Keith Popp II: Firefighter by Night Multi-shop Manager Student Transportation of America, New Jersey


Keith Popp isn’t afraid to


jump into the flames, literally. When fires burned in Novem- ber 2024 on the New York and New Jersey border, he fought


fires at night and worked on school bues during the day. He began working in a car dealership out of technical school, when an opportunity opened at a bus company in New York state 13 years ago. He joined Student Trans- portation of America in 2015. Being a multi-shop manager, he said his day begins in the Butler, New Jersey terminal, where he meets with the mechanics to discuss the needs of the day. Then, he does anything from responding to a breakdown, trav- eling to an off-site location to fix a vehicle, or going to other terminals to assist with issues they may not be able to diagnose. Before heading back to the Butler terminal to help fix vehicles, he complete paperwork and checks on his mechanics at the Pine Brook terminal. His team of six work on a total of 217 school buses. “I think the best part of my job is to be able to pass on


my knowledge to other people, whether it be mechanics, operations, or safety,” he said. While he said, he’s not experiencing a mechanic short-


age, everyone he works with are or will be at retirement age in the next couple of years. “Mechanics that are coming out of tech school and/or college don’t possess the knowledge to start a job,” he said of hiring challenges. “They are book smart but less adept in real-world scenarios. That’s why I started teaching at Sussex County Community College.” Popp works as a diesel technology instructor, teaching


three to four classes per semester to “give the students the upper hand when going to get a job after graduation. I know what I look for in a mechanic, so I take that into the classroom,” he continued. When it comes to new- comers entering the industry, his advice is: “Come with an open mind and willingness to learn. Nobody knows it all. Everyone can learn something new,” Popp said. In terms of shop upgrades and innovation, he said he’s seen the difference in a shop with lifts and one without. Getting buses off the ground, he continued, helps pro- ductivity and produces faster repairs. Plus, he said, staff put oil and antifreeze reels at all stations because it cuts down on spillage, having to fill bottles up and bring them to the vehicles. LED lighting in the shop helps mechan- ics see better, without having to rely on flashlights. “Air lines were plumbed throughout the shop, so


44 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2025


mechanics have fewer tripping hazards,” he contin- ued of enhancements. “New air dryers and rotary vein compressors allow more in-house repairs like vehicle painting. All these things maximize efficiency and save money in the long run.” Additionally, he said the use of computers and multi- meters to diagnose symptoms and/or problems rather than just guessing or throwing parts at a problem has helped the facility become more efficient and experience less down time. Popp has an associate degree in automotive/diesel and management from the former WyoTech trade school in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. He also holds Cummins and BG (additives for engines, fuel systems and transmissions) certifications. “As a manager, it’s easy to lose touch with what it takes


to work on a vehicle with so many other responsibilities,” he shared. “Stay connected with working on vehicles. Grab a wrench and work alongside your team. Stay edu- cated. The industry changes often and we need to keep up with it. Secondly, work with your local first responders. They most likely will be first on an accident/injury scene. Hold drills and give them the upper hand when it comes to your fleet. Knowledge can save a life.” Outside of work, he enjoys building and designing things, like a self-watering garden created from rain- water and a waste oil burner pool heater. He also enjoys boating with his family.


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