Total package: UPS drivers among elite

• 52 drivers from New Jersey are among 1,613 newly inducted into Circle of Honor
• Circle of Honor drivers have driven more than 5.3 billion safe miles
• Eileen Murphy is the first woman inducted into Circle of Honor in the South Jersey Division

LAWNSIDE - Before driver John Monitzer leaves the South Jersey UPS facility for a long day on the road, he shares a few safety tips with his two kids.

"If it's raining out, I'll text them to make sure to look both ways and be careful. I bring the safety home to the family."

Monitzer, along with 51 other elite drivers from New Jersey, is among 1,613 newly inducted into the company's Circle of Honor.

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Globally, 8,703 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor, collectively racking up more than 245,000 years and more than 5.3 billion safe miles during their careers.

Monitzer, of East Brunswick, has succeeded in delivering his packages safely to the customers of his Hammonton route for 26 years.

"Safety is a lifestyle," he said. "Even after we take off the brown uniforms, we take our good habits home to friends and family."

New Jersey boasts 269 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 7,566 years of accident-free driving.

George Lodovico of Vineland is the state's most experienced safe driver, with 45 years of accident-free driving under his belt. Lodovico, who has worked for the company full time since January 1964, has logged more than 1.5 million miles.

"My thanks to all of them for their dedication, focus and countless lives they've saved," said George Brooks, president, UPS East Region. "Their attention to detail has kept them safe and has improved public safety."

Eileen Murphy, who was honored for 27 years of safe driving, is the first woman inducted into the Circle of Honor in the South Jersey Division.

"I tell the new drivers every day, no matter how overwhelmed you are, stay focused because the wrong move could change your life and everyone else's life," she said.

Rich Berkey has served UPS for 42 years. He was honored for 34 years of safe driving. He looks forward to driving the three miles from his Barrington home for work each day.

"It's a great honor to serve our community, especially our customers," said Berkey, who started out unloading trucks in Camden. "Our customers are like family. With 37 years on the road, you get to see kids grow up. It's the best part of the job."

On an average day, UPS handles 15.8 million packages, thanks to an increase in online shoppers. Berkey doesn't feel the pressure of increased delivery.

"You just have to stay on your game. Good habits can go a long way to help the increase in packages and additional stops. Several years ago, you may only have one stop on a street, and now, you may have three or four. But we do our job and get it done, safely," he said.

"We take it one package at a time."

Matt Flowers: (856) 486-2913; mflowers@gannettnj.com