ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — In law enforcement, some of the most important work happens after the call is over.

For St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Matthew Brewster, that work means standing beside grieving families and honoring fallen heroes with unwavering precision, discipline, and heart.

A Marine Corps veteran and former SWAT team member, Brewster now serves as the agency’s Honor Guard Commander — leading a team responsible for paying final respects to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Like you have one opportunity to honor that fallen hero,” Brewster said. “For that family they’re pouring their hearts out crying, and you have to make sure you keep it together.”

The Honor Guard performs ceremonial duties at law enforcement funerals, where every movement — from the cadence of footsteps to the final salute — is carefully practiced and executed without error.

“There’s no room for mistakes,” Brewster said. “You only get one chance to do it right.”

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Brewster’s path to leadership began long before he joined the sheriff’s office. He enlisted in the Marines shortly after the September 11 attacks and later served on a SWAT team before transitioning into his current role.

Today, his mission is different but no less demanding.

He has led some of the region’s most high-profile line-of-duty funerals, including the service for Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, who was killed while responding to a call. The funeral drew national attention and an overwhelming outpouring of community support.

“Watching them pour out their hearts and cry she was such a huge impact,” Brewster said. “It was one of the most amazing outpourings of a community I’ve ever seen.”

The responsibility can be immense — large crowds, constant logistical changes and the emotional weight of the moment. But Brewster says the mission never wavers honor the fallen flawlessly.

That commitment is what colleagues say sets him apart.

“He’s really dedicated to the cause of honoring those who have lost their life in the line of duty, and he takes it to heart,” said Deputy Chief Michael Beath.

Under Brewster’s leadership, the St. Lucie County Honor Guard has grown into one of the most recognized teams in the state, known for its rigorous training and professionalism.

“You just don’t get a fancy uniform and go out there and perform,” Beath said. “It takes discipline, training and an understanding of what it means to the families.”

For Brewster, the role is not about recognition or advancement.

“This isn’t a steppingstone for promotion or ‘look at me,’” he said. “This is how we honor our fellow brothers and sisters you need to have the right heart.”

That sense of purpose extends beyond his official duties. Brewster mentors young people, leads community and faith-based groups and supports fellow deputies coping with loss.

“He’s service before self,” Beath said. “He puts the community before himself.”

And when tragedy strikes, Brewster and his team are ready — prepared to stand tall for those who gave everything.

Despite the heartbreak that comes with the role, Brewster calls it one of the greatest honors of his life.

For him, the mission is simple: every fallen hero deserves to be remembered — the right way.