Neither snow nor rain could keep Paul DeFrank from safely making his appointed rural carrier rounds. A letter carrier for 30 years, DeFrank has been honored by the Postal Service for his service in driving a million miles without an accident.

DeFrank, a Meredith rural carrier, was given membership in the National Safety Council's Million Mile Club. His driving record and 30 years of service were recognized recently at a ceremony where he was given a plaque.

Richard Tilton, the state manager of post office operations, applauded DeFrank's "proven skills of avoiding traffic accidents that earned him a place among an elite group of professional drivers recognized by the council."

"He deserves it," said Meredith postmaster Richard Fleming. "Not too many rural carriers in the state of New Hampshire receive this."

Fleming said the state's winter conditions make this task especially difficult. "He definitely deserves recognition for his effort."