Published on January 18, 2024
With a growing population comes a growing City of Maricopa workforce needing cars, trucks, sweepers, and more to get around town and get things done. That’s where Randy Kammerer comes in. He is the City of Maricopa’s Lead Fleet Mechanic. With over 16 years of dedicated service, Randy has become a cornerstone of the Fleet department, focusing on fire vehicles and beyond. As part of our ongoing series "Meet Your Maricopa," we want to pull back the curtain, take you behind the scenes, and share how the City of Maricopa operates. There are even opportunities for you to get involved and come work with us, so stay tuned. First, here is what Randy has to say about his career with the City of Maricopa. Question: How long have you been with the city of Maricopa, and what led you to work here? Answer:I've been with the city for 16 and a half years. I started in June of 2007 with what was, at the time, the Maricopa Fire District. A family friend was already working with the fire district and knew there was an opening for an apprentice position. The perfect opportunity for me since I had just finished mechanic school. I was lucky when the fire district was taken over by the City, because I then became a full-fledged City of Maricopa employee and got to continue working on the Fire Trucks. Q:How has your journey been with the city, and what changes have you witnessed over the years? A: When I started with the City, we only worked on the fire trucks. Everything else was outsourced, but city leadership saw a need to get cars repaired and maintained faster and cheaper, so we expanded to cover all fleet needs. I’ve also seen a drastic change in the facilities and equipment we’re provided to do our jobs. At one point, we worked outside on the asphalt with swamp coolers. Now we have this large building we share with public works. The best part is it’s air-conditioned during the summer. Q: What has been your favorite part about working for the city, and how has the team contributed to your experience? A: The best part has been the people, especially our fleet manager, Dave DeLong. His vision and the positive work environment make it enjoyable. It's like a family, and we have fun while ensuring everything gets done in a timely manner and with safety in mind. Q: What does your typical day or week look like as the lead fleet mechanic? A: The job varies a lot. While I spend a bit more time at my desk due to the computer work involved, my priority remains fire vehicles. Choosing from the Job pool allows me the flexibility to ensure that high-priority repairs are completed in the most efficient and timely manner. The flexibility is great, and we coordinate with department schedules to ensure everything runs smoothly. Q:What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job? A: I have a passion for what I do. Building a rapport with the fire department and knowing that our work contributes to their safety is rewarding. Keeping the vehicles in top shape helps prevent station closures and ensures everyone's well-being. ------- If Randy's story has sparked an interest in becoming a part of our dynamic team, ensuring the continued excellence of our city's fleet, we welcome you to explore opportunities with us. Visit ourJob Opportunitiespage and be a part of unlocking the full potential of the City of Maricopa.