Crime & Safety
Fairfax County Firefighter Missing During Florida Fishing Trip
The Coast Guard is searching for a firefighter from Fairfax County and another from Jacksonville who went missing off the Florida coast.
PORT CANAVERAL, FL — A Fairfax County firefighter and his firefighter friend went missing off the Florida coast on Friday, Aug. 16, leading to a widespread search by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Justin Walker, a master technician with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and Brian McCluney of the Jacksonville, Florida fire department, were last seen Friday leaving Port Canaveral. The two were on a fishing trip and never returned, leading to a relative to report their disappearance.
The Coast Guard believes they left the 300 Christopher Columbus boat ramp heading toward 8A reef. Their boat is a 22-foot Robalo.
Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
COAST GUARD SEARCH: USCG is involved in a search for 2 unaccounted for boaters who left Port Canaveral on Friday and failed to return. JAX firefighter Brian McCluney and Fairfax, VA firefighter Justin Walker were last seen as they launched their 22 foot Robalo from the boat ramp. pic.twitter.com/1iGCDswhNo
— Port Canaveral (@PortCanaveral) August 17, 2019
As of Monday morning, U.S. Coast Guard crews searched an estimated 24,000 miles for the missing boaters. The union representing Jacksonville firefighters is collecting donations to assist with the search effort.
In a statement on the search, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said "we remain optimistic that they will be found."
Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Statement re missing #FCFRD Master Technician Justin Walker and @JFRDJAX Firefighter Brian McCluney. #BringThemHome #PortCanaveral @USCGSoutheast @jaff122 @IAFF2068 pic.twitter.com/EHQj9Jb1bL
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) August 19, 2019
Officials ask anyone with information to call the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center at 904-714-7558.
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