A United States Postal Service (USPS) carrier from Glendale, Victor Castaneda, was honored last week for his heroic efforts in helping to put out a house fire while delivering mail on his neighborhood route.
Castaneda of the USPS Glendale Verdugo Viejo station was honored with the Postmaster General Hero Award on Aug. 21 at a ceremony outside the Glendale Main Post Office. He also received recognition from the city of Glendale in the form of a Mayor’s Commendation Certificate.
When Castaneda was delivering mail on Feb. 3, he noticed smoke rising from the rooftop of a 100-year-old duplex on East California Avenue.
As the smoke thickened and flames began to engulf the duplex, Castaneda rushed and grabbed a neighbor’s hose to try and help put out the fire.
Castaneda, who typically shies away from attention, said he was “just trying to help” protect the home of a customer, with whom he had shared conversations.
“Just be human sometimes,” he advised.
Firefighters arrived as the flames intensified, and although the home was destroyed, they said the adjacent structure was most likely saved due to Castaneda’s efforts.
The homeowner, Anita Siraki, called the post office to praise Castaneda for his valiant efforts.
“In that terrifying moment, when most would have turned away, Victor turned toward the danger – not for recognition, but simply because he cared about the people he serves every single day,” said Siraki at the ceremony. “Victor didn’t just deliver our mail. He delivered safety, courage and humanity. I will always be grateful, and I know our community is better because of him.”
In his two years working in the quiet neighborhood – and four years as a carrier – the 45 year old has never experienced anything quite like this before.
“It’s a humbling experience,” said Castaneda about receiving the recognition. “Sometimes it will change your day if you appreciate what’s going on. Other than that, it’s all in a day’s work.”
The award now sits in Castaneda’s home, where his 10-year-old son admires it with pride.
“It’s not every day you get the mayor’s award,” Castaneda said.
Over 5,500 individuals have been honored since the U.S. Postal Service Postmaster General Heroes Program was created in 2003 to commend employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.
“For 250 years, the Postal Service has served as an anchor to bind the nation and the communities we serve,” stated Glendale Postmaster Prince Vann IV. “Employees like Victor are a prime embodiment of that endearing commitment to service.”