Monroe, Ga. (April 29, 2025) – Piedmont Walton Hospital is proud to announce that two Monroe Police Department officers have been named First Friday Heroes for May 2025. Both officers are recognized for their exceptional dedication and bravery demonstrated in the line of duty.
Corporal Kain's Life-Saving Actions
In December 2024, Monroe Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to a local church for an EMS assist call for an elderly female was non-responsive in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Corporal Brittany Kain was on patrol in the area and responded quickly to the call.
Upon arrival, Corporal Kain took immediate action by removing the woman from the car, performing CPR, and utilizing her department-issued AED (automated external defibrillator). Corporal Kain continued CPR until Monroe Fire Department and EMS arrived on the scene and transported the patient to Piedmont Walton Hospital where she was stabilized.
Corporal Kain's ability to maintain focus and execute life-saving measures undoubtably saved the life of the woman, allowing her to celebrate the holidays with her family.
Officer Arriaza's Heroic Actions
In January, the Monroe Police Department received a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert from a neighboring police department regarding a kidnapping. The alert included the suspect’s vehicle’s tag number, which was immediately communicated to all officers on shift.
Officer Arriaza swiftly utilized the Flock cameras to scan the city for any information related to the truck involved in the kidnapping. His diligent efforts led him to identify a connection to the suspect within the city limits, and eventually, to locate the vehicle and the juvenile victim.
The suspect was arrested without incident, and the juvenile was safely returned to a family member. Officer Arriaza's quick thinking and effective use of technology were instrumental in resolving the situation without anyone being injured.
"We are very proud to honor Officer Arriaza and Corporal Kain as First Friday Heroes,” said Blake Watts, Piedmont Walton Hospital CEO. “Their actions exemplify the highest standards of public service, and their actions have made a profound and positive impact. We are grateful for their commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Piedmont Walton launched the First Friday Hero program in 2024 to recognize first responders who exceed the call of duty.
If you would like to nominate a Walton County first responder for the Piedmont Walton First Friday Hero award, please submit your nomination to firstfridayherowalton@piedmont.org. Nominations should include your name and contact information along with the nominee’s name, the agency they work for, contact information for that agency, and a summary of why he or she should be considered a First Friday Hero.