TORONTO — When most trucks break down, the worst-case scenario is usually that a load ‘aint going to make the dock on time. When Brent Paisley’s trucks are out of commission, people’s lives could be endangered.

That was one of many reasons the heavy-duty mechanic who fixes fire apparatus for the City of Windsor’s Fire and Rescue Department was honoured with the ChevronTexaco Diesel Technician Award.

“This is truly amazing for me,” said Paisley, who was one of 12 monthly winners in 2005 to be judged for the top award, which includes a $2,000 education stipend.

“There’s a lot of dedicated people here tonight and to be honoured by your peers like this is truly something,” the young wrench wielder told Today’s Trucking after accepting the title last night at the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar (CFMS) in Toronto.

The award — sponsored by ChevronTexaco and endorsed by the Automotive Transportation Service Superintendents Association (ATSSA) — recognizes an individual with “strong technical skills” who “goes beyond the call of duty to serve customers” and “pro-actively works to increase knowledge and performance” in his field.

Paisley was singled out for routinely working after hours, being a role model for his co-workers, dedicating time to his workplace and to his community, and for consistently upgrading his skills, including his knowledge of electronic diagnostics, which friends say “is second to none.”

Says Mike Kovacs, fleet manager for the City of Windsor’s Works Department, who first hired Paisley years ago: “As for dedication, Brent sure has it. We’re sorry we lost him to the fire department,” Kovacs said jokingly, “But he deserves this award more than anyone.”

The Diesel Technician Award made its debut at CFMS in 2003 when it was presented by the first time by “Driver of the Century” Mario Andretti.