Susan Barnhart was a loved employee at this Bucks post office. Now it could bear her name
The Washington Crossing Post Office could have a new name soon, one that honors former employee and flood victim Susan Barnhart.
Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has requested the honor in memory of Barnhart, of Titusville, New Jersey, who was a long-time Postal Service employee there and who died with six others in flash flooding in Upper Makefield in July.
Fitzpatrick, R-1 of Middletown, introduced a bill with New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12, who represents Titusville.
Barnhart, 53, died with six other people in catastrophic flash flooding on Route 532/Washington Crossing Road on July 15, 2023.
The downpour trapped some 20 travelers along the road, and swept away Barnhart and others, including two children, ages 2 and 9 months. The 9-month-old was never recovered. Recovering survivors was among the most prolonged and grueling searches in recent county history.
The tragedy was felt by the surrounding community, to whom Barnhart was a well-known, well-liked and friendly face at the Post Office. Her dog, Kota, a rescue pup, survived the flooding, and was returned to Barnhart's mother in Titusville.
More: 'I was at the mercy of the water': Survivor recalls losing wife in floods along Delaware
Why the honor for flood victim Susan Barnhart?
"Susan touched countless lives throughout the Bucks County community, treasured the various outdoor activities that Bucks County has to offer, and worked in multiple capacities throughout the community, including at the Washington Crossing and Newtown US Postal Service branches," according to a release from Fitzpatrick's office.
Said Fitzpatrick: “Susan Barnhart was beloved in Bucks County and made various contributions to our community. The flooding that devastated parts of Bucks County this past July tragically took several members of our community from us, including Susan."
Said Rep. Coleman: "Susan Barnhart was a model citizen who served with dedication and compassion. Her tragic passing has left a community in mourning. I'm grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick for helping to honor Ms. Barnhart and I look forward to the Susan C. Barnhart Post Office standing as a symbol of her dedication to her community."
Who are Post Offices named for?
The first post office naming by Congress was in 1967 after a New York congressman.
Since, post office namings have been reserved for presidents (Reagan and Ford have post offices for them), popular entertainers (Nat King Cole), and sports celebrities (Jackie Robinson). Since the wars after the 9/11 terror attacks, many post offices around the nation have been named for fallen soldiers. The Morrisville Post Office is named for Nate DeTample, of Morrisville, who was 19 when he was killed in Bayji, Iraq on Aug. 9, 2005.
How does it happen?
The bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives, usually by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Once approved in the House (normally by voice vote), the legislation moves to the Senate for approval. This process could take months.
Once approved, a plaque is created and placed in the Post Office, which states, "This building is named in honor of (Susan Barnhart) By an Act of Congress" followed by the date. A dedication ceremony is organized by the Post Office, paid for with USPS contingency funds.
JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Congress to name Washington Crossing Post Office for Sue Barnhart
