Robert Moreno has been recognized as a Dolphin Award winner for 2020 because of his years of service to the Malibu community. Moreno commutes up to three hours each way from his home in Orange County to work at the Pt. Dume post office and has been doing so for 32 years. You’d think the grueling commute would have an effect on his disposition at what can be a thankless job working for the government, but it’s just the opposite. Moreno has been recognized by the community as a cheerful presence and one of the most helpful workers the USPS could ever have. In fact, one of his Dolphin Award nominators wrote, “I always have my spirit lifted after having Robert assist me.”
Moreno has held down two other jobs, including 19 years with the Orange County Fire Department, during his many years of service to Malibu. He considered retirement, but when the Woolsey Fire hit he decided to stay where he knew he was needed.
“I knew it would be a challenge, but folks needed what they needed,” Moreno said. “The logistics were enormous. People needed checks, mail, contracts, stuff for their houses.” The USPS bounced Moreno around various locations throughout Los Angeles for weeks after the fire. With his wife facing serious medical issues, Moreno is staying put with the USPS for the meantime. Moreno said he never expected to be recognized as a Dolphin winner.
“I am overwhelmed,” he said. “I am grateful Malibu has been so kind to me. A lot of my customers are my friends. I work for them because Malibu is very nice to me.”