Letter Carrier Rafael Pozo was delivering mail in Arlington Heights, IL, recently when he came upon a garbage truck on fire.
While calling 911, he saw the driver of the truck attempting to battle the blaze with a small fire extinguisher.
Pozo, who is a safety captain at the Arlington Heights Post Office, told the driver to stop and get a safe distance away.
The Postal Service employee also directed residents to stay away, including students who were walking home from a nearby school.
After firefighters arrived, the truck exploded.
According to a local news report, debris from the blast injured three people and damaged nearby homes.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
