For nearly four decades, Eddie Diveley has traveled the roads of Adams County delivering letters, packages and a friendly greeting to residents along his rural mail route. Yesterday, the United States Postal Service at the Biglerville Post Office recognized his extraordinary milestone, and recognized him with the million mile safety award. He efficiently serves the community delivering mail Tuesday through Saturday.
Diveley’s achievement represents years of dedication, commitment and countless hours behind the wheel. This year will mark his 40th year with the Biglerville Post Office. Covering a rural route requires more than simply delivering mail; it means becoming a familiar and trusted face for the customers along the way. It’s more challenging to drive now that other drivers on the road are more distracted. In recent years, the Post Office has formed working relationships with Amazon and UPS so there are more packages with some being larger in size than years ago.
USPS Regional Manager Lisa Pecht was present for the award ceremony and very pleased. “There’s more distractions on the roads now and (other) drivers are worse,” she said. Biglerville Postmaster, Amy Egner said “I have only been here a year, but it’s important for our staff to be safe on the streets. I want you to all go home to your families.”
When Diveley was prompted by Pecht to give his co-workers advice, he advised “Listen to your Postmaster and focus on the mail.”
Throughout his career, Diveley has witnessed the changing landscape of the Postal Service, from handwritten letters and greeting cards to the growing demand for package deliveries. Through it all, he has remained committed to providing reliable service and building relationships with the people on his route.
Reaching the million-mile mark is a rare accomplishment among rural carriers and reflects Diveley’s professionalism, attention to safety and dedication to his customers.
The Biglerville Post Office recognized Diveley for this remarkable milestone and thanked him for the many miles he has traveled in service to others. He was issued a plaque and a jacket to commemorate the milestone.
Diveley and his co-workers received new vehicle training in Harrisburg this spring. The new vehicle is called Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV). They are manufactured by Oshkosh Defense and are 19 feet long and 9 feet 3 inches in height. The new vehicles have already been issued to some of the local post offices, with more arriving in the near future.
If you see Diveley delivering your mail, be sure to thank him for his friendly service.
