Saving Lives - It's all in a day's work

Fall River Letter Carrier Gil Canuel Honored

Fall River Letter Carrier Gil Canuel, a 25-year postal veteran, began the new year on a high note. Canuel was delivering mail in his Flint neighborhood of Fall River MA when he noticed the mail piled up at  the home of one of his customers.  He notified authorities and rescue workers found the 82-year-old customer on the floor suffering from a broken hip and dehydration.

Canuel was honored by the city for his heroic efforts last month. The customer's son expressed his appreciation to the Letter Carrier at an event at city hall to honor the postal employee. "I can't thank you enough," said the son, adding, "I had not planned on visiting my very independent father for a few more days. We know what could have happened."

The customer is recovering in a rehab center and Canuel is back on the route keeping an eye out for the rest of his customers.  "I'm glad I was able to help," Canuel said. Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan presented the Letter Carrier with a citation and said that if it were not for Canuel's alert actions, the outcome may have been much different. "I believe he saved his life," said the Mayor.