Grant Garland has been a Township employee for 18 years, and his present position is Police Fleet Mechanic. After completing the Motorcycle Technology program at Dauphin County Technical School, Grant started working as a skilled laborer with Lower Paxton. In 2010, he earned his CDL license and began driving our municipal dump and salt trucks.
By 2014 he transitioned into a position as a mechanic, maintaining both vehicles and motorcycles. Over the past ten years, Grant has been building state-of-the-art police vehicles by installing all essential components like cages, lights, and sirens. He is able to create highly customized vehicles through advanced computer systems and maintains a police fleet of 40. In-house mechanics save significant taxpayer dollars compared to high auto shop costs.
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He explained that technology has greatly impacted his training and professional skills.
The automotive industry has advanced from simple controls to programmable computer systems. Though the integrated systems are complex and may seem daunting, Grant encourages anyone entering the field to learn all they can and not be afraid of mastering new technologies.
Grant is also a 23 year Volunteer Fireman serving with Linglestown, Colonial Park, and Grantville fire companies. He was drawn into firefighting by the tragedy of 9/11 and seeing his grandfather, John Miller, service as a Linglestown Fire Police. He appreciates that working for the Township provides job security, good health benefits, and work-life balance. He is an outdoorsman who enjoys spending time at the family cabin in Sullivan County hunting and fishing.
