Olson receives PMG's Hero Award

SANDPOINT — The Postmaster General's Hero Award is reserved for employees of the United States Postal Service who go above and beyond the call of duty, protecting human life and property.

Ole Olson, a clerk at the Sandpoint post office, did just that when he saved the life of a man whose Jeep plunged down a 30-foot embankment in December. On Friday morning, Olson was presented with the PMG Hero Award for his courageous efforts in rescuing Marc McGregor that icy cold day in December. A potluck was held in his honor at the post office as well.

"When I saw the potluck I started getting suspicious," Olson said, adding that he was surprised and honored to receive the award. "... It's a little embarrassing in a way. The reality of it is, I didn't do anything anyone else doesn't do."

The first responders, he said, including Westside Fire personnel, sheriff's deputies and state police, were there within 10 minutes after the call was made. Olson did not have a cellphone, so another motorist who had stopped called in the crash.

"They were really good; it was really neat to see them in action," Olson said. "It was something most of the citizens don't get to see too much."

The outside temperature on Dec. 16, 2016, was 2 degrees Fahrenheit. McGregor's Jeep went over the embankment on Sunnyside Road and landed on its side. Olson, upon seeing signs of a crash, walked into an ice-covered slough at the base of the embankment to reach McGregor, who was trapped in his vehicle. Together, they broke out the windshield with bare hands and Olson helped McGregor to his vehicle to warm up. The motorist who called in showed up about that time.

McGregor suffered a broken neck, three broken ribs and a broken scapula and was transported to Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene. He was released four days later.

Olson was recognized in January by Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler as well, during a ceremony with county commissioners. During that ceremony, Wheeler said the crash scene was not obvious, so if not for Olson, McGregor's accident could have gone unnoticed "for a very long time."

Olson said he is going to take his award home and show it to his wife so she can "spirit it away" with his other one.

"I feel humbled," he said.

Carol Rebstock, manager of post office operations Seattle district in Spokane, made the trip to honor Olson with the award.

"It's a special day and I wanted to help celebrate with him," Rebstock said.

"I am grateful for my entire crew," added Barb Puckett, Sandpoint postmaster. "I have a wonderful crew and he set the bar high."

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.