John Vick is an employee you can count on.
Co-workers sometimes joke that the letter carrier is practically “part of the fixtures” at Brevoort Station in Brooklyn, NY.
Even his wife gets in on the act.
“My wife always teases me that I’m married to the Post Office,” Vick, who delivers packages, said with a laugh.
The reason for the teasing is Vick rarely calls out sick. In fact, the 51-year postal employee has more than 5,000 hours — or about two-and-a-half-years’ worth — of accumulated sick leave.
“I don’t stay home just because I feel a little off. Unless it’s a crisis, I still come in, keep moving and thank God I have good health,” he said.
Vick’s dedication to the Postal Service is almost legendary.
For instance, his house in Far Rockaway was flooded when Hurricane Sandy battered New York in 2012.
“I could have taken off a couple of weeks, but I still came in,” he said.
Customer Services Supervisor Marvalee Frasier said Vick has proven himself to be a reliable employee during the six months she has worked with him.
“He’s very dedicated and very hard working. He takes very good care of his customers. He loves what he does. He’s phenomenal,” she said.
Vick said he’s motivated by a strong work ethic and the customers who rely on him.
“When I bring a package to someone, it’s rewarding to make them happy,” he said. “So I always try to go the extra mile.”