serving, and standing for others.
As Indian River County mourns, it also unites — in sadness, in respect, and in the determination to support one another. May the community hold firm, may the injured recover fully, and may Deputy Mashkow’s memory be honoured in word and action.
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