On June 9, the U.S. Postal Service honored Aptos letter carriers Debbie Thomas, who’s delivered mail for 38 years, and Stacie Espinosa, who’s delivered mail for 39 years, for their accident-free safety records.
Debbie Thomas (center left) and Stacie Espinosa (center right) receive their certificates for driving safety.
They’ve made their rounds year after year without a moving violation or accident while maneuvering hazardous road conditions, rural terrain and gridlock, and avoiding careless drivers along the way.
This earned them entry into the elite National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club.
Each received a plaque recognizing this accomplishment.
Mindset is the key.
“Safety is everything, safety is the reason I am still able to deliver the mail after all these years,” says Thomas.
Espinosa says safety was the highlight when she trained newly hired carriers.
Debbie Thomas (left) and Stacie Espinosa stand in front of the Aptos branch of the United States Post Office.
District Manager Raj Sanghera called their accomplishment “truly remarkable,” adding, “Safety is not just a buzz word, our postal drivers take safety very seriously.”
U.S.P.S. postal drivers log more than 1.5 billion miles annually while delivering to more than 159 million homes and businesses in every city, suburb and town in America.
Read on to find out why Thomas and Espinosa started working for U.S.P.S. and their advice for young people considering a U.S.P.S. career.
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Q&A with Debbie Thomas
What motivated you to work for the U.S. Postal Service in the first place?
Debbie Thomas
I previously worked for Solano County, then for the state of California. So, the next step was for the Federal Government.
What’s the difference between your job when you started and how your job is now?
Much less mail and many more parcels, also now everything must have a barcode scan.
Then, what has kept you working for the USPS all these years?
The job security and the benefits.
Can you share a couple of your favorite stories about interacting with customers?
For me, it’s mostly about being appreciated, especially the elderly customers.
What’s your best safety tip for avoiding an accident?
Be aware of your surroundings and always watch out for the other drivers.
What advice would you give a young person considering a career with USPS?
Hang in there, it does get easier!
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Q&A with Stacie Espinosa
What motivated you to work for the U.S. Postal Service in the first place?
Stacie Espinosa
I was 18 and looking for a change of careers. I worked for McDonald’s for 3 years. Then I checked the Register-Pajaronian want ads and USPS was hiring so I applied. I took my service exam at the Watsonville High School cafeteria and was hired June 1984.
What’s the difference between your job when you started and how your job is now?
We used to start at 6 a.m., now it’s 8 a.m. We had smaller vehicles back then (they looked like ice cream trucks); now they are much bigger. We used to case all letters and magazines; now letters come automated. And routes used to be longer — less ads and parcels. Now since COVID, people prefer to stay home and order packages online.
Then, what has kept you working for the USPS all these years?
I’ve been working with my postal brothers and sisters –my work family– for 39 years and my bigger family is my customers. Being part of that whole community and enjoying what I do is very rewarding.
Can you share a couple of your favorite stories about interacting with customers?
I used to give away Lolli pops to children on my route to teach safety when approaching the postal vehicle.
I recently ran into Matt. He and his wife and child were visiting his dad. He told his wife how I used to give out Lolli pops and asked if I still did, I told him I no longer did but it was such a nice feeling all these years later he remembered that.
What’s your best safety tip for avoiding an accident?
Be aware of your surroundings — always take a second look before exiting or entering roadways. Be a defensive driver every on or off work. Take a couple of deep breaths to clear your mind and to begin your day.
What advice would you give a young person considering a career with USPS?
It is not as easy as we make it look, it is very mental and physical but once you are trained and able to manage the time restraints, and you know what you are doing, it gets better. Ask questions if you don’t understand something or just need help, there are no dumb questions. I’ve seen career advancement into management/postal inspection/union etc. Take pride in the service you provide and enjoy what you do.