Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/692436
June 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 20 have it any other way. "I love the work. I love the challenges," he says. "I love the people and going to different places. I love being the guy they call to come fix stuff for them." The feeling is mutual around the shops and jobsites at Hawbaker. Dave Irwin, shop supervisor, says: "Chris has the ability to do the job right the first time, safely and correctly. It doesn't matter how big or how small the job or the location. He is the first to jump in, and he has the ability to communi- cate with everybody from management on down to the laborers. If Chippy is on the site, you know it's going to get fixed." Flood says keeping up with the chang- ing technology of heavy equipment is his biggest challenge. Tier 4 engines and their multiple sensors are one of the big- gest changes he's experienced. "Some of the technology makes life easier, but you have to learn it and know it before it becomes easy," he says. Dealer training helps him keep up with the latest advancements, Flood says. "They keep us up to date on what's coming out." Other training opportunities come through the com- pany's shop supervisors or through the Internet, he says. Working around other experienced technicians and mentors, including his dad, helped Flood broaden his skills and knowledge. Flood cites co-workers Paul Kitko and Steve Butterworth as well as Irwin as helping him develop the work ethic he has today. "Dave (Irwin) was our field technician when I first came in," says Flood. "I worked with him hand-in-hand for probably the first 10 years. Steve was our equipment special- ist; just a good all-around technician. He was the guy you called when you were stumped or had a problem. He'd walk you through it or come help you." "It's a great honor to be named a AEMP technician of the year," Flood says. "I am truly blessed and thankful to all the people who helped me get here." AEMP Technicians of the Year | continued Technician of the Year: Public Fleet Michael Maletko, Sarasota County Fleet Services I t was a 1967 Ford Bronco that first tripped Michael Naletko's interest in all things mechanical. "I was 17 or 18 years old and used to go four-wheeling with friends every weekend," says Naletko. "And every week- end I would break something. I figured if I didn't learn to fix it myself, I was going to go broke pretty quick." After high school, Naletko took his fledgling interest in wrenching into the Air Force, where he was trained to work as a special purpose vehicle and equipment mechanic. He graduated at at the top of his class in that seven month course of instruction, learning everything from the basics to complete engine rebuilds. Naletko got out of the Air Force after five years and wound up practicing his trade at Waste Management. "That was very Michael Naletko (continued)