SANTA ROSA BEACH — A new memorial will be built at Thomas Pilcher Park in honor of the crew of AirHeart One, following a directive from the Walton County Board of County Commissioners on April 22.
The memorial will be constructed in collaboration with the South Walton Fire District. The tribute is to recognize Tom Palcic, pilot; Jack Chase, flight nurse; and Robert Heighton, paramedic, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Oct. 20, 2004.
On that night, AirHeart One took off from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office heliport in Santa Rosa Beach to transport a patient to Pensacola. Shortly after takeoff, Heighton reported that the crew would return because of poor weather conditions. That was the last communication heard from the helicopter.
At 6:10 a.m., a relief pilot reported the crew missing, and by 8:20 a.m., wreckage was found in Choctawhatchee Bay. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the crash was caused by the pilot’s disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a fatal loss of control.
South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford addressed county commissioners, reflecting on the 21-year anniversary of the crash.
“We are here to ask for your support to recognize these three men and their service to this community,” he said.
Commissioner Tony Anderson, who brought the issue to the board, confirmed that the South Walton Fire District’s budget would cover the cost of the memorial. Commissioner Danny Glidewell asked whether it could be completed by October, the 21st anniversary of the crash. Crawford and Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez told the board that they aim to finish it by then.
Crawford added that the memorial’s cost could reach $8,000. Anderson and Commissioner Dan Curry pledged to contribute from their discretionary funds if additional funding is needed.
The board will approve the final plans and funding at a later date.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Walton County OKs memorial for fallen crew of AirHeart One
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