First Vehicle Services recognized for safety practice in Fort Wayne

Following a recent audit, the First Vehicle Services (FVS) location in Fort Wayne, Ind., was recommended for continuation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), promoting effective work safety and health practices.

Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.

This location first received the Merit Level award in 2006 and the Star Level award in 2008 and 2011. Currently, this location has been injury-free over the past four years.

FVS General Manager Dave Jackson attributes this success to the dedication and effort of his staff of 25 employees.

“Since the beginning of our relationship with the city in 2001, safety has been and continues to be an important part of our operations,” Jackson said. “The staff’s ability to recognize safety issues by following the company’s policies and practices, and to combat any issues has been a great benefit to our location and the main reason for our success.”

First Vehicle Services manages the maintenance of the city’s fleet of 1,850 units including public works, fire and police department vehicles.

This location employs 16 automotive and heavy truck & equipment service technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Emergency Vehicle Technicians (EVT), and holds 223 ASE and 46 EVT certifications.

Due to its outstanding safety record and practices, this FVS site is not scheduled for re-audit until 2016.

First Vehicle Services, part of FirstGroup America, is a leading provider of contract fleet maintenance and management services in the United States. It maintains more than 43,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment in 24 U.S. states and four international locations.