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Bus mechanics receive new training
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Ohio State Highway Patrol officer Phil Shaffer talked to local bus mechanics about safety during a mechanic's workshop on Feb. 17. Shaffer said that thanks to the stringent safety precautions for buses, as well as great work by the mechanics at the event, helps make bus transportation the safest form of transport nationwide.
By SARAH FOOR
Bus mechanics from school districts around Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties gathered at the Austintown District bus garage on Feb. 17 to learn about the newest technologies and safety measures coming to their schools.
The event was the 20th annual training workshop for area bus mechanics. Colleen Murphy, Austintown’s transportation supervisor, acted as host of the event.
“Mechanics in our area must participate in yearly training and Austintown is glad to host so that these technicians can learn about new technology and care for equipment, as well as safe practices,” said Murphy.
Speakers included Ken Eisenheuser and Daniel McCarthy, of Webasto Products and Williams Detroit Diesel respectively, who discussed operation and maintenance on Webasto heaters. The heaters run without the assistance of bus engine idling, helping to clear windshields and heat buses in a more efficient, earth-friendly manner.
Anthony Crespo of Center City International spoke to the mechanics about diagnostic systems and Ohio emission requirements for buses.
Finally, Phil Shaffer, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, talked to the crowd about safety guidelines for mechanics and for the buses that safely transport thousands of children each day.
Shaffer urged the mechanics to wear reflective vests when servicing a vehicle near heavy traffic.
The officer discussed the 10,000 buses he is responsible for checking regionally and how they must meet each and every requirement to pass their annual safety inspections.
“I can attest that we have a great group of mechanics here in the area. They do good work and they understand the importance of keeping our school vehicles safe to keep students safe,” Shaffer said of the technicians.