St. Petersburg Gateway Station Letter Carrier Tom Phillips
(center) was delivering mail on his route when he noticed one of his customers,
Clarence “Happy” Rideout collapse to the ground while walking his dog. Phillips quickly responded and began CPR
while another passerby contacted 911.
Paramedics arrived and transported Rideout to a local hospital. Rideout survived this traumatic life event
due to the quick thinking and heroic actions of
Phillips. After lending life-saving measures to his customer, Phillips
continued delivering mail. The Postal
Service was unaware of his heroic actions until a local TV station contacted
the Post Office to feature Phillips in a reunion story requested by a very
grateful Rideout. St. Petersburg Officer
In Charge (OIC) Jackie Villemaire (left) and National Association of Letter
Carriers (NALC) Branch 1477 President Joe Henschen (right) proudly presented Phillips
with a Hero Award signed by Postmaster General (PMG) Megan Brennan.
Thank you for your heroic actions, Tom!
