Aaron Van Alstine, Pleasant Hill, IA

Man poses in blue shirt

A toddler who recently wandered away from a Pleasant Hill, IA, day care center was brought to safety by a concerned postal employee.

Customer Services Supervisor Aaron Van Alstine was returning from lunch when he heard a child crying frantically in a field behind the Post Office. He found the 2-year-old boy alone, brought him inside and called 911.

Police officers determined that the child had slipped out of a nearby day care facility during nap time.

Acting Customer Services Manager Sharon Parkison told CBS station KCCI that industrial traffic in the area presented a hazard to the boy.

It was “definitely good Aaron saw him and … saved the day,” she said.


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