Jack Stevens was sworn in as Lafayette's new postmaster Tuesday at the new post office. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Bill Wells, Vice Mayor Ruby Flowers, councilman Loryn Atwell and several postal service officials from neighboring areas including Whitehouse Postmaster Jim Bradley and wife Fay, and Gallatin Postmaster Don Lamb.

Stevens comes to Lafayette from Gallatin, and replaces Larry Jones, who retired last January.

Tracy Moffield, the manager of post office operations, said he was looking for someone who could serve the community, take care of post office business and look out for his employees.

"That's what I found in Jack," Moffield said before the ceremony. "He and I have known each other a long time and I feel he will be able to handle all three of those issues."

Don Lamb, Gallatin Postmaster and former supervisor, said, "You have to like Jack, he's dependable and gets the job done."

Before the ceremony began, Jim Bradley explained to the audience that the postmaster's oath was almost identical to the one administered to the president of the United States and military servicemen and women.

"It's not just necessarily a job," he said.

Bradley, who worked with Stevens and also served in the armed forces with him agreed with Moffield that Stevens was a good choice for postmaster.

"He's very thorough and will be a good leader." said Bradley.

Stevens began working as the Lafayette postmaster earlier this year as a substitute, in order to give him and his family time to adjust to the new position. According to co-workers, he immediately made a good impression on postal employees and the community.

Stevens said as a postmaster he would try to be firm, fair and flexible.

"Sometimes you just fall into things, I have fell into a job that is perfect for me," he said.