THE LAST WORD:

The fact that mail carrier David Ostrea returned $1,000 that he found on his route is admirable.

That fact that he did it in hard economic times — while living paycheck to paycheck — makes it extra special.

The fact that he refused a reward is remarkable.

“There’s no reward necessary,” Ostrea said. “I know I’m going to get my reward in heaven. My reward waits for me there.

“When you do things like that, when you do things that are right, [the Bible] says your treasures are sent ahead of you.”

Ostrea, a mail carrier in Newport Beach for 20 years, found an unmarked envelope containing 10 $100 bills, which belonged to Trina Cittel, who was planning to use the money for a cruise to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary.

In a letter sent to Ostrea’s supervisors, Newport Beach Police Chief John Klein commended Ostrea for his “honesty, professionalism and dedication to his duty as a postal carrier.”

We commend him for all those reasons and for his faith, as well.