news release

Indian River County is mourning the loss of two members of our County family, Danny Ooley, Assistant Director of Public Works, and Stacie Mason, Traffic Analyst Technician, as a result of tragic shooting incident.

The City of Vero Beach Police Department, with the support of Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, is actively investigating and has identified a person of interest. We thank them for their efforts and diligence.

The reality of this loss is profound, and there are no words that can fully capture its weight. Danny and Stacie were not just employees, but colleagues and dedicated public servants who supported this community every day. Their absence is deeply felt across our organization and the community they served.

Danny Ooley devoted nearly twenty-five years of service to Indian River County Public Works, rising through the ranks to Assistant Director through experience, leadership, and commitment to service. He earned the respect of his team and leaves a lasting impact on the County he served. Stacie Mason served Indian River County since 2014, most recently as a Traffic Analyst Technician. She was known for her professionalism, reliability, and the positive presence she brought to her team. Her loss will be felt for years to come.

This is not a normal day for our organization. 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.

Our priority is to support the families of Danny and Stacie and ensure our employees have access to care and counseling resources. Grief counselors and support services are available, and no one is expected to carry this alone.

As our County heals from this tragedy, we know that Stacie and Danny would want us to continue working hard for the public. 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 employee’s grieve.