Kent State University in Ohio has hired John Croop, CAFM, as its new fleet services superintendent. Croop previously served as assistant fleet manager and mechanic for Geauga County Sheriff’s Office in Chardon, Ohio. He started his new job in March.

The move gives Croop responsibility over a larger and more varied fleet of about 400 units including mowers, construction equipment, police vehicles, and medium-duty trucks versus the Sheriff’s Office's 160 units.

In addition to vehicle maintenance, the Kent State fleet division also maintains 39 generators on campus, the largest of which is 1 megawatt. Croop oversees a division of eight employees.

"My goal for this fleet operation is to cross-train certain essential staff members to eliminate any operational gaps in the event of any staff member absence," Croop said. "I intended to update technician training. This is a big task in itself with the variety of vehicles and equipment we provide support for."

Croop was previously a patrol officer who was also responsible for fleet management, which he began in 1994. At his most previous position in Geauga County, he developed a preventive maintenance schedule, updated parts room inventory and operations, and instituted a partnership with Ford and GM for fleet parts and service.

His position at Geauga County has not yet been filled.