Several honors were awarded during last week's Fire Truck Training Conference in Lansing, MI, including the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year and the William F. Foster Award of Excellence.

The awards dinner took place on the first day of the five-day conference, designed to bring fire apparatus and emergency vehicle EVTs, mechanics and fleet managers together with manufacturers to learn about the latest innovations and provide training to install or troubleshoot issues on equipment from headsets and pumps to lighting and motors.

John Nieves, the fire shop lead technician for the city of Round Rock, TX, received the 2026 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award, presented by Spartan Chassis and Firehouse.

Nieves was selected from 26 nominees, and his nomination reflected his dedication to Round Rock firefighters by keeping apparatus in service, along with his commitment to other departments during response to the 2025 California Palisades Fire, where he helped maintain and repair apparatus supporting crews from multiple agencies.

He drove from Round Rock to California in his mechanic’s vehicle, along with the Central Texas Task Force, and supported fire crews from Texas and other states for weeks during his deployment, getting rigs repaired and back in service. For that work, Nieves received a commendation from CAL FIRE. 

A committed and dedicated worker

Curtis Mullins, who oversees Round Rock’s fleet operations, described John’s commitment in his nomination, writing “His absolute commitment is readily evident every day, without exception. He’s well-liked and respected throughout our city and beyond...John’s positive attitude, work ethic, extensive trade skills and willingness to assist whenever needed, resulted in his selection to deploy to California in support of the firefighters of the Pacific Palisades fire."

"John Nieves represents the very best of the emergency vehicle technician profession," said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews. "A Master ASE and Master EVT, John brings a quiet confidence, exceptional technical knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the firefighters who depend on their apparatus. He is an outstanding technician, trusted leader and truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award." 

“This award goes to everybody,” Nieves said during the award program. “You’re doing the same thing I do.”

He encouraged conference attendees to pursue their credentials, build relationships with peers and continue learning as the vehicles and systems evolve. 

“Network, do your EVTs, ASEs. It’ll make your job a lot easier,” he said after receiving the award. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Keep going, and if you ever need anything from me, reach out.”

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Firehouse, Spartan and FTTC on receiving the 2026 EVT of the Year Award. It was an honor to accept this award and be amongst many of my peers and leaders in this industry," said Nieves, after coming off stage. "I appreciate their knowledge and passion in this field. This career is not the easiest, but it's rewarded when attending trainings like these, and leaving with more knowledge and friendships. I really encourage my fellow technicians to attend these important training courses and get involved with EVT to for your personal development, and to keep this industry growing so our first responders get the support they deserve."

Veteran mechanic receives accolades 

Mike Meyer, a firefighter and fire mechanic from Watertown, WI, received the Bill William F. Foster Award for Excellence Winner for his decades-long contributions to the firefighting and mechanic communities. 

He joined the Watertown Fire Department in 1968 and then the Wisconsin Fire Equipment Mechanics Association in 1970 and was involved with EVT certification tests and helped apparatus manufacturers create specifications that focused on responder safety, until he retired in 2009.

For Meyer, maintaining apparatus was not only about keeping the firefighters safe, but the citizens who relied on the vehicles. 

“I took a lot of pride in keeping equipment in operating condition, for the safety of the firefighters and the public,” he said while accepting the award. “That has stuck in my mind ever since.”

Even in retirement, Meyer remains connected with the Wisconsin Fire Equipment Mechanics Association and EVT training.

“I’m still involved … and learning for myself, and never stopped learning,” Meyer said.

The award bears the name of William "Bill" Foster, who was remembered at the conference he created, as a mentor and an advocate for emergency vehicle technician training.

Jeff Seal, sales manager for Spartan Chassis, said Foster believed an annual conference would help mechanics keep pace with changing vehicles, electronics and diagnostic demands. Better training, Foster believed, would help technicians return apparatus to service and keep firefighters safer.

“I always respected Bill,” Meyer said. “He was very interested, and I guess maybe some of it rubbed off on me.