Firehouse and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) are pleased to announce the top five winners of the 2020 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts to promote a high standard of excellence in quality and safety in emergency vehicles. The 2020 EVT of the Year is sponsored by Spartan Motors.
In first place is Jarrett Hill, Fleet Manager for Rattle Snake Fire Protection District in Parker, CO. Hill has worked as an EVT for 14 years. He provides much-needed repairs to 12 fire departments and takes time to educate his customers on repairs, as well as how to better maintain their vehicles. In 2018, Hill stepped in as the Colorado Fire Mechanics Association’s Academy Director. Hill is certified as both Master EVT Fire and Master EVT Ambulance.
“Jarrett demonstrates professionalism and dedication in everything he does," the letter nominating Hill stated. "His passion and desire to educate and help future EVTs is evident through his daily words and actions. For Jarrett, teaching and learning are daily activities that improve and motivate him to go on fighting the good fight.”
In second place is Mike Wilkins, Fleet Services Technician/EVT Specialist for Public Works (Fleet Management) in Santa Barbara, CA. In the nomination, Wilkins was credited with creating a positive shop atmosphere by demonstrating teamwork and leadership. He is passing on his craft to a younger generation by mentoring them and teaching them to properly repair, test and maintain the fleet of fire apparatus. Wilkins is an EVT Certified Master Fire and a Master ARFF as well as ASE certified.
In third place is Howard Smith, Shop Supervisor for Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough’s Department of Emergency Services in Wasilla, AK. For five years, Smith has focused on immediate problem-solving thoughtfully and with an eye toward long-term benefits and health of the fleet. He and his team are responsible for more than 208 vehicles, covering eight fire service areas and approximately 496 pieces of equipment. Smith is EVT F1, F3 and F7 Certified.
Fourth place is Red Haney, Emergency Vehicle Technician for the Spring, TX, Fire Department. Among other accomplishments, Haney pioneered an EVT Mutual Aid structure for EVTs to help neighboring departments when they need it most. Over the last year, Haney has worked to outfit heavy utility trucks (HUTs) with safety signage and instituted the use of HUTs to protect first responders and apparatus at vehicle accident scenes. Haney is EVT Certified and working toward his Master EVT certification.
Fifth place belongs to Gregory Miller, Shop Supervisor for the Houston Fire Department. Miller is hard-working and recognized for his ability to adapt to any situation involving emergency vehicles. He readily responds to emergencies when needed and works hard to get fire apparatus back in service quickly. Miller is an EVT certified Master EVT Fire.
The 2020 EVT of the Year Award is sponsored by Spartan and co-presented by Firehouse and the FDSOA. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and with the support of Spartan, the presentation of the 2020 EVT of the Year Award to Jarret Hill will be held virtually in January. Watch for announcements of the virtual presentation on Firehouse.com.
