The Heartland Emergency Apparatus Technicians Association is now fully organized and has scheduled its first event for later this year. All emergency vehicle mechanics and technicians in Kansas and the surrounding states are invited to join.

The association was developed to provide opportunities for training, testing and networking within the heartland of the country. Its motto is "an organization designed by mechanics for mechanics." According to Boyd Powers, president of the group, “Over half our board members are currently EVT-certified technicians and they are committed to moving the organization in whatever direction needed to best support those who are keeping emergency vehicles safe and reliable for the first responders that operate them and the citizens they serve.”

The first training session will be held in Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 23–24 and will feature noted speaker Dennis Litchenstine, who will discuss emergency vehicle electrical systems. This training is designed help prepare students for the EVTCC F-4, E-2, and Law Enforcement tests, which will be offered on the afternoon of the last day for those who pre-register with EVTCC. Lunch will be provided by the sponsors on both days.

To learn more about HEAT or register for the training, go to http://www.heatevt.com.

To pre-register for the EVTCC test in Wichita on Oct. 24, go to http://www.evtcc.org.