James “Eric” Humphries, a building equipment mechanic, was working at the Greenville, SC, Processing and Distribution Center recently when he collapsed and hit his head on a railing.
While 911 was called, Wilson Villafañe-Irizarry, a distribution operations supervisor, began administering first aid. He then noticed Humphries had stopped breathing.
David Lawter, a mail processing clerk, performed CPR, reviving Humphries until paramedics arrived and took over.
Humphries was taken to a hospital, where he learned he had suffered a heart attack.
He has recovered and returned to work.
Humphries said he is thankful for his colleagues’ care, and credits Lawter’s “heroic act from the heart” with saving his life.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
