The City of Fort Wayne'€™s Fleet Management Department has been recognized by Fleet Equipment magazine as the best fleet in North America. City Fleet Manager Larry Campbell was in Norfolk, Va., Monday to accept the award.

The City was recognized for the following accomplishments:
* The City'€™s Fleet Department is the first municipality in Indiana to receive the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) award through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA recognizes companies that take extra steps to ensure worker safety. The program is voluntary and promotes proactive safety activities and awareness.
* Earlier this year, First Vehicle Services (FVS), the city'€™s fleet contractor, received ISO9001:2000 certification, a top honor in the fleet profession. FVS is the only fleet maintenance company in North America to be ISO 9001:2000 certified in comprehensive fleet maintenance services.
* The City and FVS use Lean Six Sigma to improve work processes and employee productivity.
* The City received recognition for the use of biodiesel and ethanol fuels, hybrid vehicles and a new bid process for vehicle purchases. The savings total more than $500,000.

Fort Wayne is pleased to be a national leader in the municipal fleet industry,” said Mayor Graham Richard. “City government works each day to find innovative ways to provide better services to the community at reduced costs.”