It was a search like no other for Brian McCluney and his friend, Fairfax, Va. firefighter, Justin Walker. It started one week ago, Aug. 16, when the two went missing at sea.
The two were last seen leaving Port Canaveral for a fishing trip and never returned. Their disappearance sparked a nation-wide community effort in finding them, involving several different agencies and hundreds of volunteers. The search spanned from Port Canaveral to the New England coast, done by boats and air.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Stephanie McCluney, Brian McCluney's wife said to First Coast News during the search.
The U.S. Coast Guard and JFRD officially ended the active search Thursday at sundown. The only clue found during the expansive search was Brian McCluney's tackle bag found miles off the coast of St. Augustine, Fla.
One of Brian McCluney's best friends, Chad Remsen, joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection on their flight Thursday.
"He became everything to me, coworkers, brothers, psychiatrists,” Remsen said.
Everyone did what they could up to the end of the search on Thursday.
“That is an extremely tough decision because we have a brother out there that we just haven’t been able to find,” JFRD Chief Keith Powers said in a press conference. “Just know that I’m extremely proud of you [JFRD firefighters] and that’s what brothers do for each other."
The search effort won't go unnoticed. And for some, it may never stop.
“Everyone will know that we still have Brian and Justin somewhere out there,” U.S. Coast Guard Captain Mark Vlaun said.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, a benefit will be held at Fire Station 32, 8140 Lenox Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For $20, you'll get a chicken dinner from Willards BBQ Junction served with BBQ beans, slaw and bread. Donations are also accepted. All proceeds will go toward the search efforts.