WOODSIDE, NY — On his last day on the job after 32 years of service, Long Island City Letter Carrier Christos Sarras joins the thousands of Postal Service employees who have individually driven more than a million, accident-free miles.

Sarras received postal leadership recognition and a plaque from the National Safety Council in ceremony at the Long Island City Post Office on July 28.  

The Postal Service joins with the National Safety Council to induct a select group of these drivers — who deliver on safety every day — into the Million Mile Club.

“Club status” means that the revered Million Mile Award is rewarded to letter carriers, rural carriers and truck drivers, who have a safe attitude that entails driving for one million miles or 30 years without a preventable incident. They receive a plaque which bears the Million Mile Club emblem, the NSC logo and an engraved personalized nameplate.

In a heartfelt ceremony led by Jamaica’s acting Postmaster Kahlil Wilson, Sarras received his plaque, a pin, a safe driving award and a letter of gratitude from his area manager Luvato Howard.

“Congratulations on your retirement,” she wrote. “I wanted to take this moment to let you know that your unwavering dedication to the United States Postal Service is very much appreciated, cherished and you will be missed.”

“Your drive to improve yourself and others has been displayed by your commitment to developing your skills on and off the clock,” she added.

“On the job, you are pleasant, respectful, and as loyal as they come,” said Wilson. “You took on all assignments with enthusiasm and dedication.”

Sarras started in June of 1991 with most of his career in the borough of Queens. “I was the appointed instructor for the National Safety Council years ago,” said Sarras. “It worked out well because what I learned on the job, I was able to use in my personal driving too. It’s important to be aware in this area because there are many scooters and pedestrians. The city is congested now. You have to foresee what is going to happen four blocks in front of you.”

“My tip for the new hires is when you are driving, be aware of all your surroundings. Abide by safety rules. Don’t back up,” he said.

“I have many highlights of my career and made some great friends,” said Sarras.

BACKGROUND:

The Postal Service has the world’s largest civilian fleet of vehicles topping at an impressive 232,000. These vehicles link the nation’s 31,000 plus Post Offices and are driven by more than 341,000 letter carriers and truck drivers. The Postal Service logs more than 1.2 billion miles annually delivering to America’s 148.6 million residences and 12.8 million businesses – 6 days a week. 

Driving a million miles safely is commendable, especially in the dense area of Long Island City, Queens. To add perspective, the moon is 238,900 miles from planet earth. Driving one million miles is the equivalent of doing that journey more than four times.

According the National Safety Council, more than 30,000 Postal Service employees have achieved a distinction most people never approach in their lifetimes – driving more than a million accident-free miles. No other business comes close.

“Safe driving is no accident,” said District Manager Frank Calabrese. “The safety of our employees is our top priority, and we are proud that our comprehensive safe driver training program is second to none.”

Safe Driving Habits Start with Good Training

Driving for the Postal Service is a privilege. All drivers must demonstrate safe-driving practices throughout their careers. Behind-the-wheel job candidates undergo a rigorous screening, training, and certification process to earn credentials to operate a right-hand drive postal vehicle.

Information on the National Safety Council’s Safe Driver Program is located at www.nsc.org/usps. Questions can be directed to the National Safety Council Customer Relations at 1-800-621-7619 or uspsawards@nsc.org.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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