Chicago Mail Carrier News and Updates

As a mail carrier in Chicago, you'll want to stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates affecting your daily routes. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the primary mail carrier in Chicago, serving over 2.7 million addresses.

The USPS has a long history in Chicago, dating back to 1839 when the first post office was established. You can expect to see a mix of old and new infrastructure as you deliver mail throughout the city.

Chicago mail carriers typically work Monday through Saturday, with Sunday delivery not being a standard service. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as Chicago is known for its unpredictable climate.

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Larry LaPorte, a 64-year-old mail carrier, is set to retire on April 30 after over 40 years of service. He has been working out of the Mt. Greenwood station, serving a route that includes Western to California avenues from 110th to 115th streets.

Residents have been showing their appreciation for LaPorte's years in the community, with lawn signs popping up across the neighborhood. Plans have also been made for a farewell party to be hosted at the Beverly Arts Center on April 25.

LaPorte's route has been lined with signs wishing him well in retirement. He is grateful for the support from local residents, who have come to regard him as a trusted neighbor and friend.

LaPorte has made an impact on countless residents who depend on him to deliver their mail. He has been known to check in on residents if he hasn't seen them in a while, and even helps protect packages from porch pirates.

LaPorte is a man of few words, but his work ethic and kindness have spoken volumes. He has been a quiet guardian to the neighborhood, and his dedication has not gone unnoticed.

Residents have been sharing stories about LaPorte's kindness, including how he befriended neighborhood dogs. He even had a special bond with a dog named Gus, who would wait on the front porch for him every day.

Chicago mail carriers have been making headlines lately, and for all the right reasons. Local union members held a rally outside the Roseland USPS station for the 'Postal Worker Day of Action' to push for better working conditions.

The safety of mail carriers is a top concern, and it's clear that something needs to change. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that reported robbery cases against postal workers increased nearly 700% between 2019 and 2023.

The community is coming together to support the Redmond family after the tragic shooting death of a local mail carrier. A bill was introduced to Congress in March 2024 that would allow the USPS to replace universal mailbox keys with electronic versions, along with requiring the US Sentencing Commission to treat assault or robbery of a postal employee the same as a law enforcement officer.

Luis Rivas, president of the Illinois state association of letter carriers, recalls a time when postal workers were better protected. "I can recall in my career when if you touched a letter carrier you were going to jail", he said. Since 2020, only 14 percent of those individuals have been caught and prosecuted.

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A postal worker was shot dead while delivering mail in Chicago, according to officials. Octavia Redmond, 48, was shot by an unknown shooter who then jumped in a vehicle and sped away.

The incident occurred on Friday at around 11:40pm local time, and Redmond suffered several gunshot wounds, including to her chest. She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

The killer may have trailed Redmond before attacking her, and the attacker's white Dodge Durango was discovered torched on Saturday. Redmond had delivered mail along the block where she was shot for around two years.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Chicago division is investigating the case, and postal inspectors will not rest until justice is delivered on behalf of the victims, their families, and the postal community. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows reported robbery cases against postal workers increased nearly 700% between 2019 and 2023.

A bill was introduced to Congress in March 2024, which if passed, would allow the USPS to replace universal mailbox keys with electronic versions, along with requiring the US Sentencing Commission to treat assault or robbery of a postal employee the same as a law enforcement officer.

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A longtime USPS carrier, Larry LaPorte, is retiring after 40 years of service. He'll be leaving his route on April 30.

LaPorte's route has been lined with signs wishing him well in retirement, a testament to his dedication to the community. He's been a fixture in Morgan Park for decades.

LaPorte started on his current route in 1991, during the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade weekend. He's been a trusted neighbor and quiet guardian to many residents.

Residents have praised LaPorte's kindness and work ethic, noting that he goes above and beyond to deliver mail. He's even befriended neighborhood dogs, making his job easier and bringing joy to the community.

LaPorte's impact on the neighborhood has been significant, with many residents relying on him to check in and ensure their well-being. He's been a constant presence in the community for over four decades.