EUREKA SPRINGS RURAL CARRIER ASSOCIATE HERO

Ken Smith - Rural Carrier Associate in Eureka Springs

While Ken Smith was delivering mail he came upon an elderly customer (Mrs. Mooney) sitting in her walker.  He approached her and she stated she was waiting on him, she appeared to be frantic and explained that lightning struck a tree by her home, knocked the power out and ruptured a gas line.  The ruptured gas line was on fire, the flames were about 1 1/2 to 2 feet high.

Smith didn't have cell service in this rural area so calling 911 was not an option.  He risked his own safety to shut off the gas and therefore stare the fire and saved Mrs. Mooney's home.  He told her to not got back in the house, he found a neighbor to come sit with her until help arrived.

As soon as he received cell service he contacted the gas company.

Postmaster John DeWitt stated, "This is indicative of Mr. Smith's daily life. He is a very positive person and in fact every day he shows up at work with a positive attitude and proclaims he is 'bright eyed and busy tailed.'

Mr. Smith states, "I am the only one who can determine what type of day I will have." 

He is a true hero to Mrs. Mooney and the community!