A milestone moment unfolded Monday night as the 90th automated external defibrillator (AED) was installed at Lakeshore Club Villas—marking another life-saving step forward for the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation (CCF) and the people helping drive its mission.
This effort was made possible through the connection between retired fire service professionals and a shared commitment to protecting communities.
John Hill, a retired Toronto Fire Service Captain, played a key role in bringing everyone together. After a 32-year career with Toronto Fire, Hill relocated to Florida in 2014 with his family and now runs a home watch business in Pinellas County. Even in retirement, his passion for public safety continues to make an impact.
Hill first learned about Melanie Brown Culpepper and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation in September 2023 through a news story shared by a friend. Inspired by her mission, he reached out and invited her to speak at a hockey event hosted by the “Drunken Clammers” at Clearwater Ice Arena.
That event proved to be a turning point. Melanie’s story resonated deeply with attendees and helped spark new opportunities to support her cause. Through Hill’s connections, additional support followed—including donations of AEDs from CoroMed and recognition from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who also contributed devices to the foundation.
Hill later helped connect Melanie with his longtime friend Bryan Staal, a retired fire captain from Scarborough, Ontario. The two had worked together for years and remained close.
Staal had recently begun questioning why the Florida resort community where he spends time did not have an AED available—especially after an incident where one could have made a difference. While visiting Hill, he mentioned the concern, not knowing it would lead to a solution.
“I wondering why we don’t have an AED at our club at the resort where I stay in Florida,” Staal said.
Hill immediately thought of Melanie and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and made the introduction.
That connection led to Monday’s AED presentation at Lakeshore Club Villas.
The moment also marked a major milestone for the foundation—its 90th AED placement. Hill described the achievement as “absolutely incredible,” calling it a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Melanie, her husband Brian, and Eric, a paramedic who provides training during presentations.
“I was astonished to hear that was the 90th AED Melanie & CCF have presented, absolutely incredible!” Hill said.
Staal echoed that sentiment, saying his experience working with the foundation left a lasting impression on both him and the members of his community. He noted how helpful and genuine the team was throughout the process and praised the quality of the training provided during the presentation.
“I was touched by Melanie’s story and very moved by her actions of taking her heartfelt loss and putting it towards such a good cause to help others,” Staal said.
Melanie Culpepper lost her fiancé Michael to sudden cardiac arrest.
Both men expressed deep appreciation for the work being done by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation—work that continues to expand access to lifesaving equipment and education in communities across the region.
As another AED finds its place where it could one day save a life, the message behind the mission remains clear:
Saving Lives Matters.
To learn more about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and its AED initiative, visit CulpepperAED.com
