Dillwyn’s own Alton Hanes received national recognition after being selected as runner-up for the Association of Equipment Management Professionals’ (AEMP) 2019 Technician of the Year award.

According to Hanes, he was nominated for the national title after initially being selected as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Technician of the Year for both the district and state levels. Achieving this honor made Hanes eligible to attend the AEMP 2019 conference in Kansas City, Missouri, where he became runner-up for Technician of the Year.

Along with these accomplishments, Hanes was also the recipient of the VDOT Commissioner’s Award for Excellence/Lifetime Achievement Award.

AEMP described Hanes as a dedicated technician and a tireless worker, often taking pleasure in helping neighbors and friends with repairs. Hanes gives back to his community by volunteering to teach vehicle maintenance classes at the local community center.

“Alton Hanes projects an image the industry can be proud of,” AEMP wrote.

“It’s just an honor, you know, that somebody would pick you to do that,” Hanes said in a statement to The Herald.