On July 25 in Brooklyn, Greenpoint Station Letter Carrier Tom Hynes, a Levittown resident, was on his route delivering mail when he noticed smoke in the air and realized there was a fire at a small apartment building on Jewel Street.

Hynes promptly called 911, then rushed to alert the residents and to ensure they were all safely out of the building. His prompt action prevented injuries and possibly the loss of life.

Hynes was commended by his Manager Walter DeBerry who said, "It was Mr. Hynes's conscientiousness that prompted his quick response and this life-saving heroic act... He put aside his own safety to help others. I applaud him and commend his courage."

Twenty-five residents of the building wrote and signed a letter to acknowledge Hynes's heroic deed, thanking him for the lives and homes his action saved.