Bruce Hartford has decided to call it a career after 28 years with the U.S. Postal Service. Hartford was the Edgecomb postmaster for 4.5 years. Feb. 16 was his last day as he decided to reduce his workload from four jobs to three. “I wanted to retire before I reached 62, but I will still work. I’m still working as a property manager, carpenter and Morris Farm’s facilities manager.”

In 2016, Hartford began working at the Edgecomb post office and made a strong connection with his customers. Dawn Murray moved to Edgecomb five years ago and was one of a dozen well-wishers who presented Hartford with a bouquet of balloons in gratitude. “You really made me feel welcomed when I moved to town, and we all wanted to say how much we appreciate you,” she said.

Hartford likens his approach as postmaster to a former television show where everybody knows your name. “It’s the ‘Cheers’ effect. You need to know everybody,” he said. “You want to know about their kids in college or if their parents are ill. To me, that’s an important part of the job.”

Hartford lives in Nobleboro, but will continue to make daily visits to the Edgecomb post office. “My P.O. box is here so I will be back to pick up my mail,” he said.