Otto McMillan Is a Hero Among Heroes
Otto McMillan has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. With nearly 30 years at Piedmont Natural Gas, his quick thinking and decisive actions have saved lives and prevented disasters. His most recent act of bravery earned him the American Gas Association’s Meritorious Service Award at May’s AGA Operations Conference.
Otto McMillan has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. With nearly 30 years at Piedmont Natural Gas, his quick thinking and decisive actions have saved lives and prevented disasters. His most recent act of bravery earned him the American Gas Association’s Meritorious Service Award at May’s AGA Operations Conference.
“I’ve been here 28, 29 years,” McMillan reflects. “Probably 28, 29 times something has happened. I know for sure I’ve seen four fires, numerous wrecks and different types of events. I cannot turn a blind eye.”
In early 2023, McMillan was overseeing the construction of a natural gas main line in Mint Hill, North Carolina, when he noticed smoke pouring from a house nearby. Without hesitation, he and a construction contractor banged on the doors, urging the family inside—a mother and her two young daughters—to evacuate. McMillan then cut the home’s electricity as a precaution. Firefighters later confirmed that a faulty electrical connection had sparked the blaze and that McMillan’s quick action likely prevented the house from burning down.
Just a few months later, on his way to the utility’s operations center, McMillan witnessed a minivan crash into a Kia Forte, flipping the smaller car upside down. Acting swiftly, McMillan halted traffic with his lights, called 911, and rushed to assist the crawling driver. Even after emergency personnel arrived, he stayed on scene, directing traffic to ensure everyone’s safety.
October brought yet another dramatic rescue. McMillan came upon a car accident where one driver was pinned inside his vehicle. Once again, he called 911 and remained with the injured man until help arrived, offering comfort and assurance during the critical moments.
McMillan attributes his readiness to act to a childhood friend, Griff, who passed away when McMillan was 15. “He told me this one thing, ‘Each one, teach one,’” McMillan recalls. “He said, ‘If I help you today, you help somebody else tomorrow.’ And when he passed away, I just took that to heart.”
Reflecting on his experiences, McMillan hopes to inspire others with what he calls the “Griff mentality.” “Stop, look around, and listen to things,” he advises. “You may be the person who’s going to make somebody’s day, help save someone’s life. You may just be that superhero. You may be that person for that moment.”
McMillan’s story stands out in an industry that produces more than its fair share of heroes. Whether they’re ensuring the safety of our communities or stepping up in times of crisis, utility workers like McMillan exemplify the best of our industry. Their actions reflect the dedication and commitment that define natural gas professionals—men and women who go above and beyond every day to keep our lives running smoothly and safely.