Jonathan Paterson, a United States Postal Service letter carrier in Fountain Valley, has received the esteemed USPS Postmaster General Hero Award, an honor reserved for those who go above and beyond their duty while on the job.
Paterson was recognized for his swift response to aid an injured resident, Maria Chavez, who had fallen on a quiet neighborhood street during her afternoon stroll.
'I was crying for help, but no one could hear me,' Chavez recounted. 'John was driving by, saw me lying there, and stopped to help.'
Recalled Paterson: 'I didn't know how long she'd 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. I checked her injuries and looked for signs of a concussion. After calling her son, I was able to assist Mrs. Chavez back to her home, cleaned her up a bit, and stayed by her side until her son arrived.'
The prompt action by Paterson proved critical as emergency services were summoned to transport Chavez to the hospital for medical treatment, USPS officials said.