Home News 

Story

Oakland Letter Carriers Called 'Heroes'

Posted: 10:44 pm PDT September 18, 2008Updated: 12:10 am PDT September 19, 2008

Five Oakland letter carriers received honors Thursday in Washington, D.C. for their part in saving scores of elderly people from a fire last year.

The National Association Of Letter Carriers gave "Hero Of The Year" awards to Alan Girard, Rick Quin-Onez, Gilbert Rangel, Karen Hill And Tanya Joseph

They were among the first on the scene of last October's fire at the Baywood Senior Housing Complex on 41st street in Oakland's Piedmont Avenue neighborhood. The five carriers helped to rescue more than 100 elderly people.

"While I was delivering my route I noticed smoke from the second floor," said Letter Carrier Alan Girard. "You could see the entire apartment complex was glowing orange inside."

Girard says he still hears from the tenants he saved.

The letter carriers, along with fire fighters and several civilians, managed to save all but one resident from the fire.

More Headlines

KTVU Channel 2 News At 5

new_ktvu_logo
KTVU Channel 2 News at 5 has more important details of the Bay Area's Major News. Coverage that's straightforward and complete on KTVU Channel 2 News at 5.

Desktop Alert

Desktop Alert

* Breaking News Alerts
* Severe Weather Alerts
* Click here to download!