After search suspended for missing firefighters, community joined in prayer service

Prayer service held for missing firefighters in Vero Beach

CBS 12 News
by Luli Ortiz
August 23rd 2019

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It’s been a week since two firefighters went on a fishing trip off the coast of Florida and never came home.

Nearly 150 people gathered at Jaycee Beach Park Friday afternoon to pray Brian McCluney and Justin Walker.

“We believe Justin in on that boat. We believe that he is surviving, and we believe he’s coming home,” said Sheila Walker, Justin’s mother.

After the prayer service, strangers embraced her.

Walker described her son, a Vero Beach native, "beautiful young man, big heart, everybody that meets him, loves him. He’s just got the best smile. He’s the life of the party when he shows up."

She said her son and McCluney went to EMT school together and have been inseparable ever since.

“I know he loves my son. [He’s] a good family man. He’s got two children, so we’re just trying to get back to his children and my son back to his wife and us,” she said.
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Retired Army police officer saved by rescued Pug

Rescued pug taught to dial 9-1-1 is 'saving grace' for owner with post traumatic stress disorder


By: Rikki Klaus

VERO BEACH, Fla. - They say a dog is man's best friend, and there's a dog in Vero Beach who's living proof.

She may be tiny, but Pei Pei packs a powerful punch. Not only can she sense her owner's moods, she can contact emergency responders when he's in danger. The service dog is a mix of a beloved family member and a diligent worker who could rescue her owner's life if need be.

"Go get help!" James Taylor shouted to his 11-pound pug. Pei Pei ran to a phone on the living room floor and pressed both paws onto the large, circular button. The dial tone sounded. Praise followed.

With the press of that single button, service dog Pei Pei can dial 9-1-1. That's a huge comfort for the retired Army police officer, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss. Sometimes he falls too, so Pei Pei is his 'saving grace.'

"Without her, I couldn't imagine my life. I'd probably be home-bound a lot because of what I suffer severely. I know if I have any kind of problems, she's going to help me right through it," said Taylor.
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Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know what is there for them

Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know what it has to offer
By Janet Begley
Posted June 4, 2011 at 9:18 p.m.
VERO BEACH — For Indian River County veterans, access to medical care is as close as 17th Street in Vero Beach, thanks to the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

The medical office, which is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, held an open house Saturday to encourage eligible veterans to sign up for medical services.

According to Operations Director Tracy Sims, the clinic currently sees about 40 patients each day, with services ranging from blood pressure monitoring, diabetes testing and other primary care services. About 3,500 veterans, both men and women ranging in age from 18 to 100, are registered at the Vero Beach clinic.

"We are trying to let veterans know that we're here to help them," said Sims. "They deserve to get their health benefits because they served our country proudly."

The team at the Vero Beach office handles basic medical care including laboratory work, but refers patients in need of more specialized care to the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach.

"We try to do as much here are we can," said Sims. "Veterans really seem to like coming to this office rather than making that drive down to West Palm Beach."

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Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know