Ron Bradly (left) and Tom Hellmers (right), were named 2011 Technician of the Year award winners by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals.

The Association of Equipment Management Professionals, the organization for asset management professionals of off-road fleets, recently recognized two industry professionals with the annual National Technician of the Year award. The honor has been awarded by AEMP since 1989 and recognizes technicians in both the private and public sectors. This year’s private sector winner was Tom Hellmers from Murphy Tractors and Equipment, Omaha, Neb., and the public sector award went to Ron Bradly of Sarasota County Fleet Services Department, Sarasota, Fla.

Presented through the AEMP Foundation, the National Technician of the Year award is given in recognition of clearly demonstrated professionalism, technical skills, innovative troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities, as well as exceptional contributions made to the equipment technician profession. While the award is intended to positively impact the career of its recipients, the ultimate goal is to advance and bring awareness to the technician vocation.

Private sector winner Hellmers is a 48-year veteran of the industry with several professional certifications and achievements. His skill and intuitive nature with technology from several makes, models and lines of equipment has earned him certificates through many different OEMs. In total, he holds more than 60 certificates, ranging in achievement from electrical diagnostics to hydraulic systems.

“As a service manager, I feel Tom is the example of what an ideal technician should be,” said Robert Swangel, Murphy Tractor service manager. “Beyond skill, his reputation with customers proves his value. In fact, customers will call and request him specifically, and wait until he’s available to do the repairs. That really says a lot about his quality of work and rapport.”

Bradly, the 2011 public sector Technician of the Year Award recipient, has been with Sarasota Fleet Services for more than 30 years. His position, heavy truck/equipment technician II is among the most desired positions in the industry and representative of only the most elite technicians. Additionally, Bradly currently holds two EVT certificates and six Master Mechanic ASE certificates.

“In my 30 years of experience, Ron’s technical abilities are the best I’ve ever seen,” said Sarasota County Fleet Services Department fleet manager and CEM, Greg Morris. “He’s incredibly dedicated to the profession. More than just excelling in his own career, he really makes it his mission to help others achieve that same level of success. To me, skill and passion both encompass what the Technician of the Year award is all about, and there is no one more deserving than Ron.”

The winners were recognized at an awards ceremony March 25, at AEMP’s 29^th annual Spring Management Conference in Las Vegas. The each receive an award plaque, personalized jacket, $500 continuing education scholarship and a custom, full-sized John Deere tool cabinet.

Formed in 1980, AEMP 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.