AGA Recognizes First Responder of First Resort

Washington - The American Gas Association has recognized Tim MacDonald of NorthWestern Energy for his lifesaving actions as part of its ongoing Making a Difference campaign, which works to highlight examples of heroism by the natural gas utility workers that serve as overlooked first responders.

In January of this year, MacDonald was headed home from work in his company truck in his hometown of Huron, South Dakota. As he drove through downtown, he noticed 82-year-old George Piper, walking alongside the road collapse, hitting the ground face-first. MacDonald immediately sprang into action, turning on his flashers and truck's yellow beacon and leaping out to check on Piper. Realizing he wasn't coherent, MacDonald called 911 and gave their location. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, MacDonald bundled him up with a spare coat and sweatshirt from his truck to get his head off the ice and keep him warm (Huron, South Dakota averages January low temperatures of 6 degrees Fahrenheit.) 

Piper had suffered a potentially lethal stroke. Fortunately, ensuring he received immediate medical attention allowed the worst to be averted. 

MacDonald was later recognized for his heroic actions with the MEA Energy Association Life Sustaining Award. George Piper made it a point to attend the ceremony. 

"Tim's an example of someone who looks out for people in the community," said Piper. "It's just part of humanity. And well, NorthWestern has to be grateful that they have employees like that." 

MacDonald's actions demonstrated the incredible role that natural gas utility workers play as the frequent first responders on the scene. 

"Being a first responder is crucial to what we do," said MacDonald. "Being that first responder, you have to be calm, cool and collected in your thought process, understand what's going on, and understand that every situation is different and how critical it may be. We have to be prepared to act appropriately in our community." 

Natural gas utility workers like Tim MacDonald regularly interact with the public directly. This means that they are frequently first on the scene of life-threatening incidents, where their utility training enables them to react quickly and decisively to protect their neighbors and communities. AGA's Making a Difference project has highlighted numerous lifesavers like Tim MacDonald who have demonstrated the courage and decisive thinking any first responder relies on, as well as other heroes that have found ways to give back to their communities that are different, but no less impactful.