ELGIN, IL — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Dayton Parts, LLC (DP, LLC), Haldex and SKF recently announced Darrell Gravley as the 2005 Technician of the Year award recipient. Gravley is a technician for Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. in Greensboro, NC.
In March 2005, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Dayton Parts, LLC (DP, LLC), Haldex and SKF collaborated to create the Technician of the Year Award program. The group implemented the program to recognize a fleet’s “superstar” technician who exemplifies the best qualities of the profession, including his or her technical and mechanical experience, service specialties and overall contributions to the industry.
An independent panel of judges extensively reviewed the pool of nominations. The panel consisted of heavy-duty trucking experts holding backgrounds in various areas of the industry – from nationally recognized heavy-duty trucking magazine editors to former fleet managers to heavy-duty aftermarket product manufacturers.
A 15-year employee of Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc., Gravley holds numerous honors that make him an excellent selection for the Technician of the Year Award. He is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Truck Technician and is a member of the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC). Additionally, Gravley has participated in several certification and training programs, including Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Inspector Certification (2000), OSHA Tire and Rim Training (2000), Foundation Brake Training (2003), HAZ-MAT Security Training (2003) and Smith System Safe Driver Training (2005), among others.
Gravley’s nomination form also cited his “creative and perceptive attitude” toward shop operation and safety. At the facility where he works, Gravley initiated the installation of safety arms at the exit of the check lane to protect the technicians from safety lane accidents. Additionally, the nomination form acknowledges Gravley’s “strong personal character and daily work ethic.”
A recent addition to Gravley’s resume is his participation in the TMC SuperTech 2005 competition held in Valley Forge, PA, in September. Gravley, representing Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. advanced to the finals and finished among the nationally recognized winners.
As recipient of the Technician of the Year Award, Gravley and a guest receive a trip to the first race of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season in Daytona. At the race, Gravley will serve as an honorary pit crew member for the Richard Childress Racing team of his choice.
For more information on the Technician of the Year Program, visit: www.techoftheyear.com.
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