Natural Gas Hero: Glenn Traffica

Over the span of 17 years at natural gas provider Spire Alabama, Glenn Traffica had experienced the aftermath of many tornadoes, including the massive 2011 Birmingham multi-vortex event.

As a tornado roared over his parents’ neighborhood in Alabama, Traffica hunkered down with his family while debris pelted their home. Afterward, Traffica was relieved to find the home was still intact, but he was dismayed to find that many of his neighbors were less fortunate.

Over the span of 17 years at natural gas provider Spire Alabama, Traffica had experienced the aftermath of many tornadoes, including the massive 2011 Birmingham multi-vortex event.

Minutes after the tornado passed, and well before first responders could arrive, Traffica grabbed a wrench and moved from door to door, checking on every neighbor. Traffica made sure all his neighbors were safe and accounted for and turned off the gas in their homes, many with roofs torn off or walls caved in.

 “The training I had in construction for five years, then my time as a service technician – it was because of that training and me working in those positions that it was just second nature,” said Traffica.

“I’m not at all surprised by how Glenn stepped up during this tornado situation,” said Spire regional manager Dana Mayo. “His customer service skills are second to none. He is always up for a challenge and continues to demonstrate excellent work, day-in and day-out.”

Traffica’s employer, Spire, serves 1.7 million customers across Missouri, Alabama and Mississippi, providing natural gas to fuel the region’s homes and businesses. Aside from empowering their employees to be prepared for natural disasters, utilities like Spire are also directly supporting communities affected by these serious events.

In January 2023, Spire donated $16,000 to local American Red Cross chapters to assist communities impacted by the tornadoes that swept across Alabama. This commitment to supporting their communities is just one reason why natural gas utilities are such valuable and responsible partners in the regions they serve.

The American Gas Association proudly applauds our natural gas heroes, like Glenn Traffica of Alabama.

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