David Barker, CPFP, CEM, fleet manager for the City of Franklin, Tenn., has announced he will be retiring from the city fleet. He has been with the city for more than 12 years, and his last day is Dec. 13.

Barker has been in the automotive industry for more than 50 years, starting out when he worked on the equipment on his family farm. He has also manufactured outdoor equipment and engines, owned a small trucking company, and owned an automotive parts store.

When Barker first joined the city fleet, the shop was less than 4,000 square feet and there were no lifts or diagnostic tools and very few pieces of shop equipment. Since then, it has become one of the most modern and well-equipped facilities in the state, Barker said. The fleet has also grown from 450 units to 800 and is maintained in a 20,000 square-foot facility. Barker added that many technicians have earned ASE, ASE Master, and EVT certifications, and staff members effectively run the parts room and remarketing.

“This has not been a job, but a fantastic journey, and I will miss it and my staff greatly,” Barker said. “I would like to personally thank all of my peers whom I have met and become friends with over the years, and our government fleet family.”