Retired Franklin police officer, Tommy Heithcock, spent 36 years serving as a police officer in Williamson County, 26 of those with the City of Franklin. He's also been a volunteer with Peytonsville's Volunteer Fire Department, currently serving as the President of their board. Throughout his work and his life he's approached it all in a show up and help however you can way and has been a longtime trusted source of assistance in his community.
Twenty years ago Judy Suter was faced with the unthinkable when her then 27 year old brother took his own life. When she began looking into the community for bereavement assistance for herself and her young children she found resources were limited. She then took it upon herself to perform a needs analysis, and with a pocket full of determination and courage, voiced her concerns to the governing bodies and asked permission to take a group of children to camp.
It was a spot on the news that piqued retired Army Colonel Paul Fleenor's interest in Honor Flight and lead to him to spearhead the efforts to bring the program to Middle Tennessee. Founded as an attempt to insure that as many WWII Veterans as possible get the chance to travel to Washington D.C. to see the memorial dedicated to their heroic efforts, the Honor Flight Program provides the trip, free of charge, to as many veterans as possible. After seeing the spotlight on the Honor Flight Program Fleenor traveled to Washington D.C. to…
'Picture of humility', 'a generous heart', 'an inspiration', 'dedicated' are just a few of the words used to describe Nicole Cochran by those who know and love her. It is for her love of community, kind heart and inspiring story as a single foster mother that she was honored as a Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero.
Local attorney and philanthropist Julian Bibb has spent a lifetime supporting, founding and spearheading numerous nonprofits. From Leadership Franklin, which he co-founded, to Franklin's Charge, the Heritage Foundation and many, many more, Bibb's hard work has profoundly altered the landscape of Williamson County.
For a parent there is nothing harder than having a sick child, or even worse losing that child. Kim Milliken learned this the hard way when one month before her son's fifth birthday he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form a brain cancer. And while her son Clinton lost his battle in January, Kim and close family friend Lori Woodard-Hoyt are making sure that his sweet spirit lives on with Clinton's Club, a local nonprofit that provides help to other families with sick children as well as raises awareness of the needs of these families…
When Mark Fry was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis back in 1998 he choose to become a advocate & fund raiser to help provide support and work towards a cure for MS. Since 2001 he has done everything he possibly can to support the local Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society. It is for this tireless work that he is being honored as the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero for the month of September.
As the Promotions and Special Projects Manager for Nashville's Fox 17, Deb Williams spends her days spotlighting local events, charities, people and businesses. Now the tables have turned and it's Deb who is being spotlighted. She has been named a Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero for her courageous battle with breast cancer and her passion for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
John Murphy has worn many hats in his lifetime- veteran, high school teacher, police officer, sheriff's deputy, mason, minister, Boy Scout leader, neighbor, friend, father, grandfather, great grandfather and community leader. Such service has made him a hero to many.
As the Executive Director for Waves, Inc. Jennifer Krahenbill was responsible for leading her team as they work to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through everything from cooking classes to volunteer work as well as early intervention for young children. "I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be associated with an organization that connects me to so many wonderful people. The individuals who receive services are genuine and give so much back through their warm qualities.
