Coweta County parks and recreation volunteer honored as community hero

Newnan, Ga. (April 23, 2026) - Piedmont Newnan named Alan Smith, a volunteer at Coweta County Parks and Recreation and retiree of Coweta County Fire Rescue, the organization’s Community Hero for the month of April.

In January, Alan quickly came to the aid of a coworker, Tray Baggerly, who was in cardiac arrest. Alan retrieved the AED machine in the lobby and began CPR without hesitation. EMS arrived shortly after and took over care. Tray was taken to Piedmont Newnan Hospital and over the next several hours, one message echoed from every nurse and physician who learned what had happened: “Bless the man who was there to render aid.”

Tray later had to be shocked 16 times in Piedmont’s Cath Lab and was given a fighting chance thanks to the quick response by Alan, Piedmont’s Cath Lab employees including Tesfaye Telila, MD, and the Coweta County EMS responders and the vital role they played in the events that day. Tray beat the odds and survived thanks to Alan and the care he received.

Alan was presented with the Community Hero Award at the April 21 meeting of the Coweta County Commissioners.

At the ceremony, Vicki Kaiser presented him with a certificate and framed photo. The county also received a poster to display, which will also be displayed at the hospital.

"As healthcare professionals, we know that in situations like this, every minute counts. Many people that suffer a heart attack in the community, their survival depends on the person standing next to them when it happens and their ability to perform CPR and use an AED machine," said Vicki Kaiser, COO at Piedmont Newnan. "I personally want to commend Alan Smith on his quick response and calmness during that event."

Piedmont Newnan created the Community Hero program to recognize first responders in Coweta and neighboring counties, on a quarterly basis, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service, and have gone beyond the call of duty. The program aims to recognize the bravery, commitment, and extraordinary efforts of our local heroes.

“Their line of work is often unappreciated, and we want to make the community aware of what our local heroes do to make our community a better and safer place,” said Kaiser.

If you know a first responder who deserves to be recognized as a Community Hero, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Please send your nomination to carrie.parsons@piedmont.org. Nominations should include your name and contact information, the nominee’s name and the agency they work for, along with a brief summary of why the nominee should be considered a Community Hero.