Observant Newspaper Carrier Saved Reader's Life In Berks County, Officials Say

The sharp eye and quick thinking of a newspaper carrier in Wyomissing saved one reader's life last month, according to borough authorities.

Lee Heckrote receiving the Citizen Service Award from Wyomissing police at the Borough Council meeting on Jan. 9.
Photo Credit: *Wyomissing Police Department*

Mac Bullock

01/16/2024 1:08 p.m.

Reading Eagle carrier Lee Heckrote was on his route on Dec. 8 and noticed that one customer had a backlog of uncollected letters and newspapers, said Wyomissing police.

After looking inside and seeing that the TV was on, Heckrote called in a welfare check.

First responders arrived to find that the resident had suffered a fall days earlier and had been stranded on the floor ever since, police said.

The newspaper carrier was recognized with a Citizen Service Award from police at the Wyomissing Borough Council's meeting last Tuesday, Jan. 9.

"Mr. Heckrote's willingness to act upon his observations and instinct likely saved the life of this Wyomissing resident," said borough police.

"Mr. Heckrote's valiant actions exemplify the values of the Wyomissing Police Department, and we thank him for the actions he took on that day."

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