Letter Carrier Joseph Kerrigan was recently delivering mail at the home of an older customer who lives alone in Massapequa, NY, when he heard an unusual tapping noise.
Kerrigan looked around and saw the hook of a walking cane tapping against a window inside the residence.
The Postal Service employee peered through the window and spotted the man in distress on the floor.
The customer, who had fallen, yelled for Kerrigan to call the police and to access the home via the back door.
Kerrigan immediately called 911 and helped neighbors enter the residence to assist the customer.
Emergency responders soon arrived on the scene.
“If Joe had not noticed the customer and acted accordingly, this situation could have had a tragic outcome,” said local Postmaster John Statkevicus.