 | | | New postmaster Kulwant Singh speaks at the installation ceremony July 17. Photo C. Tyson
| | | | | | With a backdrop of red, white and blue balloons Lafayette's newest postmaster, Kulwant Singh, was installed. After coming to the U.S. from India, he became a letter carrier 28 years ago in Santa Rosa, rising steadily through the ranks with stints in Richmond and Berkeley. The soft-spoken, humble man was gracious and made a point to thank everyone involved in his journey: family, friends, co-workers and mentor Ray Davis, Berkeley's postmaster.
"It's a great honor to be postmaster," said Singh. "I will assure we provide consistent and premier service to our customers and maintain a healthy and safe work environment for employees." He described Davis as being "like a brother," adding he's learned many valuable lessons from him.
The Lafayette Postal Annex was full of festive decorations, colorful tables and flags, along with dignitaries and supporters who came to congratulate Singh on his achievement.
Master of ceremony Oscar Munoz welcomed everyone, and shared that he and Singh started as postal carriers together many years ago. Munoz is now the manager of post office operations. The installation ceremony included a rendition of the national anthem, followed by very talented postal carrier Jeovani Abenoja - lead singer for the Rossmoor Orchestra in his off-hours, who was amazingly reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. Wrapping up the event was a reception.
Daughter Sandeep Singh took the podium to recognize her dad's success, calling him "a man of great dedication and will." She emphasized that the whole family was proud of his accomplishments and very happy for him. Singh, who has a bachelor's degree from Calcutta University, is married to wife Jasvir, has another daughter, Mandeep, and six grandchildren. He lives in El Sobrante where he is the president of the Sikh Temple.
To welcome Singh to Lafayette, the City Council declared July 17, 2013 as Kulwant Singh Day. Mail has been sorted and delivered for 116 years in this city. Lafayette's very first postmaster was Benjamin Shreve, appointed on March 2, 1897; at that time the town was called La Fayette.
Residents may not realize just how much mail runs through the Lafayette facility: daily mail volume of more than 120,000 pieces gets delivered to 18,828 addresses on 24 city routes and to nearly 1,300 post office boxes. Singh will oversee the 48 employees who make it all happen.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA