Shannon Santos, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC, Rural Carrier Shannon Santos

Charlotte, NC, Rural Carrier Shannon Santos was recently delivering a package to a customer’s home when she smelled smoke.

Santos got no response when she banged on the front door and windows. She soon spotted the customer inside, apparently sound asleep on a sofa.

Santos called 911, and smoke billowed from the residence when emergency responders entered and discovered that the customer had nodded off after putting food in the oven.

In an interview with Spectrum News, Santos emphasized the Postal Service’s unique role in noticing when things are out of the ordinary in communities.

“We touch every single family, every single 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.