Piedmont Columbus Regional has named a group of Auburn firefighters and communications staff as the July recipients of its First Friday Hero award for their heroic actions that saved a paralyzed woman trapped in a burning home.

Joshua Datnoff, Andrew Barber, Kelvin Maloy, Matthew Thompson, Dawson Locklier, Charlsie Little, Catherine Youngblood, Miles Ballard, Jonas Williamson, Griffin Brown, Spencer MaGill, and Garrett Kemp were recognized for their life-saving response during a residential fire on Talbert Drive.

The fire broke out in the woman’s home, quickly engulfing the structure in thick, black smoke and flames. Neighbors tried to help but were unable to reach her due to the intensity of the blaze. Auburn Fire and Communications teams responded rapidly, entered the burning home, located the woman, and brought her to safety. She was reportedly conscious and struggling to breathe as firefighters pulled her out and was immediately transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Piedmont Columbus Regional will formally honor the team during a ceremony on Thursday, July 11 at 9 a.m. CT at Fire Station 1 on East Magnolia Avenue in Auburn. Hospital leadership will join community members to thank the team for their courage and quick action.

“These heroes went above and beyond to save a life, and that’s exactly what this program was created to recognize,” said Scott Hill, CEO of Piedmont Columbus Regional. “Their line of work is often a thankless job, and we want to make the community aware of what our local first responders do every day to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place.”

The story of their bravery is also being featured throughout Piedmont Columbus Regional on commemorative posters and across the hospital’s social media channels.

The First Friday Hero program was established in 2016 to spotlight first responders each month who show extraordinary courage and service in the line of duty.