The Envelope, Please...the Winner is...

Operations Programs Specialist Walter Dobson (center) won the Scientific category in the South Florida Federal Executive Board's "Federal Employee of the Year" awards program. Sharing the moment are Manager, Operations Programs Support Janice Atherly (left) and District Manager Jeffery Taylor (right). Photo: Jann Miller

On May 8, the federal community recognized Walter Dobson for his work as Accident Investigator/Tort Claims Coordinator for the South Florida District. Dobson, an Operations Programs Specialist, won the Scientific category in the South Florida Federal Executive Board’s “Federal Employee of the Year” Awards Program. 

 "Team Pompano” also represented the South Florida District at the awards program. Employees nominated in the Management category included Pompano Beach, FL, Postmaster Edwin Coppola; Tropical Reef Manager, Customer Services Frank Mariano; Coconut Creek, FL, Manager, Customer Services Louis Mongilia; Margate, FL, Manager, Customer Services Camille Moscola-Calvo; Coral Springs, FL, Manager, Customer Services Rick Veiga and Coconut Creek, FL, Supervisor, Customer Service Support Ismary Veiga (also nominated in the Administrative Support category). Pompano Beach, FL, Administrative Assistant Sharon Puhl was nominated in the Clerical/Administrative Support category.

Dobson was one of 12 federal employees to win first place in their respective categories. He likened an accident investigation to completing a jigsaw puzzle, and that putting together the pieces of an accident is his job. Dobson is credited with saving millions of dollars for the U.S. Postal Service, primarily the South Florida District where he single-handedly processed 741 total accident reports and 240 tort claims in FY14.

Dobson began in 34-year postal career as a mechanic at the Miami Vehicle Maintenance Facility. In his current position, Dobson initiates, reviews and/or analyzes reports of every accident claim submitted by managers at 187 postal installations from Fort Pierce to Key West. While Dobson investigates claims ranging from customers tripping over curbs in postal retail parking lots to carriers experiencing dog bites on their routes, the majority of his work involves motor vehicle accidents. Approximately half of the South Florida postal use one of 4,966 postal vehicles tractor trailers, 11-ton and 2-ton trucks, carrier vehicles, and administrative vehicles. 

Damage to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death to non-postal personnel caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission by an employee can be costly to his employer. He maintains an excellent rapport with local law enforcement agencies, insurance claims adjusters, claimants and their legal representatives, and witnesses. 

L to R: "Team Pompano," including Margate Manager, Customer Services Camille Moscola-Calvo; Tropical Reef Manager, Customer Services Frank Mariano; Pompano Beach Postmaster Ed Coppola; Coral Springs Manager, Customer Services Rick Veiga; and Coconut Creek Supervisor, Customer Service Support Ismary Veiga. Coconut Creek Manager, Customer Services Louis Mongilia was not available for the photo. Please see individual photo below. Photo: Ismary Veiga

Coconut Creek Manager, Customer Services Louis Mongilia, also competed in the Management category. Photo: Ismary Veiga

Coconut Creek Supervisor, Customer Service Support Ismary Veiga (left) and Pompano Beach Administrative Assistant Sharon Puhl (right). Photo: Louis Mongilia