Michelle Gardner, Coushatta, LA

USPS employee Michelle Gardner

Rural Carrier Michelle Gardner was recently delivering mail on a cold day in Coushatta, LA, when she noticed that a customer’s home was on fire.

Gardner honked her horn and called out to Connie Warrenburg by name until she came to the door — unaware she was in danger.

Warrenburg and her puppy safely evacuated the residence, and she was grateful for the warning, as well as a pair of gloves the Postal Service employee gave her to wear while firefighters responded to the scene.

The customer later visited the local Post Office to give Gardner a bouquet of flowers and a warm embrace.


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