FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – At a heartfelt celebration of service and community spirit, Ed Siarkowicz, president of the Flagler County Historical Society, was recognized with the prestigious Bryan Cooper Excellence in Volunteer Management Award during the Flagler Volunteer Services Annual Volunteer Recognition Event on Wednesday, April 8 at the Flagler County Nexus Center.
The award, presented by Suzy Gamblain, carried deep emotional significance, honoring the legacy of her father, Bryan Cooper, whose impact continues to shape volunteerism across the community.
“Bryan was a lead volunteer for RSVP, one of the earliest leaders of Flagler Volunteer Services, a founding board member, past president, and a dedicated advocate for so many of our programs and our partnerships,” Gamblain shared. “He exemplified the very best in volunteerism, leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving others.”
She reflected on the personal meaning behind the moment, adding, “On a personal note, Bryan was also my father… and because of his example, that I’m here doing the work that I do today. So, it makes this award especially meaningful to me. And it is truly an honor to present it in his name.”
In announcing this year’s recipient, Gamblain praised Siarkowicz as a leader who mirrors those same values. “This year’s recipient embodies the same quality of leadership, vision, and dedication, and has been a driving force behind the Flagler County Historical Society and a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting the rich history of Flagler County,” she said. “He inspires others to get involved, to care and to take action.”
Siarkowicz’s contributions are both expansive and deeply rooted in community impact. He dedicates “countless hours—truly hundreds each month—organizing, leading, communicating, and strengthening our community,” Gamblain noted.
Among his most notable accomplishments is the creation of the Historic Flagler County Courthouse museum known as “The Vault”, a project three years in the making that now offers residents a new way to connect with local history. He is also actively working on another museum and played a key role in initiatives such as the Florida Highwaymen mural under construction on Moody Boulevard by artist Brook Page.
“Ed sets the standard for leadership and volunteerism,” Gamblain said. “His passion, vision, and tireless commitment have made a lasting impact, and he is deeply respected and admired by those who work alongside him.”
Accepting the award, Siarkowicz expressed gratitude and humility. “I appreciate this, knowing that it was your dad and the benchmark he set—this is very meaningful,” he said. “We couldn’t do anything that we do if it wasn’t for our dedicated team of volunteers at the historical society.”
He highlighted fellow volunteers Karen Peck and Preston Zepp in attendance, emphasizing that the organization’s success is a shared effort.
Siarkowicz also spoke about what drives his work. “One of my greatest motivators for documenting history, saving history, restoring history, teaching history, is to teach life skills—survival skills—how people made it in our community that were here generations before us,” he said. “Our main goal is to teach children and their families what those lessons are, so that they can look through those sets of lenses at their present and their future.”
In an emotional moment, he shared a powerful story tied to the new mural inspired by R. L. Lewis.
A mother of a three-year-old autistic, nonverbal child had recently visited the mural with her family. “The child looked at them after walking away, and for the first time, spoke and said, ‘Wow. Wow. Wow,’” Siarkowicz recounted, visibly moved.
“So this has become my new banner, my reason for giving so much of my time into this community,” he said. “It’s to improve, it’s to unite, it’s to beautify, it’s to make a difference.”
He closed with a message to fellow volunteers, “Never underestimate how deep of a change you can make in this community. Even if it starts one child at a time. I’m going to keep on going for as long as it takes to make sure that that spreads.”
The evening, a sweet dessert social, celebrated numerous volunteers whose efforts continue to strengthen Flagler County. But Siarkowicz’s recognition stood as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one individual—and a dedicated community—can make.
“Thank you, thank you very much,” he said, as the room responded with warm applause.
2026 Recipients: Blanketeer Volunteer of the Year In Memory of Maureen Caulfield, Disaster Volunteer of the Year – Connie Shaffer, RSVP Volunteer of the Year – Diane Berntsen, ReadingPal Volunteer of the Year – Darlene Michener, Giving Store Volunteer of the Year – Arlene Weber. Volunteer of the Year – Rick Belhumeur, Volunteer Team of the Year – Tiki Time Team, and Bryan Cooper Excellence in Volunteer Management Award – Ed Siarkowicz.
