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Community remembers Jacksonville firefighter Brian McCluney with memorial paddle out

Jacksonville Beach, FL — It’s been two years since JFRD firefighter Brian McCluney disappeared off the Florida coast.

McCluney and his friend Justin Walker, a Virginia firefighter, disappeared while on a fishing trip.

The search for the two was called off a week later, their bodies were never found.

“I’ve never been prouder of the men and women of the fire department, the men and women of the community, the fishing community, everything. We all came together, and you couldn’t have asked for a better search,” JFRD spokesperson Eric Prosswimmer said.

“It has been up, down, and all over roller coaster ride,” Brian’s wife Stephanie McCluney said.

[RELATED: Search for missing firefighters Brian McCluney, Justin Walker suspended at sunset]

On Sunday, dozens gathered at Jacksonville Beach for a memorial paddle out.

Standing tall in the sand, three crosses that have been with the family since McCluney vanished.

“I don’t know who placed them there. I don’t know who gifted them, but my interpretation, and there was no note left with them, one represented Brian, one represented Justin and one represented God,” Stephanie said.

[RELATED: It has been one year since firefighters Justin Walker and Brian McCluney went missing]

Notes on the crosses give words of affirmation, prayer, and love. It’s that love Stephanie remembers about her late husband.

“This was his purpose, to bring people together. To bring joy into lives and I just want to continue that,” Stephanie said.

Community members sold t-shirts and bracelets benefiting ‘Never Alone Widows.’

When it was time, family and friends dove into the ocean for the memorial paddle out, forming a half-circle in the water with flowers in hand, honoring the husband, father, son, and brother.


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