On November 15, Lance Stocker, a maintenance and repair technician with Columbia Gas of Ohio, was conducting routine adjustments on regulator stations in Alliance. During his task, he discovered a fire in a trash can that had melted to the ground near a house.
Without hesitation, Stocker took immediate action. “I didn’t even hesitate,” he stated. “I just parked the truck where I normally would, grabbed my fire extinguisher and tripped Blackline.” His prompt response extinguished the fire before it could spread further.
The situation was precarious as the fire was close to both the house’s front door and a nearby station. Stocker contacted Blackline for additional assistance from the fire department. He recounted their response: “Well, this wasn’t that bad, but you did a good job.”
Stocker’s actions potentially prevented serious harm to a woman and her young child inside the neighboring home. Reflecting on his actions, he said: “Everything we do when we respond to any emergency is protect life and property.”
In December, Stocker received formal recognition for his efforts from Alliance Fire Chief Jason Hunt. The commendation highlighted Stocker’s “exceptional bravery, quick thinking and dedication to public safety.”
Stocker downplayed his heroics, attributing them to being part of the Columbia Gas community ethos. “I would think any employee at Columbia Gas would’ve done the right thing,” he remarked.
