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13 first responders honored for saving Columbus woman's life last year

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:10 PM

Courtesy-Columbus Police Department

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Bartholomew County woman, 83-year-old Cheri Hart of Columbus, got the chance at a recognition ceremony on Friday afternoon to meet and thank the first responders who saved her life last fall.

Emergency personnel from the City of Columbus, Bartholomew County, and Columbus Regional Health (CRH) responded to a cardiac arrest call, and their swift actions not only saved her life but also allowed for a full recovery with no long-term effects on cognitive or physical health. 

Hart suffered a medical event while driving on River Road on October 29. Her car came to a stop after hitting a tree in a nearby yard. Bystanders called 9-1-1, and first responders rushed to the scene.

CPD Sgt. Brian Voyles was not working but happened to be passing by. He immediately tried to get Cheri out of the vehicle by breaking a window with a brick. 

Officer Graham and Sgt. Plummer soon arrived, pulled Cheri from the car, and administered CPR until medical personnel from the Columbus Fire Department and CRH EMS arrived and took over care. Hart was then taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) formally recognized and awarded 13 local first responders for their life-saving actions. Those honored were Tiffany Leicht, Conner Bridges, Angie Lee, Mike Gorbett, Aaron Graham, Chris Turrle, Jeff Brown, Patrick Volland, Drew Vehslage, Ethan Yaley, Kyle Whipker, Courtney Plummer, and Brian Voyles.

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