Raymond Nobile (center) received the 2026 Roy Linton Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award. Photo by Adam Baker.
Pantex Fire Department firefighters had just sat down to celebrate their Infrastructure colleagues at the annual Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Luncheon when alarms sounded. Lights flashed inside the bay as emergency dispatchers announced the reported smell of natural gas in a building on-site and response was necessary. But you can’t respond to a potential emergency without a vehicle — and that’s where EVTs come in.
Watching the firefighters drive off from the station were five of the six EVTs being honored that day. The yearly banquet is held to thank the EVTs for ensuring that when alarms sound, emergency vehicles are ready to roll.
“Our EVTs maintain multiple different styles of fire trucks, brush trucks, and ambulances, so they are ready when we need them,” PXFD Captain Josh Brown said. “These vehicles require optimal maintenance and skilled workmanship because they are expected to last for 20 or more years. We used to take our trucks off-site, but thanks to this group’s expertise most work can now be done here.”
As highly trained mechanics, EVTs hold eight certifications which must be renewed every six years. This enhanced training and set of qualifications proves their expertise in niche automotive areas. Since 2007, they’ve been responsible for ensuring Pantex Fire Department apparatus and other emergency vehicles stay mission-ready and work when our first responders need them.
“Fire engines today are much more complicated and technologically advanced than they used to be,” Assistant Chief Bob Napp said. “The absence of modern technology here makes their jobs more challenging; however, when something breaks, the EVTs can be counted on to get it back in service.”
During the luncheon, Raymond Nobile received the 2026 Roy Linton Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award. He was selected for the pride he takes in his work, his attention to detail, and his willingness to lend a hand no matter how busy his schedule gets. Nobile was given a ceremonial prop axe as a trophy along with personal gratitude from emergency service members and senior leaders in attendance.
“If they could give out six awards, they should,” Nobile said. “Every one of the mechanics here puts in as much hard work as I do. We take care of what we need to take care of.”
“Nobile is a man of character and an absolute professional,” Brown said, adding the trait is typical within the group of mechanics.
The award was created to honor one of the original EVTs, Roy Linton, who died in 2020.
“Roy was a hard worker, positive, kind, and above all else a man of character. He approached his work with professionalism and took immense pride in ensuring our rigs remained operational, ensuring our firefighters returned home after every response,” Brown said. “Roy was the embodiment of reliability and integrity.”
Members of PXFD personally sponsor the luncheon and take time to prepare and serve it to the mechanics. They say this is because every department at Pantex is connected — and supporting each other — supports the mission. The shared meal celebrates colleagues and shows appreciation where it’s due. It is a thoughtful gesture to a small mechanic team that keeps the biggest trucks running.