TORONTO, Ont. – Steve Plaskos became the first head of a municipal fleet to win the coveted Volvo Canadian Fleet Maintenance Manager of the Year Award in 15 years yesterday, at the 43rd Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar. The award was presented at CFMS’ closing lunch at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel May 31.

The winners of the prestigious award are chosen by their peers based on a group of criteria including maintenance and safety, staff supervision and driver training.

Plaskos has worked for the City of Toronto for 30 years, having been in a management position since 1989. He watched over the city’s large fleet which consists of more than 7,000 units, including 3,600 licensed vehicles and 800 Class 8 vehicles.

During his long tenure, Plaskos has pegged many achievements, including the award-winning design of a removable rear step for refuse packers, which allowed the packers to be used for all applications five days a week instead of the usual two-day week. He is also active on many industry committees such as the Municipal Equipment Operators Association and the Automotive Transportation Services Superintendents Association, not to mention community groups, formerly serving as chair for the city’s United Way campaign and vice-president of the Armensko Benevolent Society. But perhaps it is Plasko’s warm personality and friendly nature that has really won his staff and co-workers over.

“Steve is well-liked and respected by all the client groups, peers and subordinates,” wrote Ross Petrini, general manager, fleet services, in a nomination letter for Plaskos. “He is always offering support and expertise to his peers. He has assisted management in many projects and crisis situations; he always volunteers to help in any way he can. He is an extraordinary person and I can’t think of anyone else that would deserve this prestigious award more than he.”

Plaskos, who was joined by his wife Kita on stage, was overwhelmed at the announcement.

“I didn’t even know it was me until I heard them say he has a wife of four years and five kids,” Plaskos later told Truck News. “I was just thinking, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it.’ I can’t even describe the feeling right now.”

Plaskos became the 17th recipient of the award since its start in 1989.