A crowd gathered, surrounded by balloons and streamers, on Friday, Nov. 4 as Sachin Uttam followed a post office tradition, raising his right hand and taking the Oath of Office as the Postmaster of the Oakdale Post Office. The first postmaster in Oakdale took the oath in 1864; that was Henry Langworthy and Uttam is now the latest in the list of those that have served the community.
Uttam was surrounded by many Postmasters from the surrounding cities as well as his family, friends, and the Post Office Operations Manager Neil Gonzalez, who administered the oath.
Uttam began his career in the postal service in 2016 as a city carrier assistant; he then became a carrier in 2017 at the Willow Glen Post Office in San Jose. In 2020 he took on the position as a supervisor at the Modesto Post Office, now he will serve as Postmaster for Oakdale. At the Oakdale location, Uttam supervises 42 employees and oversees the retail services and the daily distribution of mail to 18,500 different delivery stops; 2,478 PO boxes; nine city routes, and 11 rural routes.
Among the special presentations, Uttam received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Josh Harder’s office. Postmaster of Groveland, Norma Powell, then explained the complexity and importance of being a Postmaster while recognizing the fellow supervisors and postmasters that came for the ceremony. Employees from the Oakdale Post Office were able to take a break from their route to celebrate Uttam; all were invited to introduce themselves and say how long they have been a part of the post office.
Supervisors and management from Soulsbyville, Ripon, Merced, Hughson, Twain Harte, Jamestown, Modesto, La Grange, Waterford, Denair, Hilmar, Lathrop, Newman, Empire, and Lodi attended to represent not only their city but also show the circle of support Uttam has going into this new position.
Oakdale Mayor Cherilyn Bairos and members of the Oakdale City Council offered congratulations to Uttam on his position as well.
“It is always a pleasure to have these ceremonies,” Gonzalez stated. “It is great, great pride to be working for the post office.”
The ceremony was followed by attendees having the chance to enjoy food and refreshments.
“Thank you everyone for taking your time to come to this installation even during our busiest time at the office, but especially thank you to my team,” Uttam expressed.
