Spotlight: Anderson County Motor Pool mechanic earns new certification

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Scott Smith, a mechanic in the Anderson County Government Motor Pool Department, has recently earned the Emergency Vehicle Technician certification from the EVT Certification Commission Inc.

The new Emergency Vehicle Technician certification allows Smith to maintain, inspect and test Anderson County’s ambulances and their heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. The certification also allows Anderson County Motor Pool to conduct state vehicle inspections on county ambulances.

Smith, who has worked in the Motor Pool Department for three years, said he plans to continue pursuing other certification opportunities through the EVT Certification Commission. “It’s great to be able to do this,” he said.

“This is one more step in moving Anderson County Fleet Services forward, and it ensures that we have trained professionals doing repairs, maintenance and inspections on county-owned vehicles,” John Vickery, Motor Pool director, said.

“Having trained professionals in our Motor Pool also means we don’t have to go outside to pay a higher price for required inspections. Taxpayers will be happy to know Scott’s accomplishments don’t just make sense professionally, but it makes sense economically,” County Mayor Terry Frank said.

“This is a big accomplishment for Scott, and I want him to know how very proud I am of his hard work and commitment. I love it when people like Scott keep aiming higher.  Anderson County is blessed to have him working for us, and we’re fortunate that John Vickery, our Motor Pool director, is pushing his team to the next level,” the mayor said.

Emergency services have always ensured that response and rescue personnel are trained and certified to appropriate levels based on “accepted standards,” such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association for firefighters and fire officers. According to the EVC Certification Commission’s website, the same couldn’t always be said about technicians tasked with maintaining and repairing emergency vehicles.

The nonprofit EVT Certification Commission Inc. was created to improve the quality of emergency vehicle service and repair throughout the United States and Canada through education, training and experience.