The August 2007 issue of FIRE CHIEF included an In Service article on EVT qualifications and another on shop trucks. The issue was distributed to fire chiefs and other attendees at Fire-Rescue International in Atlanta.

The main In Service article, “Seal of Approval," focused on the new NFPA 1911 standard, what it takes to be qualified as an emergency vehicle technician and why departments should ensure their shop personnel have the appropriate level of qualifications. A sidebar to that article included several sources of EVT training through the end of 2007 and into early 2008.

“Smart Specs: Shop Trucks” highlighted several fire department shop trucks from across the United States and described how each of the departments used them. Three of the trucks appeared in recent issues of In Service Online.

Because the August issue was distributed at the International Association of Fire Chiefs' annual conference and exposition, it got attention from several thousand fire department chief officers and staff. Maybe the chief of your department saw it. This would be a good opportunity for shop supervisors and maintenance personnel to use the articles to emphasize the need for on-going EVT training in your department, as well as point out the benefits of having a dedicated shop truck.