LOS GATOS, CA — Steve Walker was making his routine appointed rounds when he heard cries for help inside a house he was about to deliver mail. A woman who had fallen the night before was still on the floor unable to get up. She had a hardship delivery to her home and she knew her letter carrier would be coming to her door sometime in the afternoon. All she could do was wait and listen for the sound of her mailbox being opened.
Just like clockwork, Walker was making his delivery to her door when he heard a faint call for help inside. Walker called out to her and heard a reply that she needed help. The woman told him the location of her spare house key outside, and after Walker let himself in he found the woman on the floor. Fortunately for the woman, Walker is a trained search and rescue team member, and his life-saving experience became important.
Walker immediately called 911 and stayed with the woman until they arrived. Once he was assured she was in safe hands, Walker went on to complete his rounds.
Los Gatos Postmaster John Lopez said, “This is really all about trust. The woman knew she could reveal the location of her spare house key and trust her letter carrier to help her.”
Around the country on a daily basis, postal letter carriers come to the aid of people on their routes. They stop. They assist. They continue on their appointed rounds.
Media Alert: Lopez plans on recognizing Walker on Friday, September 30, at 8:30 am, Los Gatos Post Office, 101 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030. For more information and a photo op and interview, contact Los Gatos Postmaster at (408) 395-8936.
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