Monday, June 16, 2025
USPS appoints historical preservation architect
Noel Roman also has experience with disaster reconstruction
The Postal Service has named Noel Roman historical preservation architect.
In this role, he will help guide the conservation of historic sites and artifacts; support construction and repair projects affecting historical properties; and ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, among other duties.
Before joining USPS, Roman was a project architect in Washington, DC, and a project manager for reconstruction efforts in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean following hurricanes Irma and Maria.
He specializes in historical preservation as well as new-build construction, demolition, photovoltaic system installations, and bridge design and installation.
He has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in disaster management through a joint program between that school and the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
Roman is also a certified project management professional.
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Heroes
He had no time for trash talk
This employee kept people away from a burning garbage truck before it exploded
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.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered June 8-14
Patriotic stamps, flag facts and an exploding garbage truck made news
It was an all-American line-up in Link last week.
We told you about the new Barbara Bush stamp, which was dedicated in a ceremony in Kennebunkport, ME, near the Bush family vacation home, and the new U.S. Flag stamp, which had a lively dedication at a festival in Three Oaks, MI.
“If you ever need your patriotism button re-charged, come to Three Oaks,” Jason Niemzyk, a Three Oaks Village Council member, said at the event.
We also took a deep dive into the history of the Stars and Stripes.
Then there was the drama in “Heroes”: Letter Carrier Rafael Pozo came upon a burning garbage truck while delivering mail in Arlington Heights, IL.
Pozo called 911 and alerted the driver of the truck — who was attempting to put the blaze out with a small fire extinguisher — to move a safe distance away. He also ensured that students walking home from a nearby school stayed away.
After first responders arrived, the truck exploded and three of them were injured. Blazing debris damaged nearby homes.
Additionally, Link offered a look at upcoming webinars and training courses on the Thrift Savings Plan and we brought you the story of Keitha Gomez, a Redford, MI, letter carrier who won a local seatbelt safety slogan contest.
Her winning entry: “Seatbelts: Saving Lives Since 1985.”
“I tell my kids and share with others: If you pause for only five seconds before rushing to do something, you can save yourself a lifetime of physical and financial distress,” Gomez said.
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