What:

Postal Managers to recognize carrier Jonathan Paterson for heroic actions.

Who:

Jonathan Paterson, Fountain Valley Carrier
U.S. Postal Service management

When:

Thursday, August 24, 2023, 9:00 a.m.

Media Alert: Please RSVP to Kristina.Uppal@usps.gov for entry.

Where:

Fountain Valley Post Office, 17227 New Hope St., Fountain Valley CA, 92708

Background:

The Postmaster General Hero Award is given to those who perform a heroic act above and beyond the call of duty while on the job. 

Fountain Valley Letter Carrier John Paterson aided an injured customer as she was lying on the road, seeking help. Fountain Valley resident Maria Chavez was out for a stroll when she tripped on a rock and fell onto the pavement.

“I was crying for help, but no one could hear me,” stated Chavez. “John was driving by, saw me lying there, and stopped to help.”

“I didn’t know how long she’s been there, but as she turned her head, I could see the cut and swelling on her face. There was blood everywhere, so I did what anyone would do, Paterson stated.  “I checked her injuries and looked to see if she had a concussion. After calling her son, I was able to help Mrs. Chavez to her house, cleaned her up a bit, and stayed with her until her son arrived.”  

Emergency services were called and transported Chavez to the hospital to treat her wounds.

“Jonathan’s quick actions and aid to our customer makes him a hero in the eyes of the Postal Service and to the community,” said A/District Manager Lisa Baldwin.  “Our employees are often the eyes and ears of the community they service; we are incredibly proud of Jonathan and all of our employees that go above and beyond normal duties.”

The U.S. Postal Service is observing the 20th anniversary of the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program, which was created in 2003 to commend USPS employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of situations, such as assisting lost children, getting help for sick or injured customers, spotting fires, and more.

Around 5,500 individuals, known as PMG heroes, have been recognized through the program, which reflects a simple, yet powerful, idea: Because they know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, Postal Service employees are often the first to notify emergency personnel and render aid when something is wrong.

Potential PMG heroes are nominated by postal colleagues. After approved nominees receive a commendation letter from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, they are featured in the “Heroes’ Corner” column on Link, the organization’s national employee news site, where it has become a popular mainstay. In 2020, “Heroes’ Corner” received a national award for excellence in employee communications.

PMG heroes’ stories are archived at link.usps.com/heroes to illustrate how Postal Service employees do so much more for their communities than deliver mail.

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