Berkeley Heights Letter Carrier Saves Elderly Man's Life

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — A Berkeley Heights letter carrier's heroic actions to save the life of a senior citizen on her route were honored last week.

A ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 22 to honor Principelina (Princess) Mendes at the Berkeley Heights Post Office with a commendation.

While delivering mail on Dec. 10, Mendes noticed the front door open at the home of a senior citizen who lived alone.

Mendes knocked and called to the resident, but there was no answer. She then pushed open the door to discover the man collapsed and semiconscious on the living room floor. Princess immediately called 911. First responders arrived quickly and took the River Bend Road resident to Morristown Hospital, where he is recovering, according to USPS.

Among those recognizing Princess Mendes for her life saving efforts were Berkeley Heights Postmaster Ted Zawartkay, USPS Northern NJ District Manager Steven Hernandez, USPS Northern New Jersey District Post Office Operations Manager Barbara Puglisi, Mayor Bob Woodruff, Police Chief John DiPasquale, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 38 President Mike O’Neill, NALC Branch 38 Area Representative Armando Pedeira, and several grateful family members of the senior citizen who was saved.

On Dec. 11, Carla and Craig Pastore penned a congratulatory letter to the Postmaster commending Mendes for helping saving their uncle’s life. The letter reads in part:

“I feel it is important to bring to your attention the amazing dedication, commitment, and strength of character of Princess, our mail carrier. She found herself in a situation on Saturday, December 10, 2016, and what she did was nothing short of saving my uncle’s life.” … “Our family does not have the words to express our deep appreciation for her.” … “We just wanted to recognize this act of heroism and for her ability to think and act quickly in a dire situation. Intuition and common sense are important character traits, and I can tell you that she used these traits to save a life. I know my Uncle … will look forward to thanking her personally when he has recovered and returns home.”

Rosalie Gamba, the senior citizen’s sister-in-law, also wrote a December 15 letter commending Princess. Gamba wrote:

“Princess is an outstanding letter and person. She knows her postal customs and her care and concern (and safety) for them is very evident. The postal service and its customers are very fortunate to have such a unique carrier as Princess!”

(Image via United States Post Office: Pictured from left - Grandniece Nicole Pastore, Berkeley Heights letter carrier Princess Mendes, niece Carla Pastore, and sister-in-law Rosalie Gamba are celebrating a happier holiday season because of Princess’ life saving efforts.)

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