'Excellence in Safety'

To recognize our employees’ outstanding commitment to safety, the Southern Area Safety Office has initiated the “Excellence in Safety” Awards Program.  Below are recent recipients in the South Florida District:

Pompano Beach Letter Carrier Beth Bowness has been instrumental in all the safety success experienced in Pompano Beach, said Postmaster Ed Coppola.  “Beth has excellent communication skills in which she shares her knowledge and skills with managerial and craft employees, as well as with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Due to her involvement and knowledge, Pompano became the first city in the nation to achieve three OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) star ratings.  Bowness also helps each station prepare for their annual Program Evaluation Guide (PEG) reviews.  “Pompano always achieves the highest PEG scores in the South Florida District,” said Coppola.  Just recently, Bowness helped the Tropical Reef Branch achieve a PEG score of 93%.

Letter Carrier Hinch M. Gilliam is the assistant Safety Captain and a member of the Emergency Evacuation Team at the Pembroke Pines Branch.  He assists with all safety inspections, safety talks, and safety orientation for new employees.  Gilliam maintains a personal accident-free record in his 26 years as a letter carrier.  “His contribution to this office is invaluable,” said Manager, Customer Service, Madelyn Paris.  “He is a model employee and serves as a coach and a motivator to all employees.”

Miramar Letter Carrier Michael Brisebois is a 30-year veteran who is reliable and dedicated to the Postal Service and its customers.  He also is committed to the safety of his co-workers, according to Manager, Customer Service Gwen Branch.  “He assists with safety talks and is a member of our Emergency Evacuation Team,” she said.  “He is creative and resourceful, and we have benefitted greatly from his innovative ideas.  He has handled a full range of responsibilities including being in several safety videos during his career.”

West Hollywood Hills Custodian George Simpson does an outstanding job, according to Manager, Customer Service Nelson Cortes.  In addition to his custodial duties, Simpson serves as Safety Captain and participates in monthly safety meetings.  He ensures that the West Hollywood Hills Branch and Hillcrest Postal Store are in “top safety shape,” according to Cortes.

Coral Springs Letter Carrier Phillippe Fenner has not had an at-fault vehicle accident as a 26-year employee.  According to Manager, Customer Service Rose Mannisto, Fenner is very safety conscious and inspects her vehicle every morning.

Letter Carrier Patricia A. Lelekacs of the North Ridge Annex is an on-the-job instructor for the carrier craft and instills in new employees the importance of working safely in the office and on the street.  She has demonstrated exemplary performance in her 30 years of service.

Hialeah Lakes Rural Letter Carrier Javier Juan has not had an at fault accident in 13 years of employment.  In addition to his regular duties, Juan participates in Career Days at local schools.  His presentations enlighten young students on the proper and safe usage of the vehicle fleet.

Deerfield Beach Letter Carrier Charles McCaslin is a 34-year postal veteran who is a role model.  “His record shows that he performs his job in a very safe and professional manner each and every day,” said Postmaster Butch Belanger.  “His commitment to his position and the respect from his co-workers and customers is commendable.  He works in a safe manner so that he can go home to his family and come back the next day to do it all over again.” 

Equipment Operator Larry Perlberg works at the South Florida L&DC.  As a member of the Tour 1 Safety Team, he is aware of his surroundings and is the first one to address a co-worker who is not observing safety regulations.  He is quick to explain the importance of following safety rules to ensure a safe environment for all employees, according to Brian Goldstein, Manager, Distribution Operations.

Goldstein also nominated Equipment Operator Robert Lampley for Excellence in Safety recognition.  “Robert is very safety conscious and supports his co-workers with their daily routing, including helping stack hampers and empty equipment,” said Goldstein.  “He pays attention to equipment, making sure items that are not in working order are red tagged and ensuring that equipment does not block the aisles.”