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She found a customer with a cracked knee

The rural carrier called 911 and stayed with the woman until help arrived

USPS Rural Carrier Pam Lavalley
Gilbertsville, KY, Rural Carrier Pam Lavalley

Rural Carrier Pam Lavalley was delivering mail in Gilbertsville, KY, recently when she saw an older woman lying on the ground outside.

The customer had been trying to walk to an outdoor freezer to get a roast to make for supper, but lost her footing.

She fell onto the concrete driveway, cracking her knee and splitting her tibia. The customer had been lying in the sun and heat for about 15 minutes before Lavalley arrived.

The Postal Service employee called the woman’s son and then 911. Lavalley remained with the customer until paramedics arrived and took her to a nearby hospital.

The woman had surgery and is now recovering.

“We wouldn’t have our mother with us today if not for Pam,” said Valerie Alfaro-Skinner, the customer’s daughter.

Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.