ORANGE, CT — Letter Carrier Patrick Haddon has been driving for the Postal Service since 1987, and with 38 years of service, was recently inducted into the National Safety Council Million Mile Club at the Milford Post Office.

Haddon is also being celebrated in the Postal Service’s “For the Long Haul” campaign which celebrates the dedication and commitment of postal workers, like Haddon, who have faithfully served their communities in the same position for over 25 years.

Haddon, born and raised in New Haven, has been serving the Milford and Orange areas for 38 years.

Haddon says, it’s the residents in the community that keep him going. “I enjoy connecting with people. I go out of my way to deliver service,” he said.

Not only has Haddon been serving these communities for decades — he has done so safely.

To prevent accidents, Haddon says the right state of mind is key. “It’s in the mindset.  I try to keep a positive outlook and have a sense of humor,” he said. “You have to keep the word ‘safety’ in the front of your mind. Do the job mindfully and don’t rush,” he added.

“It’s an incredible feat,” said Milford Postmaster Lawrence McLeain, as he handed out a total of 16 National Safety Council Million Mile Award plaques to Milford and Orange Post Office drivers receiving the award for driving a total of one million miles without a preventable accident.

Haddon says his route is roughly 400 deliveries and is what the Postal Service calls a mounted route – which requires mostly driving.

"For the Long Haul" underscores the enduring relationships that letter carriers, retail associates, and postmasters have built with their customers over decades. These stories will showcase their unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond their duties to ensure the postal services, safety and well-being of the people in the communities they serve. 
The United States Postal Service has been an essential part of American life since its inception. Committed to providing reliable, affordable mail service to every address in the country, USPS plays a crucial role in maintaining communication and commerce across the nation.

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