I imagine that Tuesday, Feb. 17 began as a normal day for Nassau County postman Bill Filiberto. He probably never dreamed the impact his life would have on anyone that day.

That afternoon, upon completing his route in Farmingdale, he (while driving his truck) noticed a woman crawling around on a front lawn. She wore sweat pants and at first he thought perhaps she'd been exercising. Driving a bit further, he'd realized something was very wrong with her! He turned his truck around and picked up a wonderful neighbor who was in the rescue field and raced back to the woman only to discover she was no longer there. He glanced around, then noticed her again - now lying across the street in her neighbor's driveway (between two parked cars) unconscious and bleeding profusely from the face. He immediately summoned 911 and obtained the help she needed.

Yes, this man, like so many others here in my neighborhood were all heroes in every sense of the word. He and everyone else could have just as easily passed her by and chosen not to involve himself but instead, he did the opposite and we're all very grateful to have him (and all who helped) as our neighbors ... especially me, since I am the woman he chose to help that day. Yes, Bill and all of my Farmingdale neighbors are true heroes for reaching out to someone who truly needed their help that February day. I salute and owe much gratitude to Bill, my neighbors and friends and all the medical personnel who all showed again what wonderful people Long Islanders really are. I love them all and thanks!

Theresa Bertucco