Published: February 15, 2008 11:10 am            

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Local man recognized for helping another

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



A local man was presented a letter and certificate of appreciation for getting his customer medical treatment, after the man fell and could not get up.

John W. Yulee, Sr., is a 38-year veteran with the United States Postal Service.

He works out of the Lake City post office as a letter carrier.

On August 8, 2007, Yulee was delivering mail on his route, when he approached the residence of Charles Deloach at about 3:00 p.m., and heard a call for help. Fortunately the mailbox was located near the window by his front door so Yulee could hear the call. “I knew it was Mr. Deloach because he is the only one living there,” Yulee said.

The front door to the home was unlocked, so Yulee was able to gain entry without the use of force he said. Yulee said Deloach asked him to help him up, but he advised him to stay down until rescue arrived. Yulee was a reserve officer here for 12 years under former Suwannee County sheriffs Robert Leonard, Al Williams and current Sheriff Tony Cameron. He is also a certified law enforcement officer. Thanks to his training for emergencies, he knew it was best not to lift Deloach. That was a smart move because Deloach had suffered a broken hip. Yulee called 911 and rescue arrived moments later. Deloach was treated at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Lake City.

In a letter of appreciation given to Yulee by the postmaster Daniel S. Lee, he says to Yulee, “I salute you for being a good human being and showing compassion for others.” Lee also added over the telephone Tuesday that Yulee “is a dedicated employee, the customers love and appreciate him, and that is typical of his character.”

Yulee has been on Deloach’s route for about three and a half years, “[you] get to know everyone on your route,” Yulee says about knowing his customers. He also added that if Deloach’s mailbox were located by the curb and not on his house, he wouldn’t have heard his cry for help.

Yulee, who once served as a Live Oak city councilman and as a city police officer, said that he wishes Deloach well and hope he recovers. Charles Deloach was not immediately available for comment.

        

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