Postal worker bids farewell to job

When Fred Hirsch first started working at the Fremont Post Office in 1977, the price of a first class stamp was 13 cents.

In the 29 years he has been a postal employee, he has witnessed 11 first-class stamp increases - the last one less than a month before his Jan. 27 retirement date.

Hirsch, 56, started out as a part-time mail carrier and clerk. Five years later he took over the job of bulk mail technician; leaving the world of first-class stamps no longer mattered to him. In 1982, he took over the job of bulk mail technician.

“The position opened and I bid on it - luckily no one else did,” Hirsch said. “It was a good move especially because I don't like getting up early.”

He begins his day at 8:45 a.m., almost two hours later than other postal employees. His day ends at 5:15 p.m.

Until the end of this month, he will continue to handle all discounted bulk mail such as daily newspapers, bills and statements and work with local businesses.

“Anything less than full price comes through here,” Hirsch said. “There are over 450 (bulk mail) permits through this post office.”

Some customers bring the mail to Hirsch, but he makes his weekly rounds to many businesses making friends with many mailroom employees.

“I get to go out and talk to a lot of people - a lot of people,” Hirsch said.

Another part of his job entails working on the postal vending machines around Fremont.

Beside the people at the businesses, he said he will miss the variety at his job.

“There is no such thing as a typical day. It's fresh every day whether you make it that way or not,” Hirsch said. “Lots of jobs here are repetitious. This one's not.”

The one thing he'll be happy about leaving when he retires is the approximately 450,000 pieces of mail he handles every week.

“It's a very hectic job, but you've got to keep your wits about you,” Hirsch said.

His shoes aren't going to be easy ones to fill, especially since the U.S. Postal Service won't let anybody bid on a new job until the retiring employee has left.

“He's been in that job a long time and knows it like the back of his hand,” said Lori Doty, supervisor at the Fremont Post Office.

She said his expertise won't soon be forgotten.

“His knowledge is really going to be missed,” said Fremont Postmaster Doug Sorensen. “To replace him, we're looking at six weeks of training in Oklahoma.”

Hirsch won't only be missed as an employee, but as a person, they said.

“He's the caring guy - he's just an all around good guy,” Sorensen said. “He put together the collection we sent for Hurricane Katrina and he's the guy who always buys the sympathy and birthday cards (for employees) out of his own pocket. That's a quality you don't see much anymore.”

Because of how much Hirsch is liked at the post office and in the community, there will be an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday for people to wish him well. Cookies and coffee will be served and all business acquaintances and friends are invited.

“He wanted to duck out quietly but we wanted to give people a chance to say goodbye,” Doty said. “We thought he deserved a sendoff.”

Hirsch said he will miss the people around town but will still try and keep in contact. Other than visiting and relaxing, he doesn't know where the road of retirement will take him.

“My kids got me a new set of tires for my car for Christmas,” Hirsch said. “I'll just fill the tank and go from there.”