Times Observer Photo by Delaney Chase Mail carrier Randy Matson receiving the Postmaster General Heroes Award from USPS leadership.

A Warren letter carrier was recognized Thursday morning for helping save the life of a customer after hearing cries for help while delivering mail last fall.

During the ceremony at the Warren Post Office, Randy Matson received the Postmaster General Heroes Award, a national recognition presented to United States Postal Service employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Matson was delivering mail on Sept. 9, 2025, when he heard someone yelling for help. He investigated and found a 95-year-old customer who had fallen while working in her yard and suffered a serious head injury after striking a porch step.

Matson called 911 and remained with the woman until paramedics arrived. The customer later underwent a nine-hour surgery and is recovering.

Postal leaders used the ceremony to recognize the role mail carriers play in their communities every day.

“Every day, you all have an impact on the community,” said Warren Post Office Operations Manager Mark Arthrell. “You are at every house every day, and you help keep the neighborhood safe.”

Matson, who was nominated for the award by fellow postal employees, said he was simply doing what he hopes anyone else would have done.

“I helped the way I think anybody would have,” Matson said.

Officials also read a commendation letter from Postmaster General David Steiner during the ceremony.

“Thank you for being the eyes and ears of your community,” the letter stated. “We are fortunate to have employees of your caliber represent this organization.”

The Postmaster General Heroes Program was created in 2003 to recognize postal employees who assist people in emergencies, including helping injured customers, reporting fires, locating missing children and conducting welfare checks.

More than 5,700 USPS employees nationwide have received the recognition. Postal officials said Matson is the first mail carrier from Warren to receive the honor.

The ceremony, held at the Warren Post Office on Third Avenue, was attended by local mail carriers and USPS leadership. Breakfast was provided for employees following the presentation.