Piedmont Columbus names MCSO deputies and CPD officer as ‘First Friday Heroes’ for helping individuals in rollover crash

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Officials with Piedmont Columbus Regional are praising the work of two Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office investigators and a Columbus Police Department Corporal who helped save occupants who were victims of a rollover crash.

Investigators Timothy Darden and Maximus Raniero with MCSO and Cpl. Colby Saunders, with CPD, were recognized by the hospital as heroes, who received the organization’s “First Friday Heroes” for the month of September.

According to a press release from Piedmont Columbus Regional, the men were at a convenience store on Whitesville Road for a specialized detail when they heard a loud crashing noise and observed a SUV violently rolling over, and eventually coming to a stop on its side.

The driver and passenger were trapped inside as smoke from the deployed airbags filled the interior of the vehicle.

That’s when Darden, Raniero and Saunders sprinted to the SUV while another investigator, who has been identified as Misty White, blocked oncoming traffic.

Officials said the group demonstrated remarkable bravery and quick thinking when the three of them, along with two other citizens, pushed the SUV upright.

When the SUV began to roll forward, Darden then pried the driver’s door open and put the SUV in park.

The passenger was reported to be OK in the incident, but the driver was in distress and was likely suffering from a panic attack, according to Piedmont Columbus officials.

White reportedly stayed with the driver, while calmly guiding her through controlled breathing techniques until EMS arrived.

The driver was then transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown for additional treatment.

Hospital officials continue to praise the swift actions taken by Darden, Raniero and Saunders as the trio risked their own safety in their immediate and decisive response, along with the efforts of the good Samaritans, which prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

A ceremony for Darden, Raniero and Saunders with hospital leadership will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office as officials plan to commend them for their response.

The group’s story has also been featured throughout the hospital on commemorative posters and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s social media pages, according to officials.

“Their line of work is often a thankless job, and we want to make the community aware of what our local heroes do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill.

Piedmont Columbus Regional launched the “First Friday Hero” program back in 2016 to annually recognize first responders and everyday heroes, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.