FIRE CHIEF magazine is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for In Service 2007 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year. The award will be given to one emergency vehicle technician who has made an outstanding effort to promote a high standard of excellence in quality and safety in emergency vehicles.

An EVT is defined as a trained and certified professional who is responsible for the specification, maintenance and/or safety of emergency response vehicles and equipment. Selection criteria will emphasize leadership, professional development, integrity, and a commitment to the safe operation of emergency vehicles for the responders and the community. Criteria include a nominee's implementation of safe procedures, advanced education in the field, and service above and beyond will be considered.

The 2007 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award will place special emphasis on the period from mid-2003 through 2007. A nominee's role at a major emergency incident, while relevant, will not solely be enough to place that individual into contention for the award.

Eligibility Requirements

Nominees should:

• Be a member in good standing of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Apparatus Maintenance Section or a state EVT association as of Jan. 1, 2007.
• Been employed full-time for at least five years in the maintenance of emergency vehicles.
• Be working toward or have passed any of the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission tests.
• Be working toward or have passed any of the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence tests.
• Foster professionalism through participation in a local, state or provincial maintenance or EVT association.
• Adhere to the education of safety practices and procedures in his/her profession.

Nomination Procedures

Any member of the IAFC or a state EVT association may nominate an EVT who meets the criteria described above. A member cannot nominate him- or herself for the award.

The IAFC's Apparatus Maintenance Section's Board of Directors and a representative of FIRE CHIEF/In Service will review all nominations and jointly select the winner. The judges reserve the right not to award anyone. The winner will be notified by July 6, 2007, and all nominees will be notified by e-mail of the results.

The EVT Award will be presented during the IAFC's Apparatus Maintenance Section Workshop, prior to Fire-Rescue International 2007 in Atlanta.

Nomination Process

A letter nominating the EVT explaining why the EVT is nominated for this award, as well as any supporting information, should be submitted by July 2, 2007. The nomination should include the nominee's name, department and contact information, including e-mail address. Letters should be sent to:

Connie Fonseca, FIRE CHIEF/In Service EVT of the Year Award, 330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2300, Chicago IL 60611; e-mail Connie.Fonseca@penton.com