Federal Way letter carrier Gary Lyon was presented a citizen’s commendation award Feb. 17 for saving an elderly woman’s life.

On Nov. 15, Lyon made the decision to call 911 after he realized a 78-year-old woman he regularly delivered mail to in the 30600 block of 1st Place South had not checked her mailbox for several days.

“It was unusual,” Lyon said.

When help arrived, the woman, who prefers to remain unnamed, was found on the floor. She lives by herself and fell 10 days earlier. The woman was unable to lift herself into a standing position. She survived on nearby supplement drinks until aid arrived.

The decision to call for emergency help was one Lyon is happy he made. The previous Tuesday, he noticed his customer’s newspaper was still in her box. By Friday, he became more concerned and asked her neighbors if they had heard from her. Come Saturday, Lyon knew he had to take action.

“Other carriers have stories that they waited and it was too long,” he said.

The woman did not suffer any critical injuries. After a brief stay in a care facility, she is now free to return home.

“I’m glad she got the help she needed,” Lyon said.

Lyon, an Auburn resident, grew up in a family of letter carriers. He has held the profession since 1983, and has delivered on the same Federal Way route for the past 20 years. He knows his customers and they know him.

“I’m part of the community out there,” he said.

Since word of his noble action got around, Lyon has received a lot of attention. He got a letter of thanks from the Postmaster General. Now while on his route, he gets thank-yous and notes from his customers. His family is receiving several phone calls and e-mails daily, said his wife, Susan Lyon.

“Gary has a good heart,” she said. “He loves people.”

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Police Chief Brian Wilson thanked Lyon for his actions and presented him the medal. Wilson noted that many letter carriers know their customers personally — and their observation skills come in handy.

“A lot of people would have let it go,” police spokesman Raymond Bunk said.