SPRINGFIELD IL — 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.

Original honorees in the first year of the program included Kenny Jefferson, who is currently a Carrier Technician at the Northeast Annex in Springfield. In February 2004, Jefferson was commended for coming to the aid of a 4-year-old girl while on a route, who was crying because she couldn’t turn off the stove.  Jefferson entered the residence and turned off the appliance. While inside, he discovered three more children, all left unsupervised.  Jefferson called his supervisor, who notified the police. Jefferson’s caring deed averted what could have been a tragedy.

Today, 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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