Columbus, Ga. (January 3, 2025) – Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Officer Tim Millheiser with the Columbus Police Department the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of January.

Early one December morning, the Columbus Police Department along with Columbus Fire and EMS were dispatched to Ticknor Drive in South Columbus for an apartment fire where several residents were trapped inside. Officer Millheiser was the first to arrive at the scene. He saw a woman hanging from the window of an apartment plus thick, heavy smoke coming from the building. The woman yelled for help, telling Officer Millheiser that she and two other people were trapped inside. She explained her elderly mother could not move and needed help. He entered the building without hesitation and ran up to the second floor, passing by where the fire was most intense.

Officer Millheiser rescued all three people, including one he carried out. Click here to watch body cam footage of the rescue. His swift and decisive actions— putting his life at risk to save others— were instrumental in preventing a tragic outcome, and are a testament to his outstanding character and commitment to public service.

A ceremony with Officer Millheiser and hospital leadership will be held at a later date to commend him for his response. His 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 mid-2016 to recognize first responders 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 do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill.