David Richardson, Detroit

Detroit Postal Police Officer David Richardson

On a recent afternoon in Detroit, Postal Police Officer David Richardson responded to a call from a Post Office supervisor who was threatened by a customer.

Several hours later, when Richardson returned to ensure the supervisor’s safety at closing time, he noticed a car that had been there during his earlier visit.

As Richardson approached the vehicle, he recognized the occupant as a customer from that afternoon — not connected to the threat — and the man was unconscious.

Richardson called 911 and stayed with the man until emergency responders arrived, revived him and determined he’d gone into a diabetic coma as a result of low blood sugar.

At the request of paramedics, Richardson gave the man candy to help alleviate his symptoms.

The customer declined to be hospitalized, and a family member was contacted to take him home.


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