The City Fleet was recently recognized as one of the top 5 performing fleets in the nation by the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas, a program that recognizes peak-performing fleet operations, and the National Association of Fleet Administrators. In its first ever entry, the City's Fleet Division took 5th place.
Mike Wilkins took second place in Firehouse Magazine's Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award for 2020. Mike is an EVT Certified Master Fire and a Master ARFF. Futhermore, he holds Master ASE certifications in both Automotive and Medium and Heavy Trucks. Mike creates a positive shop atmosphere by demonstrating teamwork and leadership within the organization.
The Fire Department recently took delivery of two new firefighting apparatus'. The first is a 2019 Spartan Gladiator, capable of pumping 1500 gallons of water per minute. This apparatus is one of 10 pumpers in the City’s fleet, and will serve on the front line for 16 years. The second vehicle is a 2020 Rosenbauer Panther Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) apparatus. The mission of an ARFF is to respond in a timely manner to aircraft incidents, to rescue affected occupants, and to mitigate aircraft emergencies.
Fleet Management is behind the scenes ensuring emergency operations are able to get to their destination quickly and reliably. Our mechanics maintain emergency vehicles in a constant state of readiness so emergency personnel can continue to provide critical services. One of the ways Fleet is doing this during the COVID-19 outbreak is by working in two shifts Monday – Saturday. This not only provides support to critical operations but also utilizes appropriate social distancing guidelines. Another way Fleet ensures emergency readiness is by replacing vehicles in a timely manner. The newest fire truck is gearing up to go in service next month. The Type 3 brush truck was purchased in July 2019 and is undergoing final inspections. Fire trucks have a 16 year life on the frontlines with an additional 10 life as a reserve vehicle.
On September 3, 2019, two members of the City’s Fleet Management team, Alex Mayorga, and Thomas Flentie joined a very small group of technicians who have earned the title of “World Class Technician.” The Auto Care Association and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) created the “World Class” designation to recognize Master technicians who have completed 22 specific ASE certifications. Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the World Class Technician designation has been achieved by only .21% of automotive technicians in the United States. Alex and Thomas are setting the example for other technicians to follow and have solidified our City’s Fleet Management organization as a model for other fleets.
The City recently added four chargepoint+ charging stations to accommodate newly added electric vehicles. Unlike our existing charging stations, these networked chargers do the following: secure the charging stations from unauthorized access, manage and measure energy usage and costs, and generate environmenatl reports and analytics.
The City’s Fleet Management Division recently earned the Blue Seal of Excellence from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The Blue Seal recognizes organizations with at least 75% of technicians certified in each area of service and repairs performed. All of Fleet’s technicians are ASE certified.
The City recently added four new all-electric Chevrolet Bolts to its fleet. These zero-emission vehicles have an effective range of more than 230 miles per charge. In addition to no greenhouse gas emissions, the vehicles require less frequent maintenance, and their cost is offset by federal and state incentives.
The City has switched from using B20, a blend of bio-diesel and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel, to a renewable diesel fuel. Renewable diesel releases up to 90 percent fewer emissions than diesel fuel, and is made from vegetable oil, animal fats and agricultural waste. The cost of renewable diesel fuel is less than the B20 previously used.
