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Winning nomination, submitted by Susie Collier I would like to nominate my marvelous mechanic, Pete DeBevers, for the Golden Wrench Award. Pete deserves this honor because he is an excellent mechanic with superior skills, he patiently instructs others on the inner and outer workings of all types of vehicles, he is a fair and honest and patient man, and he goes above and beyond the call of duty for others. Pete DeBevers runs the service station at Edison Technical and Occupational Education Center (a high school) in Rochester, New York. Pete mans the station and repairs cars in the three bays as he instructs students in car repair with the automotive shop teacher, Philip Stocklossa. Pete has worked at Edison for many years and is a favorite of the students and staff. Pete demonstrates his vast knowledge about cars daily. No matter which type of vehicle sputters and spews into the station, Pete is able to diagnose and repair the vehicle so the owner has transportation that day, often staying late after everyone has left the school. He always makes sure his customers have a car that works so they can drive to work and take care of their families. Meanwhile, Pete also arranges daily appointments for car inspections, tire changes, brake jobs, oil changes, car repairs, etc. All of us depend on Pete. Pete is so reliable that in the three years I have known him, I have yet to see him miss a day of work. When Pete completes work on a vehicle, he explains in layman's language what the problem was with the car. What is unique about this is not only does Pete use layman's terms so we can all understand what was wrong but he is always willing to educate us on the workings of what was wrong (how spark plugs function, etc.) and how to avoid future problems on whatever was wrong (how to save wear and tear on brakes). He takes time to show us the engine, explain the parts of an engine, and how to repair an engine. He never makes us feel stupid or ignorant when he teaches us - he is always patient. In fact, he offers to teach some of us how to drive a stick shift so our cars will function at their best. As adults, many of us are already in careers so will not go into the automotive world and yet he still cares enough to inform us about how cars work. Pete works exceptionally well with the students who work at the service station. The shop teacher brings the students to work at the station and Pete engages in conversation with them about fixing cars and shows them how to repair cars. There are students who are not engaged in the academics of school but will always show up at the service station to work with Pete. Pete teaches the students how to deal with the public, talks about custom cars, antique cars, street rods, etc., guides them in life goals and skills, and gives the students a sense of pride. Pete has spectacular people skills. Pete is a man who relates well to anyone who walks into the service station door. He carries on conversations with little old ladies, young ladies, truckers, students, professors, businessmen, police officers, parents, etc. making each one feel special and important. There is no limit to Pete's abilities in this domain. Pete's people skills extend to caring about the welfare of others and noticing when something special has happened or if something is wrong. He takes his time making keen observations, asking questions, congratulating or offering to help. Pete is an excellent listener. Maybe that is why he is such a great husband and father - he shows his caring for his family in this way, too. Pete is multi talented - his technical and mechanical knowledge and skills are truly excellent, his teaching methods are effective, and his knowledge of people is unprecedented in the automotive world. We appreciate and are grateful that Pete is at Edison Tech. When a vehicle is given to a mechanic to repair, the customer's life is in that mechanic's hand the instant he or she drives the car away from the service station. I feel secure knowing that my life is never in danger and always safe as long as Pete is working on my cars. He deserves the Golden Wrench Award. Sincerely, Susie Collier |
