USPS Hyattsville Letter Carrier Awarded for Potentially Saving a Life

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department recognized a United States Postal Service Letter Carrier today for his actions in alerting a sleeping occupant of a burning Hyattsville duplex.  Deputy Fire Chief James McClelland and Fire Captain Kenneth Stack visited the Post Office at 6511 Baltimore Avenue this morning to personally congratulate the letter carrier and to present him with a Fire Chiefs Award.  McClelland and Stack were joined by Hyattsville Postmaster Prince E. Jones, Jr. in making the award presentation to USPS Letter Carrier Kim N. Hopkins.

On Thursday, January 8, 2015, while delivering mail in the 1900 block of Oliver Street in Hyattsville, Letter Carrier Kim Hopkins noticed smoke coming from the second floor of a duplex home.  Not seeing any activity around the house, he proceeded quickly to knock loudly on the door.  An occupant, upon being awakened by his knocking, was able to escape the burning residence without injury. 

  

In the aftermath of the fire, an investigation revealed there was no working smoke alarm on the premises.  Hopkins concern and persistence averted what potentially could have been a tragedy.  

Deputy Fire Chief McClelland stated during the presentation, "It is my pleasure to present you with a Fire Chief’s award. Your actions speak well of you both personally and professionally, as well as demonstrates the great culture within the United States Postal Service."

County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor was out of town in Boston attending meetings and sent along his congratulations for a job well done to Letter Carrier Hopkins.

                                                                                                

PGFD DFC McClelland, Letter Carrier Hopkins, Hyattsville Postmaster Jones and PGFD Captain Stack