The seven finalists for the 2021 National Apprentice Competition were celebrated during the general session. From left to right: James Rico, Western Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, California; Matthew Tyre, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., Vista, California; James Ainey, Cox Fire Protection, Inc., Tampa, Florida; Jason Collins, All Fire Solutions, Greenwood, Indiana; Corten Dobesh, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota; Connor Jones, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah; and Jonas Cassity, Kobobel Fire Protection, LLC, Windsor, Colorado. The day rounded out with an AFSA40 Opening Party at the River Bend Pavilion featuring live music by London Calling, a nine-piece Austin band; dancing, outdoor games; and a buffetstyle barbeque dinner. Sunday was a day full of learning and earning education credits at AFSA40 seminars. New this year, AFSA offered some of the sessions virtually. Fifty-one registrants took advantage of these offerings over a four-day period. Many attendees also took time Sunday afternoon to explore Texas Hill Country wineries during AFSA’s Fredericksburg Wine Tour. The evening featured an NGI social hour for all AFSA40 attendees to mix and mingle with
professionals under 40 interested in networking with peers and mentors. Monday offered more seminars followed by the general session, where attendees celebrated four decades of dedication to merit shop fire protection contractors and the commitment to saving lives and protecting properties from fire. AFSA 2019-2021 Chair of the Board Ted Wills presented the 2021 Henry S. Parmelee Award to George DiMatteo, president of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, who has been dedicated to the fire protection industry and its members for over 40 years. In addition, 2021 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Butch Browning, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, was honored for his commitment to the fire sprinkler industry. Finally, Scott
AFSA unveiled its Hall of History to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The display featured videos and memorabilia from the past four decades. SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2021 13