Columbus, Ga. (September 4, 2025)— Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Investigators Timothy Darden and Maximus Raniero with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and Corporal Colby Saunders with the Columbus Police Department the organization’s First Friday Heroes for the month of September.
The trio was at a convenience store on Whitesville Road for a special detail when they heard a loud crashing noise and saw a SUV violently rolling over— finally coming to a stop on its side. Smoke from the deployed airbags filled the interior of the SUV as the driver and passenger were trapped inside.
Darden, Raniero and Saunders sprinted to the SUV as another investigator, Misty White, blocked traffic. Demonstrating remarkable bravery and quick thinking, the three of them, assisted by two citizens, pushed the SUV upright. However, the SUV began to roll forward. Investigator Darden pried the driver’s door open and put the SUV in park. The passenger was fine, but the driver was in distress, likely suffering from a panic attack. Investigator White stayed with the driver, calmly guiding her through controlled breathing techniques until EMS arrived— transporting her to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown for treatment.
The swift actions taken by Darden, Raniero and Saunders— risking their own safety— were nothing short of lifesaving. Their immediate and decisive response, along with the efforts of the good Samaritans, undoubtedly prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
A ceremony with Darden, Raniero, Saunders and hospital leadership was held at the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office to commend them for their response. Their story is also featured throughout the hospital on commemorative posters and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s social media pages.
Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
“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.