Postal carrier rushes to girl's rescue

Makayla Chacon will be a sophomore at Willows High this fall — doing the same things that made her an honor roll student and eager for soccer to start up again in the winter.

What she hopes isn't the same is the scary day in January when she suddenly suffered a seizure and collapsed as she was walking to practice.

The man who came to her rescue, postal carrier Reggie Boelman, was recognized Friday with the Postmaster General's Hero's Award — presented by Chacon's mother, Theresa, a former colleague of Boelman's at the Willows branch and now postmaster in Glenn.

"He did not know it was my daughter," said Theresa Chacon, who nominated Boelman for the national award, signed by U.S. postmaster General Jack Potter.

Makayla Chacon had never had a seizure before, and doctors are not certain why she had one that day. She has suffered no ill effects, and has had no problems since.

Fortunately for her, Boelman was on his route when he saw her collapse.

"She collapsed with her backpack on and she happened to land in the only mud puddle in the area, so he took her backpack off, and kept her head out of the mud puddle and made sure 911 was called," Theresa Chacon said.

She doesn't want to think what might have happened had Boelman was not there, and believes the Hero's Award is little enough thanks for his quick action to help.

Boelman, who's worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 12 years, said he was just doing what he thought was right.

"This means a lot to me. I'm just glad that she's OK," Boelman said. "I was just doing what I should do and hope she stays well."

Present at the surprise presentation was Matt Valdivia, manager of postal operations. "This is not an easy award to get, you must go above and beyond to receive this distinction. Only two people in the district have ever received this award."

Amid many congratulations of co-workers, Sheila Renihan, Willows postmaster, said, "Good job! We see these people almost every day and it is part of our job to look out for our customers."

Letter:

Dear Mr. Boelman:

Thank you for your kind and considerate actions in response to a young lady in distress on your route. It was because of your vigilance that she received the medical attention she needed. I know her mother - a fellow postal employee - is especially grateful to you, and I am proud you care for the citizens in your community.
The Postal Service has played an integral role in the daily lives of American citizens for almost 235 years. Through the faithful completion of their daily rounds, and by going the extra mile for customers whenever needed, letter carriers maintain and strengthen this proud tradition. Your efforts remind us all of the ties that bind communities and our country together.
We are fortunate to have you as one of our postal family. Well done!

John E. Potter
U.S. Postmaster General