Chris Kiley, 50, of Saugus, is the 2001 Massachusetts Worker of the Year. Kiley was nominated by his wife, Karen, who wrote: ?He has had a strong work ethic for 40 years, spending 30 of those years delivering heating oil.

?Along with the hard work, he always exhibits compassion for people who have fallen on hard times ... he dropped off his Christmas bonus to a family whose father was dying of cancer and unable to work.?

The winners were selected from thousands of entries from across the nation. Entrants were asked to write in 100 words or less why their nominee represents ?the spirit of the American worker? and deserves recognition.

?Reading all the entries each year reaffirms what we?ve always believed about American workers,? says Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing for the 79-year-old work wear company.

Each state winner will receive over $500 in cash and prizes. The national winner will receive his or her choice of a 2002 full-size Chevy Silverado pickup truck or Chevy Blazer, and a trip for two to Nashville for the awards ceremony, broadcast live at the Grand Ole Opry Sept. 28.

Publication date: 09/24/2001