VERO BEACH — Indian River County is mourning the loss of two longtime employees who were killed in a shooting, county officials said in a joint statement.
Danny Ooley, assistant director of Public Works, and Stacie Mason, a traffic analyst technician, died in the incident, according to the statement issued Tuesday by County Chairman Deryl Loar and County Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr.
The Vero Beach Police Department, with assistance from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the double homicide and have identified a person of interest. Officials thanked both agencies for their work.
The statement described the loss as profound.
“Danny and Stacie were not just employees, but colleagues and dedicated public servants who supported this community every day,” it said. “Their absence is deeply felt across our organization and the community they served.”
Ooley spent nearly 25 years with the county’s Public Works department, rising through the ranks to assistant director based on his experience and leadership. Mason joined the county in 2014 and most recently worked as a traffic analyst technician. She was remembered for her professionalism and the positive presence she brought to her team.
County leaders said the workplace is not operating as usual as employees grieve.
“This is not a normal day for our organization,” the statement read. “We recognize many of our employees are grieving, and we want them to take the time they need. Supporting one another during this moment is not optional. It is essential to who we are as a County.”
The county’s immediate focus is helping the families of Ooley and Mason while making grief counselors and support services available to all employees.
“As our County heals from this tragedy, we know that Stacie and Danny would want us to continue working hard for the public,” the statement said. “We will take care of one another in the days ahead. We will check in, we will carry this weight together, and we ask for the public’s patience and understanding as our employees grieve.”
