Hackettstown Man Dubbed 'Hero' After Saving Elderly Resident

Longtime mail carrier Eric Fichter, of Hackettstown, wasn’t thinking he’d be honored and dubbed a hero nearly five months after saving an 88-year-old Long Valley man who lie bleeding in the roadway.

But that’s exactly what happened at the Long Valley Post Office on June 26, where local officials, colleagues, family and friends gathered to recognize Fichter’s actions, according to a press release from the United States Postal Service.

On a frigid January morning, Fichter was going through his route when he came upon Gil Taylor, who had fallen from his motorized scooter and suffered a puncture wound to the head and lacerations elsewhere, and was “incapacitated.” Fichter flagged down a truck driver who stopped and helped move Taylor to safety before police and emergency services could arrive.

“We are all very proud of Eric for coming to the aid of one of our residents here in Long Valley,” said Postmaster Linda Brookins at the recognition ceremony. “I trust the entire community agrees that Eric is a real Long Valley, NJ hero.”

Washington Township resident and committeeman Tracy Tobin was also on hand, thanking Fichter for his quick work and helping one of the town’s older residents.

“We thank Eric for saving one of our senior residents,” said Tobin.  “We also want to express our appreciation to all the Long Valley Post Office employees for their hard work and the good service they give us every day.” 

Patch readers also expressed their support of Fichter earlier this week when the ceremony was first announced.

Commenter PD73 said:
When I showed this article to my husband, his response what exactly what I was thinking, "I'm not surprised.". Eric is the kind of human being everyone should aspire to be. He is a good man who loves God, his country and life. And, the dogs love him too so that shows you how special he is. Congrats, Eric. You deserve this and more.

Susan Newkirk Sullivan echoed those sentiments, saying:
I couldn't agree more. We love Eric and consider ourselves lucky to be on his route. He's a great man and an asset to the USPS.