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'Deeply missed, but never forgotten': Nearly 200 gather to honor beloved Vero Beach locksmith

David Long remembered as someone with a 'big heart'

WPTV

A funeral was held for David Long in Vero Beach on Dec. 4, 2025.

By: Tyler Hatfield , Scott Sutton

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VERO BEACH, Fla. — Friends and family gathered Thursday afternoon to honor the life of a locksmith who was fatally shot while on the job last month in Indian River County.

David Long, 76, and Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow were killed Nov. 21 when a resident opened fire while deputies attempted to serve an eviction notice at a home in the Bermuda Club community located north of Indian River Shores.

WATCH BELOW: Locksmith remembered for 'big heart' at emotional funeral service

Indian River County locksmith remembered for 'big heart' at emotional funeral service

Nearly 200 people gathered at Calvary Chapel in Vero Beach to remember a "generous man with a big heart."

"He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten," said great-nephew Jason Bragg. "(He was) a generous man with a big heart."

Family and friends said Long was more than just a locksmith.

"He was known to so many of us as Uncle David," Bragg said. "He had a dry sense of humor and has been described as a unique and funny man."

Long was a man who loved his family.

"You loved me and my family well, and you really were a great, great uncle. I love you," said Kelly, Long's great-niece.

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The longtime locksmith was a U.S. Army veteran who family and friends said loved motorcycles, stock car racing and playing golf.

One of the speakers at Thursday's service, who was close to Long, said he was more than just a friend.

"Once you earned David's trust, he was all in," the close friend said. "That man would do anything for you, but you had to earn his trust, and it was worth it.”

Long's life touched many in Vero Beach — an imprint that will last forever.

"In this community, from here on out, when someone says 'the locksmith,'" said Pastor Jim Gallagher of Calvary Chapel. "They're talking about David."

The family of David Long wanted to express their gratitude to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, who they say has been supportive during this difficult time.

At Thursday's service, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office made Long an honorary deputy.

Long was hospitalized after the shooting but died two days later. The 37-year-old gunman died a day after the shooting.

Last week, WPTV spoke with family members who said he was a "tremendous" man with a "big heart."

Also, we highlighted Long's impact on the community for decades, who said he would do work for anyone, at any time.

Read more of WPTV's coverage below: