COLUMBUS, OHIO - For the third year in a row, the City of Columbus Fleet Division has received the top level of certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), one of only four major cities in America that holds this level of certification, according to the City.

The City of Columbus remains the largest Blue Seal municipality in the U.S., accordin

"Our Division of Fleet Management continues to be recognized as one of the greenest and best in the nation," Mayor Coleman said. "I am proud that we are the biggest city in the United States to earn the ASE Blue Seal certification for another year."

The City of Columbus manages more than 3,950 cars, trucks, patrol cruisers and fire trucks, and more than 2,000 off-road vehicles. Under Mayor Coleman's leadership, there are now 26 master certified technicians located at the centralized Groves Road Fleet Operations Facility and 17 technicians holding more than 33 Emergency Vehicle Technician certifications from a nationally recognized educational venue. All certifications, training, and testing results in lower costs to the City of Columbus.

"The City of Columbus continually invests in new vehicles to ensure we have the best fleet at our disposal," said Councilmember Andrew Ginther, chair of the Finance Committee. "It is important for our residents to know that the men and women in fleet management are a highly trained, nationally recognized group of people who do a tremendous job every day to maintain the investment we have in our equipment."

The certification means Columbus' technicians on the floor are better educated, better equipped, more diversified, and more knowledgeable in diagnostics related to fire apparatus, articulated loaders, street equipment, patrol cruisers, light duty vehicles and other specialized equipment. Continued education and the renewal of the ASE Blue Seal Certification for the entire facility results in lower maintenance costs and better service for all city agencies in relation to vehicle and equipment repairs.

"ASE Blue Seal of Excellence is only awarded to those facilities that demonstrate the highest level of customer satisfaction and technical commitment," said Columbus Fleet Administrator Kelly Reagan. "ASE means the city continues to contain costs in both parts and supplier services by our mechanics."