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COMMUNITY HEROES ISSUE
BEHIND THE ISSUE
The 2025 Heroes Magazine by the Post Searchlight honors the veterans, first responders, therapists, and healthcare workers who selflessly serve Decatur County. Through stories and testimonials, it celebrates their dedication, courage, and profound impact on the community. A special thank you to our subscribers and advertisers whose support makes meaningful editions like this possible.
After nine years of military service, Xavier Brown has brought his experience and dedication to Bainbridge Public Safety.
Jeff Barta
After 40 years of military service, Jeff Barta continues to dedicate his life to helping others.
Memorial Hospital ER
The Memorial Hospital ER staff save lives, even in the face of overwhelming capacity.
Tyler Dalton
Since an early age, Tyler Dalton wanted to help others in the community. Now he helps in critical moments.
Daryl Hall
Daryl Hall helps patients at their most vulnerable get back on their feet.
Jordan Phillips
Sergeant Jordan Phillips has found his training and skills tested with not one, but two life-or-death situations.
A Steady Presence
After nine years of military service, Xavier Brown has brought his experience and dedication to Bainbridge Public Safety.
Many people find themselves pursuing the same careers as their family members. It’s hardly unusual to get into “the family business.” Bainbridge Public Safety Officer Xavier Brown has also followed in his family’s three generations of footsteps into law enforcement.
A native of Albany, Brown initially joined the Army for nine years, serving in Afghanistan and South Korea, before making the decision to go into law enforcement. He feels his service in the military helped prepare him for his career in law enforcement.
“It’s always been a family thing,” he said. “After you decide to get out
of the military, if you wanted to, then law enforcement was another choice that we would take.”
Rather than serve under relatives in Albany, however, Brown looked at other jurisdictions, including Savannah and Atlanta, before choosing to serve with Bainbridge Public Safety.
“It was close enough to family that I’m not under them,” he said, “and I can move back and forth.”
BPS Director Frank Green commented on Brown’s decision to
STORY & PHOTOS BY ETHAN REDDISH
join, saying, “When Xavier joined the agency five years ago, he was from the Albany area but chose Bainbridge as the place he wanted to live, and have a future at Bainbridge Public Safety. It was immediately obvious that he was going to be an exceptional officer who dedicated himself 100 percent to both firefighting and policing.”
The position can certainly keep him busy, with frequent calls including domestics and shots fired, and more crimes found in larger cities occurring in Bainbridge. But Brown stated he preferred the small-town atmosphere of Bainbridge, as opposed to cities like Albany.
“It’s exciting, but every now and then you get one of those quiet nights,” he said, “where there’s nobody walking, no cars on the roads.”
Brown described working at BPS as everything he had expected and more, and hopes to further advance within BPS, hoping to one day make Sergeant.
BPS Chief Redell Walton described Brown as “a professional, steady presence.” His coworkers described him as being the “standard” for others, always jumping at what needed to be done, whether it be a crime in progress or a fire.
“He is highly regarded by all his peers,” Green said. “He is a great example of someone our youth could look up to.”
Brown remarked that the small-town hospitality he and officers receive is a rewarding part of serving in Bainbridge. “The most rewarding? Just going out in public, and people saying ‘Thank you for your service’, ‘Hey y’all are doing a great job, thank y’all for protecting us.’ I think that’s pretty rewarding,” he said.
“Bainbridge Public Safety is very thankful for the job Xavier is doing,” Green concluded, “and we are honored to have such a positive mentor on our team.”
A Life of Service
STORY & PHOTOS BY MAHALIA GRIER
After 40 years of military service, Jeff Barta continues to dedicate his life to helping others.
A veteran hero is someone who dedicates their life to serving others, demonstrating unwavering courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of adversity. These qualities perfectly define Jeff Barta.
Barta began his military journey in 1980 when he enlisted in the Army National Guard in South Dakota, describing it as a “very good opportunity.” Starting as a private, he worked diligently as a mechanic, honing his skills and contributing to vital operations. Over time, his career evolved, and as he advanced to the rank of Master Sergeant, his focus shifted to leadership and supervision.
Throughout his 40-year career, Barta embodied dedication and adaptability, serving with distinction across diverse deployments, including Honduras, two tours in Germany, and a year in Iraq. Notably, he also played a critical role in numerous stateside emergencies, including supervising a task force during a devastating flood in his hometown—a disaster that destroyed his own home. Despite personal challenges, his commitment to service never wavered.
Barta’s military career came to a close in 2020, not by choice but due to the Army’s mandatory retirement policy at age 60. Reflecting
on his career, he identifies his most meaningful accomplishments in the lives he impacted and the countless soldiers and families he supported.
Over the years, Barta trained thousands of soldiers through a personalized, hands-on approach. In locations such as Alabama, South Dakota, and North Dakota, he mentored soldiers in various roles, closely overseeing their growth and development. When soldiers were deployed, Barta extended his care to their families, ensuring they were supported during difficult times.
One defining chapter of his career came during its final decade, when Barta joined the Officer Candidate School (OCS) as an instructor and Platoon Trainer. Tasked with transforming aspiring soldiers into commissioned officers, he described the role as “the most taxing thing I ever did.” Reflecting on this experience, Barta said, “I took young soldiers and turned them into officers. I just hope my mentorship and work with them define their careers going forward.” His impact was profound, and many former candidates continue to reach out to him for guidance and mentorship to this day.
Even in retirement, Barta’s dedication to service remains steadfast.
“The biggest thing is helping people all the time,” he shared. “You’re trained in the military to help people by making sure your left and right are always taken care of, and that’s something I’ve always upheld in both my military and civilian life.” Back in Minot, North Dakota, Barta continues to give back to his community through volunteer work. His journey recently brought him to Bainbridge, Georgia, at the invitation of his daughter, Heather Stephens. Through her military organization, she connected with Don and Patty Fabian, who encouraged Barta to visit the At Ease Campground and Marina. Currently, Barta assists and supports with the campground’s upkeep and development.
Jeff Barta’s story is a testament to a life devoted to service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to others. Whether shaping the future of young officers, supporting military families, or extending a helping hand to his community, Barta exemplifies the true essence of a veteran hero. Even in retirement, his legacy of mentorship and compassion resonates deeply, reminding us that the impact of a great leader endures far beyond their years of active service. For Jeff Barta, heroism is not confined to his time in uniform—it is a lifelong mission to make the world a better place.
The
In Case of Emergency
STORY & PHOTOS BY MAHALIA GRIER
Memorial Hospital ER staff save lives, even in
the
face of overwhelming capacity.
Nurses are often regarded as heroes in healthcare, playing critical roles in helping patients. Among them, Emergency Department (ED) nurses stand out for their remarkable ability to navigate the fast-paced, high-stakes environment they face daily. These dedicated professionals are instrumental in saving lives, delivering critical care, and supporting patients and families during their most vulnerable moments.
Amy Anderson, the Memorial Hospital ED Manager, emphasized that it is difficult to single out any one nurse as the ED’s hero, as teamwork lies at the heart of its success. Reflecting on the department’s collaborative nature, Anderson recounted several
events that showcased the heroic efforts of the ED staff.
One notable instance involved a patient arriving at the hospital with chest pain. Despite the emergency room operating at full capacity with no beds available, the ED staff took swift action. The team— comprising Carrie Heard, Lorraine West, Rachel Emshoff, Tonya Potter, and Lindsey Lashley, all registered nurses—performed an initial electrocardiogram (EKG) in the hallway, which showed the expected results. The patient was kept under observation near the nurses’ station while waiting for a bed to open. However, one observant nurse noticed a change in his condition and immediately performed a second EKG. This time, the results revealed a STEMI
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More and more of these overwhelming days are occurring as we’ve seen 70-plus patient days.
(ST-elevation myocardial infarction), a critical cardiac emergency requiring immediate action. The team quickly cleared a bed for the patient, who subsequently went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to their quick thinking and decisive actions, the ED team successfully resuscitated the patient and transferred him to a higher-level facility for advanced cardiac care. Their timely intervention made the difference that day.
Anderson also described a particularly demanding evening that resulted in five critical transports and seven admissions to Memorial Hospital. “It happened on a Saturday evening,” she said. “I got a call from an ER nurse who said, ‘We need some help. Can you ask someone to come help out?’ I immediately headed to the ER, where I was met with phones ringing, equipment running, EMS radio traffic with patient reports, and staff from various departments— Radiology, Respiratory, Registration, Environmental Services (EVS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS)—all working alongside our nurses. Patients and their loved ones filled the ER.”
The department was once again operating at full capacity, with EMS vehicles coming and going nonstop. Two intubated patients required intensive, hands-on care, and additional patients— suffering from heart attacks, strokes, severe illnesses, and injuries demanding high-level care—also needed immediate treatment. Adverse weather conditions prevented air transport, and the influx of EMS calls required mutual aid to provide support. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the ED staff displayed exceptional resilience and teamwork, rising to the challenge.
The heroes of that day included ED Manager Amy Anderson, ER Dr. Serna Gonzalez, RNs Lindsey Lashley, Whitney Womble, Madison Roland, Nicole Farmer, and Carrie Heard. Supporting staff members played an equally critical role, including LPN Amanda Henderson,
Analynn Ong from the Lab, Radiology Manager Amanda Toliver, Respiratory Manager Chad Knight, Cynthia Gaines in EVS, Surgeon Dr. George Myers, Surgeon Dr. Charles Walker, ED Medical Director Dr. Evan Smallwood, and ED Midlevel Providers Daniel Smith and Sharon Traylor. Additionally, EMS Survival Flight team members Charles Barnard, Josh Martin, Chrystal Smith, and Chriss Clinton worked tirelessly to assist.
Anderson credited the success of that day to the combined efforts of all professionals involved, highlighting the importance of every role in ensuring patient care. “These extraordinary efforts exemplify what it means to be true heroes in healthcare,” Anderson reflected. “Just driving by the hospital, people would have no idea that such a day is happening. More and more of these overwhelming days are occurring as we’ve seen 70-plus patient days. But we knew we could depend on each other that day and in the coming days, so our community can depend on us.”
Having a hospital within the community is not just a convenience but a lifeline, providing essential and often life-saving services to those in need. It stands as a beacon of care and hope, especially during times of crisis, ensuring that residents have access to critical medical attention close to home. Beyond the infrastructure, it is the dedicated and highly educated heroes who work tirelessly within its walls that truly make a difference. These skilled professionals, from doctors and nurses to support staff, embody compassion, expertise, and resilience, ensuring the well-being of the community they serve. Their commitment and excellence underscore the vital role a hospital plays in fostering a healthier, stronger community for everyone.
Through the Fire
STORY & PHOTOS BY CODY MARMON
Since an early age, Tyler Dalton wanted to help others in the community. Now he helps in critical moments.
Tyler Dalton, a dedicated Bainbridge firefighter-engineer and advanced EMT first responder in Decatur County, shared his journey and unwavering passion for helping others. His service traces back to his volunteering days in Grady County, where he first discovered the profound impact he could make in people’s lives. Dalton emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive attitude, not only for his well-being but also for the benefit of his peers and the community he serves.
“It started at a young age, wanting to be there for people,” Dalton said. “This was an easy transition. I started volunteering in Grady County, and fell in love with it, I decided this was the route I wanted
to go, and turned it into a career. And there’s not a day I wake up and I regret having to come to work, I’m excited every day to get to come to this place and serve the citizens of Decatur County.”
There’s a distinct small-town charm that comes with supporting a community like Bainbridge. The experience of being involved in such a close-knit community offers unique perspectives that one might not encounter in larger cities. This interconnectedness fosters a strong support system, where helping one another is not just an obligation, but a way of life.
“I have family that live in Decatur County, so it’s that idea that
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I treat every citizen and every call as if it is my own family.
anytime it could be family,” Dalton said. “I treat every citizen and every call as if it is my own family. And I think as a whole, we all do that. We all take that kind of motto.”
Moreover, Dalton praised the tireless efforts of community volunteers, who provide essential services free of charge. Their contributions highlight the robust support system, further strengthening the community’s resilience.
“Especially as large as Decatur County is, there’s no way that one station can handle this entire county,” Chief Charlie McCann of Decatur County Fire & Rescue said.
This tenacious devotion is particularly evident in the way community volunteers step up to provide essential services. These selfless individuals donate their time and energy, working tirelessly alongside the department to support and protect their neighbors.
“What is even more impressive is the volunteers in this county who do the same things that we do, but they do it for free,” Dalton said. “To me, that speaks volumes to the people in this community who are willing to go and help their neighbor for free. We provide the training. They sacrifice the time to come and do that training and then respond to calls outside of their normal eight-to-five jobs.”
He elaborated on the unique challenges and risks inherent in his line of work, such as the uncertainty that comes with responding to emergencies, but also addressed the inherent risks with every call. Despite these uncertainties, his dedication remains steadfast. Dalton recounted a poignant personal story about a child’s miraculous recovery, which filled him with immense pride and reinforced his sense of purpose.
“We rarely receive updates about the outcomes of incidents. The only follow-up I’ve had was after a car accident involving a child who was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Fortunately, a year later, I coincidentally met the mother and child again, and the child had made a full recovery. I didn’t introduce myself or realize who they were until my wife pointed it out. It gave me a small sense of pride, knowing that I might have made a difference.”
There’s a different mentality when it comes to the fire and rescue department that deals with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) revolving around a commitment to quick, efficient, and compassionate care. These professionals are often the first responders in critical situations, which demands a unique blend of skills, attributes, and mindset.
The fire and rescue department comes together as one big family to make this work, and it’s not just about fire service. They also step in to handle medical calls when EMS is occupied, as well as covering areas like recovery and aid in places such as Attapulgus and Mount Pleasant.
Members of such departments undergo rigorous and continuous training to stay prepared for a wide range of emergencies, from fires to medical crises. They practice regularly to keep their skills sharp and to ensure they’re ready for any situation. First responders are trained to maintain composure in high-stress situations.
“Everyone goes home,” McCann said.
Healing Hands
STORY & PHOTOS BY CODY MARMON
Daryl Hall helps patients at their most vulnerable get back on their feet.
Daryl Hall, a senior physical therapist affiliated with Memorial Hospital and Manor, has always known two things: he wants to help people and achieve financial stability. Guided by these principles, he chose the medical field and enrolled as a pre-med student in college. This led him to his current position in physical therapy, where he evaluates joint motion, muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical health to support daily activities.
He reflected on his initial inspiration for wanting to become a doctor: Dr. Cochran, a beloved physician in his hometown of Bainbridge. Hall still remembered seeing him at his office, dressed casually in camouflage pants and a purple polo. It wasn’t about appearances
with Dr. Cochran; it was about what he could do for people, about the trust and respect he had earned in the community.
For a while, Hall imagined following in Dr. Cochran’s footsteps, but the decision loomed: take the Medical College Admission Test and commit to medical school, or chart a new course. He took the graduate school entrance exam—and prepared for PT school, believing it was the right fit for him.
Physical therapy turned out to be everything he hoped for and more. He embraced the hands-on nature of the work. For him, it wasn’t just about exercises or treatments—it was about helping the person
overcome by building strength, making mobility a possibility again, and building relationships.
“Some days it might feel like our work fades into a routine as if we’re not making much of a difference,” Hall acknowledged. “But then, there are those special moments—when someone walks through the door, wearing a genuine smile despite their pain. In those moments, I’m reminded of why we’re here. Knowing that this place brings them comfort, that even on their hardest days they can feel cared for and uplifted—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Hall compared his role to that of a coach, a pursuit he deeply enjoys. He loved observing children develop over a season, thriving through effort and support. Similarly, physical therapy provided him with the same gratification: witnessing patients progress from their initial visit to the moment they leave feeling stronger and more self-assured
One piece of advice stuck with him: “Don’t be the person who steals someone else’s joy. Even if what they’re doing isn’t great, they don’t need you to tell them that. They already know. They need you to encourage and uplift them.”
That philosophy became a guiding principle for Hall, both in the clinic and beyond. He viewed his work not merely as a profession but as an opportunity to help others navigate their challenges and strive toward becoming their best selves. While it might not always feel heroic at the moment, the lasting impact of his efforts is undeniable. Yet, over time, his work as a physical therapist became something much more—it became a testament to resilience, compassion, and transformation.
One of the most memorable success stories in Hall’s career began with a man who had recently been released from prison. The man had sustained an injury during his incarceration and had been told he would never walk again, destined to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. His sister, however, refused to accept that verdict.
From the very first session, Hall saw potential. He told the man, “I feel like you’re going to walk again. I know they’ve told you otherwise, but I don’t see why we can’t work toward that goal.”
With patience and determination, they began the journey. Using a harness system designed to catch the patient if he lost balance, Hall encouraged him to push forward and believe in the possibility of walking once more. For three weeks, they worked tirelessly. Then, one day, the man walked into the clinic without a wheelchair, a walker, or anything else.
“I guess it’s working,” the man said, grinning.
Hall couldn’t hide his pride. “Yeah, it’s working,” he replied, sharing the triumph. Not long after, the man felt confident enough to stop therapy altogether. He returned to work, leaving his wheelchair behind. To Hall, it wasn’t about performing miracles—it was about fostering belief and providing the tools for success. “We just
encouraged him to walk,” he said humbly, though the impact was anything but ordinary.
But heroism in physical therapy isn’t just about dramatic recoveries. It’s also about the emotional connections formed through consistent, compassionate care. He reflected on his work with pediatric patients, particularly children born with conditions like cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries. In one especially poignant case, he treated a five-day-old baby whose arm was paralyzed due to nerve damage sustained at birth.
For over a year, Hall worked with her, using manual electrical stimulation techniques to help her muscles contract and regain function. Over time, the arm began to move. Although the progress wasn’t perfect, it was life-changing. Years later, the family returned, and Hall was stunned to see the girl using her arm effortlessly. “If you tested her, you could probably tell which arm it was,” he said. “But she was using it so well that it didn’t matter. Without therapy, that arm wouldn’t have been functional at all.”
Moments like these remind him why he does what he does. “You see these kids and families over and over—they feel like family. You know their names, their stories, their struggles. You feel their pain and their triumphs.” While not every case ends in a complete recovery, Hall remains steadfast in his belief that every small victory matters. “Some function is always better than none,” he said.
The emotional toll of the job isn’t lost on him. There are moments when the weight of a patient’s struggles feels heavy, particularly when parents are desperate for answers that don’t yet exist. “It’s harder on the parents than on the person themselves sometimes,” Hall admitted. “When they ask, ‘When will my child walk? When will they sit up?’ and the answer is ‘I don’t know,’ that’s tough.”
Yet, it’s the relationships that sustain him. Patients often return to the clinic just to say hello, even long after their therapy has ended. “They’ll stop by to check in, ask about my kids, or share milestones in their lives. It’s not just me—it’s everyone here. We build relationships that last.”
For Hall, the most rewarding part of his work isn’t the physical transformations he helps facilitate—it’s the connections, the trust, and the shared humanity. He sees his role as more than just a job. It’s a way of lifting others, of being there in their moments of need.
When Seconds Count
STORY & PHOTOS BY ETHAN REDDISH
Sergeant Jordan Phillips has found his training and skills tested with not one, but two life-or-death situations.
Law enforcement is a difficult job. It demands split-second decisionmaking with life-or-death outcomes. These situations aren’t just limited to high-speed chases or armed stand-offs, but medical emergencies. Sergeant Jordan Phillips has had his response skills thoroughly tested over the past year, having to render life-saving aid in two different instances.
Phillips has seen his fair share of calls for over a decade, having been in law enforcement for eight years. He had previously served with Grady County Fire and Rescue for three years before working with the Whigham Police Department and the Grady County Sheriff’s Office, before ultimately joining the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office.
It was a call he felt to serve more that led to him going into law enforcement.
“I guess when I was in fire, responding to different types of calls, and not being able to do anything else, I decided law enforcement was better,” he said, “because I could provide more services in law enforcement than I could in fire.”
Phillips always had ambitions to serve his community from his youth, initially planning to join the Marines, though an injury he suffered in his Senior year would derail those plans. Yet, he has been a tremendous asset in serving the Decatur County community.
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While we’re dealing with the hardest day of other people’s lives, we’re still people at the same time.
One recent call Phillips received turned out to be a man suffering from an overdose.
“I recognized the signs of agonal breathing, no response. I popped him with Narcan, his respirations didn’t normalize at all,” Phillips recalled. The man appeared to be too far gone for a single dose of Narcan to treat, and Phillips was required to perform CPR to stabilize him. According to Phillips, while overdoses are not as common as they were previously, due to the types of drugs now being produced, ODs tend to be faster and more serious.
Of course, Phillips does still receive fire calls, and found himself having to render critical aid on one last year.
“I got called to a structure fire, and I was the first on scene,” Phillips said. “There was a 17-year-old male who had busted a window out of the house that was on fire, and ended up cutting his arteries in his arm.”
Phillips applied a tourniquet to the teen, who he described “as white as a piece of paper”, having lost a significant amount of blood.
Sheriff Wiley Griffin commended Phillips’ quick actions in this incident.
“The fact that he took emergency action definitely saved the guy’s life,” Griffin said. “The situation required somebody to take charge, and Sergeant Jordan did exactly that.”
For Phillips’ part, he finds his service with the Sheriff’s Office rewarding. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved my Fire, but to me, this is more rewarding,” he said. “I feel like I’m protecting more people this way.”
Phillps knows that, as part of his job, any day could be his last: “It’s the best thing about my job, is when I clock in, I don’t know what I’m getting into that day, but I know at the same time I could walk out my door, and not walk back into it.”
But one of the most trying parts of the job to Phillips is not the danger or life-and-limb situations, but as he put it, repetitiveness. That is to say, those who are constantly calling law enforcement with the same issues.
“It just gets frustrating, seeing that person continue this way, and calling us and not wanting to make the change when we offer the help for change,” he said. “Drugs, mental health, relationships… any first responder, whether it’s police, fire or EMS, we can only do so much. Eventually, you get to the point where you still have the desire to help, but wonder if you’re actually getting through to the person.”
Phillips concluded by reiterating that law enforcement officers and first responders are also people; “I just hope the citizens of Decatur County realize that we’re still people. While we’re dealing with the hardest days of other people’s lives, we’re still people at the same time.”
