Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Kim McMullen with CARE Ambulance the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of June.

McMullen was driving home one night on U.S. Hwy. 431 and saw a semi-truck that had lost control and knocked down several power lines just outside the Eufaula city limits. The cab of the truck was engulfed in flames. When exiting her car to assist, Kim heard screams and realized the semi-truck driver was still trapped inside. Although she knew the downed power lines could be live, Kim risked her own life to cross over them, as well as diesel fuel spilled all over the ground, to enter the burning semi-truck and drag the driver out to safety. If not for her bravery, the driver would not be alive today.

A ceremony with McMullen and hospital leadership will be held at a later date to commend her for her response. Her 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 our local heroes and all they do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a better and safer place,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill.