August 25, 2021
The Heartland Emergency Apparatus Technicians Association congratulates Chris Cates on being awarded
the 2020 Graham Fraizer Leadership Award.
Chris works for the City of Lawrence and has become an integral part of the repair staff. He has taken on the
challenge of repairing the city’s fire apparatus and medical fleet. Chris has completed his TIA certification and
did all our tire repairs and managed the tire inventory for almost a year until a tire tech was hired. Chris works
on all vehicles in the city fleet and does a thorough and timely repair. Chris is now learning our fuel software
and the daily regulatory processes involved with managing underground storage tanks.
Chris is a mentor to the new technicians and helps other techs when they need. Chris is continually attending
training when available and applies it at work. It is a pleasure to work with Chris and watch him grow.
Terry Eaton
HEAT Vice President
City of Lawrence Shop Supervisor