• March 28th, 2024
  • Thursday, 08:23:33 PM

Rep. Haaland Reintroduces Bill to Honor José Hernández


U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (NM-01) reintroduced legislation to rename the Five Points Post Station after a local hero José Hernández. In April of 2019, letter carrier José Hernández was tragically killed while protecting a mother in an argument with her son.

First introduced last year, it is the first congressional naming of a post office dedicated to a letter carrier in New México and it will be the first post office to be renamed in the Historic South Valley Neighborhood of Albuquerque. Hernández, a father of four, worked for the Postal Service for 12 years after he served in the U.S. Army.

“The death of José Hernández was devastating news for our community and almost two years later, we continue to mourn the loss. Our letter carriers and postal workers shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when they go to work. José was dedicated to his community, to the point of putting his life on the line for them. We’re reintroducing this bill, so our community can always remember José Hernández as the hero that he was – one who went above and beyond his duty,” said Representative Deb Haaland.

“Naming the Five Points post office after José Hernández is a fitting tribute to a letter carrier who was beloved by the people he served and worked with. He died doing what letter carriers do best, watching out for the well-being of the folks on our routes. In passing this bill, Congress can honor his work for the Postal Service and as a veteran of the military, and show appreciation to his family, friends and co-workers,” said Fred Rolando, National Association of Letter Carriers President.

“On behalf of all Officers and Members of the American Postal Workers Union, Albuquerque Local we are proud to provide full and total support in the Five Points renaming bill to honor our fallen brother José Hernández. We stand in solidarity with the Hernández family in obtaining recognition for an employee who selflessly put others before himself. Brother José truly exemplifies the mission of Postal workers throughout. This bill will provide recognition for a true American hero and will begin the healing process. Thank you, Congresswoman Deb Haaland,” said Ken Fajardo, President of the Albuquerque Local American Postal Workers Union.

The bill initiates the renaming of the Five Points Post Station and grants a plaque to honor the life and heroic actions of José Hernández and is the first New México renaming in 20 years. Only two of the 129 Post Offices in New México have been renamed to honor individuals: former Albuquerque Postmaster Richard J. Pino and Former U.S Congressman Steve Schiff.

 

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