Firehouse and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) are pleased to announce the winner and finalists of the 2021 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote a high standard of excellence in quality and safety in emergency vehicles. The award is sponsored by Spartan Motors.
The recipient of the 2021 EVT of the Year award is Michael Jerums, senior fire mechanic for the City of North Las Vegas, NV. Jerums has worked for North Las Vegas' Fleet Services as an EVT for 16 years. He originally worked for an auto dealership before joining North Las Vegas in Fleet Services, focusing on fire and emergency vehicles.
Highlights of Jerums’ nomination described him as “always very innovative while staying current with NFPA standards and industry best practices.”
In addition, the letter included, “Michael possesses many of the top qualities that we, as a public safety agency look for: knowing the WHY we are here, as well as WHAT needs to be done daily to keep us responding to emergency incidents.”
Jerums pursued EVT certifications and without EVT testing available in Nevada, he would travel to Arizona for the tests. Among his many EVT certifications, Jerums is certified as an EVT Master Technician, EVT Master Ambulance and Master EVT Ambulance.
The finalists include:
Wayne Yotsuuye, fire mechanic, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Fleet in Kent, WA. Yotsuuye’s nomination stated: “Wayne is a role model for his fellow mechanics as one of the early and consistent proponents of EVT certification in our region. His continued efforts to ensure the achievements his coworkers make regarding certification and training do not go unnoticed or recognized using every opportunity from peer-to-peer conversations to contract negotiations.”
Harlan (Jay) Jacks, maintenance supervisor, Camano Island, WA, Fire & Rescue. Included in Jacks’ nomination, “The interlocal shop agreement that brought us Jay as our lead (contract) EVT, has saved the North Whidbey Fire District thousands of dollars in just the first six months and more importantly significantly reduced our apparatus downtime.”
Gavin Smith is the Emergency Vehicle Technician, from South Metro Fire Rescue in Parker, CO. The letter of nomination for Smith included, “Gavin is the sort of technician that is quick to lend a hand and always willing to teach anyone who is willing to learn.”
Patrick Duffy, lead mechanic, Downey, CA, Fire Department. Duffy’s nomination emphasized, “Pat goes beyond simply performing maintenance, he teaches people what the problem is, how to avoid future issues, and uses his years of experience to provide mechanical advice to all who enter his shop.”
Each of the four finalists will receive a plaque presented by the individual who submitted the nomination.
According to Mike Virnig, REV Fire Group Vice President of Sales, “Emergency vehicle technicians are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, whose expertise and knowledge of vehicle and equipment maintenance allow the firefighters and paramedics to safely and effectively perform their jobs on the front line.” He added, “We are extremely proud to sponsor the EVT Award and wish to thank all of those who go above and beyond every day.”
The 2021 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award is sponsored by Spartan and co-presented by Firehouse and the FDSOA. The Award will be presented to Michael Jerums at the Fire Department Safety Officer Association’s Apparatus Symposium, Jan. 10, in Scottsdale, AZ.
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