Drive Defensively, Observe Safety Rules

Today there was a serious accident involving one of our postal tractor trailer drivers and a private vehicle. Our postal driver ran the red light at an intersection and struck the private vehicle on the driver’s side, injuring the private party and causing extensive damages to her vehicle. This resulted in injuries and possible hospitalization to the private party.

Secondly, there was another vehicle accident today caused by another one of our postal tractor trailer drivers, where he failed to stop at the railroad crossing in time and the gate came down striking the postal vehicle, causing damages. There were no injuries. However, this accident could have been much worse.

Both were preventable accidents.

Every year thousands of people are hurt or die from motor vehicle accidents. What can you as a driver do to ensure you are not involved in this type of accident?

1. It is important to stay alert, be a defensive driver and be in control of your vehicle at all times.
2. A defensive driver must be attentive and adhere to all traffic signals.
3. A defensive driver must read the road ahead.
4. A defensive driver knows in advance when they will have to slow down, stop or yield to avoid an accident.
5. As a defensive driver you must always be ready for the unexpected, and be prepared to react in the event the unexpected happens.
6. Don’t make senseless mistakes.
7. Avoid backing.
8. Do not talk or text while driving.

Remember that you have total control of your vehicle and you can prevent accidents from occurring. Be a defensive driver!

Contributor: Barbara Crowley, A/Safety Manager

Postal Family Mourns Loss of Bruce Parton

The South Florida Postal Family continues to mourn the tragic loss of Miami Norland Letter Carrier Bruce Parton. The random and senseless nature of his death has left all of us with a profound sense of loss.

In remembrance of and in honor of Bruce, USPS Headquarters has approved the flying of the American flag at half-staff, effective immediately, through Saturday, December 11, the day of his funeral. Please ensure compliance at postal installations throughout the South Florida District.

The Parton family has shared with us funeral arrangements as follows:

Saturday, December 11
Visitation 1 pm – 9 pm
Catholic Mass 7 pm

Scarano Funeral Home
9000 Pines Blvd
Pembroke Pines FL 33024-6441

A Post Office Box has been opened for you to send your condolences to Bruce’s family:

Family of Bruce Parton
PO Box 693754
Miami FL 33269-3754

His First Letter to Santa: A Tall Order

Young Juan Nadal, Jr. is sending his very first letter to the bearded wonder at the North Pole. His letter is a tall order and includes several pages from his favorite coloring book. No doubt Santa will make his Christmas wishes come true!

If your child would like to hear from Santa, send him a letter at the North Pole. Be sure to affix First-Class postage (USPS needs the revenue!). Santa promises to take a break from supervising the elves to read every letter full of Christmas wishes. He then will forward the correspondence to his South Florida postal elves who will address a special postcard from Santa to each child. For those who need a reminder, Santa will let children know that he expects them to behave at home and in school --- not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year!

PS --- Young Juan entered the world in March and is a joy (and a good boy) to parents Charisse and Juan Nadal. Charisse is Acting Retail Manager and Juan is Acting Supervisor, Business Mail Entry Unit.

Photo: Charisse Nadal

The Power of Giving

This year’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is rapidly drawing to a close. But there’s still time for employees to support the charities they’re most passionate about.

Employees who wish to contribute should return CFC pledge forms to their local key workers by Wednesday, December 15.

With more than 4,000 approved charities eligible to receive donations, CFC reaches local, regional, national and international organizations that provide human services, health care, medical research, disaster relief, housing, youth development and much more. CFC last year raised $66.5 million in pledges, and this year hopes to reach its goal of $67 million.