Carl McMillian
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

Carl “Popeye” McMillian, a New Richmond resident who served the community in many ways, passed away March 6 at the age of 90.

McMillian was the founding member and chief of the New Richmond Life Squad in 1959 and served on the squad until 1982, according to New Richmond Fire Department officials.

McMillian was a member of the New Richmond Fire Department from 1952-1985, was an officer at the New Richmond Police Department from 1950-1974 and served as chief from 1968-1974. He was also a chief at Monroe Township from 1976-1991.

“He was just this icon in New Richmond and Monroe Township,” New Richmond Fire Chief Vince Bee said about McMillian.

Bee said McMillian saw a need for an ambulance in New Richmond and was instrumental in getting the life squad started.

Bee said McMillian was involved in the community and received many awards for his years of service.

McMillian was named Fireman of the Year in 1974 in New Richmond; he received the Clermont County Commissioners’ Award for Dedicated Service as Chief in 1991; he received the Volunteerism Award in New Richmond in 2002; he was awarded the Police Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Association Dedicated Service Award for 41 years of service; he was named the Citizen of the Year in New Richmond in 2006, and more.

Bee said “Popeye” will be remembered for the total public servant that he was and all of the good things that he did for the community and people.

“He was just this great guy,” Bee said. “And everything that he has done for this community has been incredible.”

McMillian is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Carla (Bill) Scharber, granddaughter Brooke Scharber, sister Ella (Sheridan) Angstadt and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held for McMillian March 10 at E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in New Richmond. He is buried at Greenmound Cemetery in the village.