FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATTCO’s Director of Technical Support Named National NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year
New Britain, CT, April 10, 2018:DATTCO, one of Connecticut’s largest passenger transportation companies, is pleased to announce Ronald King, Director of Technical Support, was named the National NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year during NAPA’s annual award ceremony in Dallas, Texas. The Technician of the Year award, first presented in 1982, honors an outstanding individual who has risen to the top of the profession in the NAPA AutoCare system. King was Connecticut’s Tech of the Year in 2016 and 2017, but this National recognition distinguishes him as the country’s best NAPA/ASE tech.
“I’m honored that NAPA believes in me and my industry achievements to select me for this award,” said King. “NAPA is a dynamic, forward thinking company, and the advancements they’ve made over the years have helped me be more effective and efficient in my work. I look forward to seeing the next innovations they’ll make in automotive technology and the opportunities they will afford mechanics everywhere.
According to NAPA’s website, the Technician of the Year Award is the “ultimate way to be honored for your hard work.” Honorees are chosen based on specific criteria, including technical skills, business practices, commitment to the industry, dedication to training, and participation in community activities.
King has fine-tuned his craft over his life time; he learned about automotive and diesel mechanics and repair at a young age by working at the family gas station. He has worked for the bus industry for more than 35 years. The self-proclaimed “go-to tech at DATTCO” holds master certifications in school bus, truck, and automotive repair, as well as advanced certifications in gas and diesel repair by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) organization. He is also a Navistar Diamond Technician, State of Connecticut certified Emissions Repair Technician (in bus, truck and car), among others.
During his tenure at DATTCO, King developed and managed the rebuild department, which specializes in repair to transmissions, starters, alternators, electric motors, engines and air conditioning systems. He went on to develop, and still oversees, the DTEC (DATTCO Technical Education Center) Technician Apprenticeship Program – his proudest achievement of his career at DATTCO. This five-year program puts apprentices through over 2,000 hours of mechanical training and certification, and gives them job placement within DATTCO where they receive ongoing guidance during the beginning of their careers.
King gives back to the community by volunteering his time as a land-use educator with Tread Lightly!â, and by participating in charity motorcycle rides. He serves as Chair of Connecticut Operators of School Bus Transportation Association’s (COSTA’s) maintenance committee, is the Co-Mechanical Director of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Connecticut chapter, and is a past member of the Berlin Lions Club.
“The DATTCO family congratulates Ron on this well-deserved recognition,” said Don DeVivo, President of DATTCO. “We are lucky to have someone with his expertise overseeing our Technical Support department, and training the next generation of technicians through our DTEC program.”