A Boulder postal carrier is being recognized for saving an octogenarian who was injured and lying is his driveway in freezing weather earlier this month.
U.S. Postal Service carrier Adrian Helwig picked up the injured man and carried the 86-year-old back into his home, wrapping him in a blanket and calling 911 for help.
Helwig’s potentially lifesaving measures happened about 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, according to a U.S. Postal Service statement released Thursday.
Helwig was delivering a parcel when he heard someone whimpering in the dark. The postal carrier found the victim sitting in the driveway, propped against a garage door. He was barefoot and dressed inadequately for the 20 degree temperatures.
The man had been looking for his cat, slipped and fell. He couldn’t get up because of his injuries. He was exposed to the cold for about two hours.
After calling 911, Helwig waited for emergency personnel to arrive before he continued with postal deliveries.
“Adrian’s direct concern and selflessness makes him a hero in the eyes of the Postal Service and to the community,” Boulder Postmaster Mike Fittje said in the release. “We are often the eyes and ears of where we serve – even in our busiest season.”
The man has recovered from his injuries.
A forthcoming Boulder Sheriff’s Commendation says: “Adrian Helwig’s awareness, and selfless, compassion actions likely saved (a) life.”
