AEMP and John Deere Present 2018 Technician of the Year Awards

Heavy equipment professionals honor best technicians’ careers at association's annual meeting, choosing from a record number of nominations

AEMP Technician of the Year awardees: Paul Tombrello (left) - James Blake (Middle - Nathan Howes accepting the award on his behalf) - Troy Fryer (right)
AEMP Technician of the Year awardees: Paul Tombrello (left) - James Blake (Middle - Nathan Howes accepting the award on his behalf) - Troy Fryer (right)
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The Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) and John Deere Construction & Forestry presented the 2018 Technician of the Year Award to Troy Freyer, lead field technician for Civil Constructors Inc. of Freeport, Ill.

“This award celebrates the dedication, hard work and professionalism of skilled technicians who keep both public and private fleets running,” says Jack Butler, owner of Cranes & More in Lexington, Ohio, and a senior member of the judging panel. “This year’s slate of nominees was not only the largest we’ve ever had, but also one of the most talented. I’m proud to have been involved with honoring Troy and all of our finalists and top nominees.”

Troy Freyer was nominated by his superiors at Civil Constructors, who said, “Troy demonstrates the ability to keep equipment running on the job at all times, regardless of whether or not the right parts are on hand or available. He’s a fabrication wizard whose innovations include a guard for a DitchWitch earthsaw, conveyor belt guarding on a Blaw Knox road widener, and a ‘blue bar’ mounting system for asphalt paver electronic skis.

“His skills in hydraulic, electrical, welding, fabrication, troubleshooting and repair mean that whatever the problem is, Troy can fix it. He often answers questions from the field by directing crews over the phone, which often eliminates the need (and expense) of a field service call. He always has safety in mind and frequently fabricates parts to keep his crew out of harm’s way.”

As the 2018 Technician of the Year, Troy Freyer was presented with a personalized John Deere tool box, a variety of new tools and a customized jacket.

Brian Riniker, Division Manager of Customer Support for John Deere Construction & Forestry, says, “John Deere is proud to have partnered with AEMP over the last 29 years to celebrate the Technician of the Year, putting the spotlight on the crucial role technicians play in the heavy equipment industry. They keep our machines going, and are deserving of our recognition.” 

In response to the largest number of nominees for the Technician of the Year award, AEMP’s judging panel also acknowledged the top finalists, Paul Tombrello, lead heavy equipment technician for Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and James Blake, head technician for Kiewit Infrastructure of New Jersey. Top nominees Robert May, mechanic foreman for Skanska, Robert (Bobby) Jones, lube technician for Sherwood Construction, Staff Sargent Jeff Louis, USAF Material Control Representative at Eglin Airbase in Florida, Joe Tyre, technician for North Carolina Department of Transportation, and Bronson Shepherd, heavy equipment technician for Beaver Excavating were also honored during the awards ceremony March 21, 2018.

Chief Master Sargent Andrew Slater, 52D Vehicle Management Flight Chief from Spangdahlem Airbase in Germany and emcee of the event said, “We’re very proud to recognize all of these individuals as the best heavy equipment technicians in the field today.”

About AEMP

Formed in 1982, the Association of Equipment Management Professionals represents fleet professionals working in construction, government, utilities, energy, mining and more. AEMP maintains relationships among manufacturers, users, governmental agencies, educational institutions and others involved in the design and management of heavy equipment. For more information, visit http://www.aemp.org/.

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