Irvine, CA, Letter Carrier Roger Steeber saw smoke rising from a mobile home while on his route in September 2012.
Steeber raced to the home and banged on the door to alert the 79-year-old customer, Karen Petersen. He entered the home to help her outside, away from the fire. Then he returned to the home for her walker. He assisted Petersen to safety, saving her life. Steeber’s rescue is just one of the many heroic stories Postal Service™ employees are honored for through the USPS Heroes Program.
The Heroes Program began in 2003 and recognizes employees who go above and beyond to serve their communities. All heroes receive a personal thank-you letter from PMG Pat Donahoe, and are featured in USPS’s internal publication, Link.
To receive a Hero Award, employees must be nominated using PS Form 400, PMG Hero Nomination. The nomination is reviewed by Corporate Communications for accuracy and sent to the Postal Inspection Service and Office of the Inspector General for approval. Following approval, the PMG reviews and signs a thank-you letter, which is then sent to the hero.
The National Association of Letter Carriers also pays tribute to outstanding Postal Service Letter Carriers for their heroism and community service through its Heroes of the Year Awards, presented annually since 1974.
There is no shortage of heroes in the Postal Service. Through both programs, thousands of Postal Service employees have been honored for their bravery and commitment to their customers.
Springfield, IL, Letter Carrier David Dale showed his bravery when he pulled a 5-year-old child and mother from an overturned car while on his route in May 2013. Dale helped them escape the vehicle moments before it burst into flames. He stayed with them until emergency responders arrived.
To read more heroic stories featuring Postal Service employees, click on the Heroes tab of the Link archives, at http://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link/archive.htm. To nominate a hero you know, email PS Form 400, PMG Hero Nomination to PMG_HeroNominations@usps.gov.
— Speechwriting and Publications,
Corporate Communications, 6-27-13
