Neighborhood Connector, Postman and So Much More
Who walks or drives almost daily the 6000 and 6100 blocks of Waterman, McPherson, Kingsbury and Westminster wearing a blue uniform, carrying a large satchel and sporting a wide grin and a bushy beard?
Usually it is Chad Wallace, the neighborhood mail carrier who has carefully delivered mail to residents and businesses on this route five to six days a week for more than 13 years.
His day begins around 8:30 a.m. at the local post office, where he spends a couple of hours sorting his mail and loading his truck before he heads out.
Deliveries start at 6199 Waterman – Grace Methodist for those not postal aware – and wrap up at 6189 Westminster Place. From there he drives back to the post office to process outgoing mail, return the truck and clock out by 5 p.m., if the post office has its way. Though residents know Chad has been known to slip mail through the slot as late as 8:30 p.m.
“Bottom line: this job is a marathon, not a sprint, and setting a healthy pace is essential,” said Chad. “I’ve seen too many twenty-somethings need new knees or shoulders because they blazed through their routes at the get go.”
The typical postal bag weighs 35 pounds. Carriers must be able to lift a 70-pound parcel and take it to and from their truck.
Key to the day’s success: efficiency. That means keeping the truck optimally placed for bag refills, parcels and even the essential water break. Adding to the complexity: daily changes to the “routine” based on mail volume.
“There’s a lot of moving parts behind safely delivering the mail,” said Chad.
Safety is something Chad must keep top of mind. On severe weather days he must balance the needs of his route and the need for shelter. When he must get inside, he usually goes to one of the churches, Snarf’s or a local apartment building.
But just like in the movies, it is dogs that keep Chad on his toes. He tells a story of a dog that would rush the glass front door every day Chad made his rounds. One day, as Chad marched up the steps with the day’s mail in hand, the dog charged the door as usual. This time, the glass shattered and the (big) dog just kept coming.
“Just like Scooby and Shaggy, the dog ran this way, and I took off running that way,” Chad says laughing.
Chad said his first line of defense against charging dogs is his mail satchel. Then there’s dog spray, which he does not like to use and will do so only as a last resort.
He also cautions against distracted dog walking. “If they have teeth that touch, they can bite,” Chad said. “Just because they don’t bite you doesn’t mean they won’t bite us.”
Other safety issues: sweet gumballs in the sidewalk, gopher holes in the yard, toys and tools left on steps, and land mines – you know the ones left by our furry friends.
Just as Chad gets to know the neighborhood pets, he is also familiar with the typical comings, goings and patterns of the neighborhood and its residents. He sees when mail piles up and can gently inquire.
“A consistent carrier is a second set of eyes for a neighborhood, and having one could be a fleeting tradition,” he said. “I do hope it is one that can continue.”
His heaviest delivery days? Christmas? Nope. It is Washington University move-in days when he can deliver up to 120 parcels. “The Christmas rush isn’t what it used to be now that we have this thing called the internet,” Chad said.
Outside of work, Chad currently enjoys karaoke with Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone” being his go-to number. He also tried his hand at stand-up comedy several years ago and developed a solid following on social media. “Sadly, comedy moved away from me,” he said. “It’s not what it used to be.”
Chad has two children — a 25-year-old son, and a 19-year-old daughter, who is currently attending Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.
When asked how residents can make his deliveries easier, he laughed and said, “Snacks are always appreciated.” He then quickly added, “Seriously, know your mail slot. If it is hard for you to use, then imagine what it is like for us! The less moving parts the better.”
