Hicksville, NY, Letter Carrier Diane Villatoro knows firsthand how dangerous dogs can be, so she trains newly hired co-workers on how to protect themselves from dog bites.
Villatoro has been delivering mail for 23 years, and she shares her knowledge as an on-the-job instructor. She especially wants new carriers to benefit from her own dog bite ordeal.
While delivering mail 15 years ago, she noticed a stray dog behind her. She reached into her satchel for a can of spray repellent, but the dog clamped down on her hand and wouldn’t let go.
The resulting injury required stitches and a series of rabies shots, and the experience ingrained her with valuable information to pass along.
“Every day, all day, you have to be very observant out there of everything that’s around you — especially the dogs,” she said.
There were more than 6,000 reported dog attacks on Postal Service employees in 2024, according to new data released as part of this year’s USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign.
A doggone good event
To help promote this year’s USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, Kansas-Missouri District is getting a little help from its friends.
The district is working with the KC Pet Project, an animal assistance organization, to provide employees with helpful tips on what to do if they encounter a dog while on the job.
A recent employee luncheon at the Kansas City, MO, Main Post Office, featured guest speakers from the organization, along with District Manager Jeremie Six, who helped prepare the main course — grilled hot dogs, of course.
“The employees are the real heroes here,” Six said. “They do a great job each and every day and we’re making every effort to ensure they can work in a safe manner and come home to their families without injury.”
New postmaster
There’s a new postmaster in Roanoke, VA: LaRue Dickerson, who took the oath during a ceremony last month.
“Roanoke is my hometown, and I know many of our customers personally,” said Dickerson, who joined USPS as a city carrier assistant in 2015. “I am committed to serving this community, not only as your postmaster, but as your loyal friend, neighbor and advocate for the community.”
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