- April 17, 2026
The City of Flagler Beach and the Flagler Beach Fire Department recently accepted a $20,000 donation to the Flagler Beach Volunteer Fire Association in memory of the late Mark Hietpas.
This contribution will fund the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in five key public locations throughout the city/county and provide essential supplies for existing AED units, strengthening life‐saving resources available to residents and visitors.
A special presentation was held at Flagler Beach City Hall to honor this gift. In attendance were Mayor Patti King, Hietpas' wife Susan Smith, Flagler Beach Fire Department Lt. Morgan Rainey, retired Fire Chief Robert Creal, Fire Inspector Bruce Adams and numerous community members who have supported the effort to expand public access to emergency medical equipment. Susan Smith spoke on the importance of the initiative and the profound impact that bystander AED use can have on survival rates.
“Every year, AEDs used by bystanders save over 1700 lives — often within just minutes when every second truly matters,” Smith said. “Ensuring these devices are widely available not only honors Mark’s memory, but strengthens the safety of our entire community.”
Her husband died in 2024 after getting caught in a rip current while swimming in the British Virgin Islands.
Mayor Patti King expressed gratitude for the donation and its lasting community benefit.
“We are deeply grateful to Susan and to everyone who helped make this possible," she said."
The new AED units will be placed in high‐traffic or high‐need areas designated in coordination with the Flagler Beach Fire Department to maximize accessibility during emergencies. The city and Fire Department will share additional details about installation locations in the coming weeks.
