Barberton mailman gets lifesaving hero’s award

Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C.

An Ohio letter carrier who has helped save the lives of three people over a period of two decades was honored Thursday for his latest heroics.

The National Association of Letter Carriers gave Keith McVey, a 30-year post office veteran from Barberton near Akron, its 2011 National Hero of the Year award for his third life-saving act.

“It certainly was a super honor to be given the award as the national hero of the year,” McVey, 55, said by phone after an awards luncheon at a Capitol Hill hotel. “It’s been a great week, just awesome.”

Last year, while delivering mail, he performed CPR on an unconscious man on the side of the road in Akron, earning him the award.

He told The Associated Press then that, after three life-saving opportunities, he thinks “a little divine intervention” may be at work.