Before Carl Tate joined the Postal Service as a retail and distribution associate in Petersburg, AK, he had a career in law enforcement serving the same 3,200-person community.
After recently marking two years with the Petersburg Post Office, Tate continues to find that his past work experience helps him stay on top of accurate mail delivery.
“My police service definitely helped me transition to this job well because I know the community inside and out,” said Tate.
Last year, Tate’s prior experience came in handy in a different way when his investigative abilities helped him foil a scam.
As he was distributing mail one day, he noticed two customers approaching the retail counter intending to purchase money orders. Two red flags drew Tate’s attention — the customers had large sums of cash, and they were not from the area.
When the men returned a second time, Tate was working the counter and observed what he considered to be a questionable transaction. He reported the suspicious activity to Postmaster Kimberley Aulbach, who alerted the Postal Inspection Service.
Authorities linked the transaction to a scam involving more than $100,000. Both men have since pleaded guilty to federal theft charges.
Aulbach calls Tate’s past police experience an asset to the Postal Service.
For Tate, working for USPS is “a dream job” that offers a schedule that allows him to spend more time with his family.
“It’s amazing, and if I could commit to this job for the next 30 years, I would. The work is engaging, it’s a fun environment to be a part of, and I still get to be present in the community … but in a different way,” he said.
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