Letter Carrier Matthew King was recently delivering mail in Champaign, IL, when a spotted a house on fire.
King rushed to the front door and alerted the occupants — two adults and three children — who were unaware they were in danger.
The Postal Service employee led them to safety, called 911 and enlisted the help of neighbors to form a bucket brigade until firefighters arrived.
King was later recognized for his bravery by the Champaign Fire Department.
His actions “definitely saved each and every life,” Desiree Sauls, one of the rescued occupants, told the local CBS station.
King said he was just following his instincts: “There’s something that needs to be done and you go do it.”