WINDHAM – Letter Carrier Jerry Croteau Sr. was recognized recently by the U.S. Postal Service for his actions to assist one of his customers.

Croteau, of Mechanic Falls, had just finished taking mail into a bank when he glanced back at his last delivery. On doing so, he saw an elderly woman lying on the ground; she had fallen in the driveway and was unable to get up. Croteau ran over to her and dialed 911.

He stayed with his customer and tried to keep her comfortable until the rescue squad arrived. Once the ambulance crew began tending to her injuries, Croteau continued his rounds and finished his mail route.

The elderly customer was transported to the hospital where she received several stitches for a head wound. Coincidentally, Croteau later learned that the victim was a former postal clerk, and her husband was a former letter carrier.

Paul Cobb, acting supervisor at the Windham Post Office, presented Croteau with a certificate of recognition in honor of his actions.

“Jerry’s quick thinking and responsive attitude provided his customer with care and comfort until help arrived. Because Jerry got medical attention to his customer more quickly, he helped prevent what could have been a far more serious injury to this customer,” said Cobb.

Cobb also nominated Croteau for national recognition from the Postal Heroes Program at USPS Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Croteau is a resident of Mechanic Falls and has been a postal employee for more than 20 years. Several years ago, he was recognized in Windham as Citizen of the Month by one of the local newspapers in that community.

“I don’t know why I happened to look back at my last delivery, but something inside just urged me to do so,” said Croteau. “I’m so glad I did because she might have been there quite a while, bleeding, if I hadn’t happened to see her right then. I’m pleased to be recognized, but the most important thing is that my customer is going to be all right. She’s a real nice lady.”