Piedmont Columbus Regional has named David Duckworth with the Columbus Police Department the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of October.

David responded to a suicide attempt call, but the person’s exact location wasn’t known. With the help of the man’s wife, David was able to track down the wooded area where the man was trying to harm himself. Once on scene, with the help of Harris County EMS, they were able to save the guy’s life. He was later transported to our Midtown Campus for further treatment.

If someone you know is thinking about harming themselves take the step and #BeThe1To connect them with proper resources. If you’re struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CONNECT to 741741 to be connected to a Crisis Counselor. Both services are free.

A ceremony with police officials and hospital leadership will be held at a later date to commend Officer Duckworth 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, which is designed to recognize first responders on a monthly basis 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 our local heroes and all they do to make Columbus a better and safer place.