Curtis Mullins, the city of Round Rock’s lead emergency vehicle technician, ensures that the Round Rock Fire Department’s trucks are always prepared to answer the call. Recently honored as the NAFA (National Association of Fleet Administrators) Fleet Technician of the Year, Curtis has spent over a decade behind the scenes, playing a pivotal role in the safety and efficiency of the city’s fire apparatus.

He began his career with the city maintaining police vehicles almost 11 years ago. After only a few months, his talent and dedication led to an invitation to join the Round Rock Fire Department’s shop, where he now leads as a Master ASE/Master EVT technician. Beyond the repairs he makes, he has personally trained every fire technician in the department and educates fire department staff on proper daily equipment inspections and apparatus operations.

Curtis has the dedicated heart of a public servant, consistently being the first to arrive and the last to leave. He has even traveled out of state with firefighters to maintain their equipment during wildfire deployments, and to the manufacturers of the city’s fire trucks during the build process to ensure quality. He plays a key role in designing all new fire apparatus, ensuring their functionality and reliability. 

In the shop, his work involves comprehensive maintenance, from bumper to bumper and top to bottom, including lighting systems, computers, and hydraulics. He finds immense satisfaction in working with Round Rock’s firefighters and seeing the trucks he maintained in action. “If I’m out in town and I see one of the trucks going by on a call, that’s pretty cool,” Curtis said. 

According to his colleagues, Curtis’ impact extends beyond his technical skills. He brings a positive attitude, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to the community. He takes pride in knowing he played a role in keeping the equipment operational and the community safe. With every fire truck he maintains, he ensures that Round Rock’s emergency responders can rely on their equipment to save lives and protect property.

The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program recognizes peak-performing public and commercial fleet operations, as well as the top Fleet Technician and Fleet Professional of the year. The City of Round Rock was named the 11th Best Public Fleet in the nation in this year’s program.