Morgan Hill Postman Bob Matts, 40, doesn
’t consider what he does to be anything special, but to his 565
daily customers he brings peace of mind and a watchful eye in
addition to the regular letters and packages.
Morgan Hill Postman Bob Matts, 40, doesn’t consider what he does to be anything special, but to his 565 daily customers he brings peace of mind and a watchful eye in addition to the regular letters and packages.
Just last April, Matts, a rural route driver in eastern Morgan Hill, thwarted a man who was breaking into homes along his route, caught two boys who escaped from the William F. James Boys Ranch and helped a young girl who fainted.
Matts recently received an award during a small ceremony in the post office for going above and beyond the call of duty while making his deliveries day in and day out.
On a warm day in April, Matts noticed a man wearing a heavy jacket carrying a suitcase. He saw the man stash the case behind a bush and leave the area.
When he investigated, Matts found expensive computer equipment among other items hidden from sight. It was enough to make the mailman think something suspicious was afoot so he flagged down a sheriff’s deputy, who reported the incident to the Morgan Hill Police Department.
When police arrived, Matts led them to the house where the items had been stolen from a window that was forced open.
Though the culprit escaped, Matts was able to ensure the stolen items were returned to their rightful owners.
“I wish I could have caught him, I really do,” Matts said. “I keep an eye out knowing there are several stay-at-home moms in the area.”
Matts’ keen eye was key during a string of recent escapes at William F. James Boys Ranch. He spotted boys fleeing the ranch on two separate occasions last April and was instrumental in helping police apprehend the escapees.
Since he delivers mail to the boys ranch regularly, Matts is well aware of what the inmates wear and how to recognize them.
While Matts keeps his eyes for crimes, he also makes sure his customers are safe.
In April while on his appointed rounds, he noticed Silver Wings Court resident Dixie Garr kneeling, trying to help a young woman who was lying unconscious on the garage floor.
“I saw her kneeling down in the garage, which caught my eye,” Matts said. “I asked if there was anything wrong, but I didn’t get an answer. She sat up and looked very panicked.”
Matts quickly learned the girl was Garr’s 17-year-old daughter Alexandra Garr-Schultz, who had passed out after having her wisdom teeth pulled at the dentist. He lifted her off the floor, carried her into the house and became a hero to a young girl and her mother.
“I am so glad that he was there, I don’t think I could have carried her in to the house myself,” Garr said. “We live in a cul-de-sac; if he hadn’t been there, not sure if anyone else would have seen us.”
As Matts made his daily deliveries a few days later, he saw the results of Garr-Schultz’s dental work as she smiled while he drove by.
“I would have done it again,” Matts said. “Not for any recognition, but I would do it again if I had to.”
Cheeto Barrera is an intern for the Morgan Hill Times. He can be reached at [email protected] or 779-4106.
