Firehouse is pleased to announce the top five finalists in the 2016 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award.
The first place winner is Robert Corsi, chief mechanic, Cranston, RI, Fire Department. Corsi has 29 years with the Cranston Fire Department and holds 20 EVT certifications and 23 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.
Corsi and his team support six stations, maintain 43 vehicles and two fire boats. He is a member of the New England Fire Apparatus Maintenance Association (NEFAMA) and is currently chairman of the International Association’s Emergency Vehicle Maintenance Section (EVMS).
The EVT of the Year award will be presented to Corsi at the Fire Department Safety Officers Association's 29th annual Apparatus Specification & Vehicle Maintenance Symposium on Jan. 16, in Orlando, FL. The EVT of the Year is co-presented by Firehouse and the FDSOA and the award is sponsored by Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.
Joe Eberle, an EVT for 23 years with Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue in Silverdale, WA, came in second place. He first achieved his EVT Master Level Certification in 1997 and continues to expand his knowledge and training. This year, Eberle was recognized as the Washington State Fire Mechanic of the Year.
Al Hasenfratz, EVT/Mechanic for Sylvania Township, OH, Fire Department, was awarded third place. Over 30 years in vehicle repair, he started with Sylvania in 2005 and is the Northwest Director of the Ohio Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians. Hasenfratz is ASE- and EVT-certified and serves as an alternate to the NFPA 1071 Committee.
Matt Faltynowski, assistant division chief, Fleet Operations for the Kansas City, MO, Fire Department, finished in fourth place. With over 10 years’ experience as a technician, he is a certified Master EVT, Master ASE Medium/Heavy Truck and ASE Alternative Fuels Technician. Faltynowski is also actively engaged with the local Heartland Emergency Apparatus Technicians (HEAT) organization.
Mark Frieders, EVT for the Bristol-Kendall Fire Department, Yorkville, IL, was fifth in the nominations. He is a Master EVT, Master Ambulance Technician, Master ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Technician and active with the Illinois Fire Apparatus Mechanics Association,
Twenty-one nominees from across the United States were received for this year’s award. The EVT of the Year Award was created in 2004 to recognize the dedication and professionalism of men and women committed to the safe operation of emergency apparatus and support of emergency responders and their communities.
