Postal workers brave the winter cold

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The US postal workers unofficial motto "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," holds especially true on a day like today as they brave the winter weather to deliver the mail.

Lafayette postal worker Ed Sutherland's rosy red cheeks are the result of his hours spent outside delivering mail. And while he would prefer to be at home where it's warm, he said it's his duty to show up to work no matter how cold it is.

"The routes need to get covered and you're kind of letting down your other carriers," Sutherland said.

Sutherland packs on the layers to stay warm.

"These boots actually are good boots that cover the shoes and kind of keep it warm. Then I've got a pair of wicking socks and then my regular socks," Sutherland said.

And that's just his footwear, Sutherland has plenty more layers to keep warm with temperatures below zero.

"Of course the thermal underwear on top and bottom. My rain pants just as windbreakers," Sutherland said.

And his perseverance in this weather isn't going unrecognized.

"I got a cup of coffee from great harvest bread and some honey roasted nuts from a lady," Sutherland said. "Got an email before I left for work this morning just somebody telling me they were praying for me. "

Sutherland said today felt like the coldest day he has ever worked.