Who:
Irvine Postmaster Pete Galindo
The Nelson Family
Irvine Police Department
Orange County Fire Authority

What:
Honor Irvine Letter Carrier Mike Hart, who rushed to help Janie Nelson and her two small children when their car overturned and they were trapped inside.

When:
8:30 a.m. PT
Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011

Where:
Irvine Post Office
15642 Sand Canyon Ave.
Irvine CA 92619

Background:
The Nelson family wishes to publicly thank Irvine Letter Carrier Mike Hart for coming to their aid. The Irvine Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority join the Postal Service in recognizing Hart’s quick response to the Nelson family.

Janie Nelson was momentarily distracted while driving and missed a turn. The car went over a curb, hit a tree and rolled over onto its roof. Trapped inside, Nelson was unable to free herself from a jammed seat belt or open the car door. Her infant daughter and two-year-old son were dangling upside down in their car seats.

Hart was nearby delivering mail and rushed to the family’s rescue. He got the children out of the car and then managed to pry the driver’s door open and free Nelson. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Hart stayed with the family and comforted them until Police arrived, then went back to delivering his route.

Andrew Nelson contacted the Postal Service to commend Hart, who he said undoubtedly helped his wife and kids avoid physical injury and minimized the emotional trauma of the experience.  

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