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Super mailman’ – Rural Carrier saves mail after LLV catches fire

Midlothian, VA, Rural Carrier James Whitt had almost completed his route along a residential street when his LLV backfired and started running roughly. As soon as Whitt turned off the vehicle, the engine caught fire.

Whitt determined it was safe to unload the vehicle and moved the mail to a nearby lawn while a customer called 911. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze in about two minutes. No one was hurt.

Whitt’s Postmaster sent out another truck so Whitt could finish his route.

Later that day, Whitt smiled as he greeted a customer and said, “Don’t worry, I saved your bills for you.”

Whitt’s story and pictures of his burning vehicle were featured in a community newsletter.(See more photos)

The headline: “Super mailman.”

via USPS News Link Story – ‘Super mailman’.

17 Comments
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Kim Dakin
Kim Dakin
9 years ago

Glad he is ok.

Gail Spencer
Gail Spencer
9 years ago

this is happening way too often. these trucks are getting too old and should be retired.

Sheila Daniels Sheffield
Sheila Daniels Sheffield
9 years ago

Vickie W Bailey, of the Asheboro, NC post office did the same thing while delivering from a standard pa*senger vehicle. Received no accolades or congrats or awards. She’s one of the best ever!!!

Patricia Sparks Williams
Patricia Sparks Williams
9 years ago

He should get an award for best carrier!

Jennifer Redding
Jennifer Redding
9 years ago

And made him finish his route. Seriously?

Andrea P. Chavez
Andrea P. Chavez
9 years ago

Glad he is ok

Jacklyn Reed
Jacklyn Reed
9 years ago

I might have grabbed what I could and ran!!

Donna McCracken
Donna McCracken
9 years ago

Wow!!! He’s fortunate

Anita Minardi
Anita Minardi
9 years ago

I’m glad he’s ok too ! You are so right Gail ! I really don’t think I would have saved the mail !

Vicki Gilbert Means
Vicki Gilbert Means
9 years ago

Monica Lambright see!

Caroline Parker
Caroline Parker
9 years ago

Its amazing what some carriers will do…kudos to him but I’m thinking his life is far more valuable then the mail is. Just sayin

Allen Blair
Allen Blair
9 years ago

During my training we were told to save the mail. I guess he was just following directions. Glad he’s ok.

Ronald Moore
Ronald Moore
9 years ago

Burn baby burn lol

David Backer
David Backer
9 years ago

I am not putting my life in danger to save the mail. Hope he saved the Boxholders too!

Sean M. Fitzpatrick
Sean M. Fitzpatrick
9 years ago

Safety safety safety. Their motto. He will prob get fired

Doug Storace
Doug Storace
9 years ago

How many more vehicles have to catch on fire before something is done?

Dori Jones
Dori Jones
9 years ago

Hey Sharon Bowen that looks like your truck !!!