"This has been such a great community. Everyone has treated me well. It's so hard to put into words ... after making so many friends here," said Gary Schaefer.

Schaefer began as a delivery man September 15, 1975, for United Parcel Post. He originally drove the Murdo/Presho area route, but by December of that year, he was responsible for a delivery route that included Philip. His last day with UPS, after always having Philip on his route, will be Friday, October 29.

Center supervisor Jason Heisler said, "Gary has been a good, model employee.