After a half century of federal service, Concord carrier ready for next chapter

CONCORD, CA – When Robert “Bob” Kemme started his postal career in 1971, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” peaked on the charts for almost half a decade. Ever since then, Concord and Pleasant Hill have had a friend in Bob.

But Kemme, 73, hung up his satchel and put away his dog spray at 8 a.m. on Sept. 24 at the Concord Post Office on Meridian Boulevard.

Before joining the Postal Service, Kemme served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the air police. After several years, he returned home to Concord. He joined the U.S. Postal Service while finishing his degree in police science.

Kemme witnessed many changes over the course of his 49-year career as a carrier. He watched the population boom and routes grow, with Pleasant Hill and Concord expanding from 10,000 to more than 150,000. Postal vehicles, uniforms and processing have also evolved over the years, but Kemme says the people at the Concord Post Office remain “dedicated and professional.”

He boasts that he knew he belonged at the Concord Post Office since day one, adding that he will miss the office and coworkers dearly. He plans to spend retirement with his loving wife and family, and he is looking forward to new adventures.