Letter Carriers to be Recognized as Heroes of the Year

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Letter carriers who saved a man trapped in a fiery car wreck, rescued a resident from a knife-wielding assailant, freed a little girl from the grip of a dog dragging her across the lawn, or deployed creative methods to help children in impoverished families celebrate Christmas, are among those to be honored on Thursday, March 20.

Tesfaye Deyasso of St. Louis Park, MN, leapt into action when he saw a car veer off a highway and smash into a barrier, helping extricate the driver seconds before the vehicle burst into flames. He is the 2025 National Hero of the Year. The Eastern Region Hero is Brian Meyers Sr., of Johnstown, PA, who tackled a man stabbing a victim and held the suspect down until police arrested him. Central Region Hero Rungphet Bodnar noticed a girl trapped in a dog's clutches in Flint, MI, as children at a nearby bus stop screamed. Using her dog spray, Bodnar helped free the child, who underwent multiple surgeries before returning to school a month later. Matthew Ross Sr. of Syracuse, NY, located students whose struggling families were constantly moving and brought them gifts that changed their outlook. He is the Humanitarian of the Year.

Several other carriers also are being recognized as 2025 Heroes. They represent thousands of letter carriers who not only deliver the nation's mail six or even seven days a week, but often assist in urgent situations involving accidents, fires, crimes or health crises, or help improve the communities in which they work.

Topeka, KS letter carrier Gerald "Jerry" Loney cared for a bloodied man who had just attempted suicide, talking to and praying over the man while also dialing 911 for help, even as Loney, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, pushed through his own trauma to help his customer. He is the Western Region Hero.

The Vigilant Award is shared by two carriers. Michael Waite of Meridian, CT, alerted residents of 14 townhouses that their complex was about to be engulfed by flames, allowing them to flee in time. Laurel, MD letter carrier Taya Cradle saved an unconscious man lying in front of an elevator in a high-rise apartment building, following instructions on giving CPR after calling 911.

Two carriers also shared the award for Honorable Acts. Long Island, NY carrier Skyler Wilburg, just nine months on the job, rescued an elderly woman about to be run over by her rolling SUV, dragging her from underneath the vehicle before jumping inside the car to slam on the brakes. David Moulton of Salem, MA rescued a 3-year-old boy running toward a busy intersection.

The Partnership Award was won by Flushing, NY's Andrew Fontanetta and Anthony "Tony" Paolillo for leading their local branch's blood donation efforts at its 21 postal stations. Over the past two decades, branch members have made 1,500 donations to help save lives.

The National Association of Letter Carriers 2025 Heroes of the Year will be honored by NALC President Brian L. Renfroe at a special luncheon at noon on Thursday, March 20, at the Embassy Suites DC Convention Center, 900 10th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Go to nalc.org/heroes for further information on the Heroes, including text and pictures.

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NALC represents letter carriers across the country. Its 295,000 members make it the largest of the four unions representing employees of the United States Postal Service. Founded by Civil War veterans in 1889, NALC is among the country's oldest labor unions.

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SOURCE National Association of Letter Carriers