WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden last week signed U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean’s bill to rename the Melrose post office after Pamela “Pam” Jane Rock, a letter carrier who was killed after being mauled by five pit bulls after her USPS vehicle broke down in 2022 on a dirt road.

“Pam had a servant’s heart, and it was obvious in the way she lived her life. While her time on this earth was tragically cut short, she served the U.S. Post Service with passion and integrity,” Bean said. “Designating the Melrose Post Office in her name will honor her legacy in the community she loved. I am very proud to see our bill signed into law officially memorializing Pam’s memory and commitment to Floridians.”

Bean, who represents District 4, which includes Clay County. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville) joined Bean in introducing the bill.

The Pamela Jane Rock Post Office Building is at 859 N. State Road 21.

“I’m glad to see the bill to rename the post office after Pamela Rock signed into law. It’s been a long time coming to honor Ms. Rock’s memory, and I look forward to soon seeing her name on the side of the post office in Melrose. We hope this measure brings some comfort to her family and those who had the honor of working alongside her for many years,” Cammack said.

“We would like to thank Congressman Bean and Congresswoman Cammack for their tireless efforts in securing the name of this USPS facility for our beloved sister Pam,” said the Rock Family. “Pam was a devoted USPS employee who was sadly taken away from us while working in the line of duty. The naming of this facility honors Pam and her life of service and is a comfort to all of us.”

Rock, 61,  was driving in the rural area of Putnam County on Aug. 21 when her vehicle broke down. Five dogs owned by Edgar Jones attacked her. Jones wasn’t charged because he tried to surrender the dogs twice to the Putnam County Animal Control, including 10 days before the attack.

Animal Control officials admitted they didn’t return one of his calls after he left a message.

Jones tried to fortify his fence with rocks, cinder blocks, and logs, but the dogs still escaped and attacked Rock. After the fatal attack, the dogs were euthanized.

According to Bean’s office, more than 5,400 U.S. postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2021, and Florida was one of the top 10 states for dog bites, with 201 reported incidents last year.