40 Years on Same Route

By Rose Mesenger-Mannisto

North Lauderdale Letter Carrier John Brown started his career in January 1972 delivering mail in his hometown of Livingston, New Jersey.  His hourly wage at that time was $3.60 an hour, which he says was “a decent wage for back then.”

Brown was assigned to a T-6 position in New Jersey and transferred to Pompano Beach in 1975.  In December of 1978 he was awarded route 6812 in North Lauderdale.  He has never left 6812 and continues to deliver that route to this day.  That is 33 years of delivering high quality service on the same route.

He stands out in the community, considered family by many of his customers and is included in many of their functions. He has attended weddings, parties and even funerals of his customers who he has known for over three decades.  Brown has gone above and beyond his role of letter carrier by aiding his patrons in need on many occasions.  He came to the assistance of an elderly man who had suffered a stroke, by making him comfortable and staying with him until the paramedics arrived.  Another time he was extremely helpful to a mother with her child when they had realized their home had been broken into. He entered the house to make sure it was clear from invaders before letting them enter.

Brown served as Shop Steward for the National Association of Letter Carriers in North Lauderdale for over five years.  Several years ago, the National Safety Council presented him with a plaque as a member of the Million Mile club for accident free safe driving.

Brown has watched as children grew up in his delivery area, move away and come back with their own children, surprised to see the same mailman still providing the same exceptional service to the community with a smile.