Monday, October 20, 2025, marks the 21st Anniversary of the fatal AIRHeart 1 medical aviation crash that took the lives of South Walton Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Heighton, Flight Nurse Jack Chase, and Pilot Tom Palcic.
Heighton, Chase, and Palcic went to work that fateful day, knowing the risks they faced, their sense of duty, and their commitment to their profession. Our hearts are heavy as we remember them, as well as their families and friends who expected them to come home.
To pay our respects and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, our SWFD family will gather Monday at Pilcher Park. This park is in the same area as the crash site, where our firefighters searched for and recovered the aircraft and crew in the Choctawhatchee Bay.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our Board of Fire Commissioners and the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, Florida who funded a monument for Pilcher Park, which is now on display and honors the lives of these three heroes. A brief monument acceptance ceremony is being planned for a later date and time.
Today of all days, we serve you in their memory. Rest easy brothers, we got it from here.
