Ruben Hernandez is perfect.
The Fresno, CA, letter carrier hasn’t missed a single day of work since joining the Postal Service in December 1987.
“When you know others are depending on you, like your customers and co-workers, you show up,” he said.
Hernandez said he’s motivated to maintain his perfect attendance record by never forgetting his customers, who tell him they look forward to the cards, letters and packages he delivers every day.
“It’s an important job,” he said.
Hernandez, who was recently profiled by the local Fox station, is one of many Postal Service employees across the nation with perfect attendance records.
Fresno Postmaster Doug Smith — who hasn’t missed a day in 32 years — praised Hernandez’s dedication.
“He’s a great representative of our business. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without a smile on his face,” Smith said.
Before joining the Postal Service, Hernandez worked for the IRS. “I … always used to admire the Post Office. I’d think, ‘One day I’d be good at it,’” he recalled.
Hernandez doesn’t plan to hang up his satchel anytime soon. He’d like to work for USPS for at least another decade.
And yes, he hopes to maintain his spotless record until his last day on the job.