By Nick Buglione
Streich jumped into action, calling 911 and alerting a neighbor to call the fire department. Streich's quick thinking gave Nevins an extra six weeks of life, an invaluable time he spent saying goodbye to loved ones in preparation for his passing.
Streich does not consider himself a hero. It was all in a day's work, according to him. But not according to the Knolls community and East Meadow elected officials, who gathered on March 21 to honor the letter carrier for his selfless act.
"I did my job the way it was supposed to be done," Streich told the packed clubhouse at 555 Salisbury Park Drive. "I don't consider myself a hero at all."
The crowd, filled with dozens of residents of the Knolls who have gotten to know Streich in the last seven years that he's delivered mail there, gave him a standing ovation.
State Sen. Kemp Hannon and Sen. Charles Fuschillo were on hand to present the 31-year postal worker with the prestigious New York State Senate Liberty Medal, a commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian achievements on behalf of New Yorkers.
"Many people complete mundane work tasks with no extra effort and little care," said Hannon. "John Streich has shown us all the significance of doing our jobs with a higher sense of duty to society. The residents of the Knolls and Mr. Streich's entire route have peace of mind knowing that he's on the job and doing it with exceptional dedication to the people he serves."
Hempstead Town Supervisor Richard Guardino and Councilman Gary Hudes praised Streich's actions by issuing a citation of merit from the town.
"It's important to celebrate some of the positive things that are happening around us," Guardino said. "He just as easily could have gone to the next door. Instead, he came in and rescued this individual."
Aside from the awards, the most heartfelt thanks of the event came from Tom Nevins, son of Jim, who spoke at length about what Streich's actions meant to his family.
"My dad lived for an additional six weeks thanks to John, and he was able to die in complete peace," said Tom Nevins. "He had that extra time to say goodbye to his family and prepare himself. I would like to thank John from the bottom of my heart."
Aside from the bitter cold and whipping wind, Dec. 21 appeared to be an ordinary day for Streich, delivering mail at the Knolls.
While he is only required to drop the mail off in a "neighborhood cluster box," which is made up of 18 to 20 resident mailboxes, Streich often delivered the letters directly to the apartment of Nevins and other less-mobile seniors.
"It's a senior route, and they need help at times," Streich said. "They're all self-sufficient, but I try to help where I can."
Nevins used to leave his door slightly open, so Streich could leave the mail and say a quick hello. "I put the mail in the chair and called out," the letter carrier said.
There was no response.
Entering to investigate further, Streich found the 85-year-old having a seizure on the floor, an apparent result from the stroke.
His quick call to emergency workers proved to be the difference between life and death. Although he was unable to speak while in the hospital, the elderly Nevins wrote a note personally thanking Streich for his help.
"John is a real nice guy, a real good carrier," said East Meadow Postmaster Charles Knowles. "It's what most carriers would have done. It's a part of their life. They're involved in their community. John certainly went above and beyond this time. He certainly was a hero."
Seniors still living at the Knolls expressed gratitude for having a mailman like Streich around.
"He's just a very helpful man," said Jean Berezowski, an eight-year resident of the Knolls. "We really will miss him when he retires."
