PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced 24 elite drivers from Pennsylvania are among 1,445 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Pennsylvania boasts 281 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 7,827 years of accident-free driving. William Endrey of Phoenixville, Bennie Gill of Yeadon and Robert Zlogar of Harrisburg are the the state's senior safe drivers, each with 37 years of accident-free driving under their belts. There are 4,627 total UPS drivers in Pennsylvania.

Globally, 7,878 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they've racked up more than 221,000 years and more than 5.3 billion safe miles during their careers. That's enough miles to travel to Mars and back 36 times.

"My thanks go to all of them for their dedication and focus, and for the countless lives they've saved," said George Brooks, president, UPS East Region.

Globally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Thomas Camp of Livonia, Mich., with 52 years of driving without an accident. Ronald McKnight of Bronx, N.Y., is next in line with 46 years of safe driving. Sixty-two others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS's 102,000 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 3 billion miles a year and delivering more than 4 billion packages safely.   

Founded in 1907, UPS has a rich history of safety and training. The company issued its first driver handbook in 1917 and began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. In 1928, UPS recognized its first five-year safe driver, Ray McCue, with UPS founder Jim Casey presenting him a gold and platinum watch. UPS formally established its safe driving honor program in 1928.

** NOTE: The following table lists local drivers by hometown and UPS center. If you're interested in interviewing a local driver, please contact Dan McMackin at dmcmackin@ups.com. Visit pressroom.ups.com for multimedia assets.

Following is a list of Pennsylvania drivers inducted this year to the Circle of Honor.

Driver Hometown UPS Work Location
Ciardelli, Christine Shohola Mount Olive
Bender III, James Montoursville Williamsport
Blasko, Michael Bethlehem Allentown
Dolin, Douglas Lewistown State College
Goulet, Michael Dingmans Ferry Mount Olive
Haybarger, Richard New Castle New Castle
Jordan, Wayne Levittown Willow Grove
Kramer, Garry East Berlin Harrisburg
Lorusso, Stephen Waynesboro Hagerstown
Michalism, William Moon Twp. Coraopolis New Stanton
Oakley, Herbert Philadelphia Philadelphia Air Hub
Opeil, Gerald Jermyn Wilkes-Barre
Orbin Jr, John Washington Washington
Orourke, Morris Wilcox New Stanton
Pitcher, Jeffrey Beaver New Stanton
Polishan Jr, Francis Scranton Stroudsburg
Ranck, Timothy State College State College
Roebuck, Randy Ruffsdale New Stanton
Rudy, Dale York Lancaster
Satovich, James Uniontown Uniontown
Schwalm, Robert Pine Grove Pottsville
Smith, Kenneth Trout Run Williamsport
Vanasco, David New Castle New Castle
Williams, Barry Meadville Meadville
CONTACT: Dan McMackin
         dmcmackin@ups.com

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