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She helped a woman escape a house fire

Annette Smith backed up her vehicle so the customer could jump onto its roof

A smiling woman stands next to a Postal Service delivery vehicle
Eaton, OH, Rural Carrier Annette Smith

Eaton, OH, Rural Carrier Annette Smith was delivering mail recently when she spotted smoke billowing from a home.

She parked her vehicle and joined a group of neighbors trying to help.

As one of them called 911, others banged on the door to alert any residents who might be home. They removed flammable items, including propane tanks and a lawn mower, to stop the blaze from spreading.

After a woman who was trapped on the second floor began screaming for help, Smith backed her postal vehicle up to the house to provide a way for the woman to escape.

The woman jumped safely to the roof of the vehicle and Smith helped her down.

The woman has recovered from the incident.

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