Sprinkler Age Jul/Aug 2022

MEEHAN AWARDED YOUNG 22 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

JUL/AUG 2022

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 41/4

RON SIARNICKI

2022 FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

Bringing Reliable Quality to Grooved ®

Quality pipe joining products from the fire protection experts Count on us to provide products of superior quality, durability, and reliability, and always—exceptional service. Connect with us at reliablesprinkler.com/grooved

FLOW SMARTER,

NOT HARDER.

The era of manual conversions, data input, and human error is coming to an end with SmartMonster™, the digital breakthrough in flow testing that the industry deserves. Gather your test’s readings from anywhere and organize the results in the Cloud for safekeeping, all from the ease of your own device.

*App screen subject to change.

PREORDER TODAY

Ready for the future of flow testing?

HOSEMONSTER.COM/CONTACT

Protect Cold Storage up to 50’ WITHOUT In-Rack Sprinklers

The industry’s first FM Approved K25 ESFR dry pendent sprinkler protects box-in-box storage up to 50 ft. without the use of in-rack sprinklers!

The VK512 offers wet system protection for freezing and very cold temperatures from an adjacent heated space, and offers an alternative to costly double-interlock preaction systems.

The sprinklers are even offered with insulating seal assemblies, which protect them from ice buildup due to condensation and temperature differentials.

Learn more on our website at vikinggroupinc.com.

Viking’s revolutionary Sprinkler Selector ensures that you can find the right sprinkler for the job — every time. Get started today by visiting webtools.vikingcorp.com/sprinklerselector.

JUL/AUG 2022 VOL 41/04

FEATURES 12 |PROTECTING AMERICA’S CITIZENS AND HEROES Ron Siarnicki Named 2022 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

18 | DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR BUSINESS—ATTEND AFSA41 North America’s Largest Fire Sprinkler Exhibit is a Sure Bet!

21 | VIRGINIA HOSTS CAREER FAIR AFSA Chapter Shares Fire Protection Industry Opportunities with local High School Students

22 | KATIE MEEHAN RECEIVES 2022 YPY AWARD Refined Talent Arrives to the Fire Protection Industry

26 | MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR BURN SURVIVORS Virginia Chapter and Burn Survivors Foundation Support Camp

27 | HEALTH INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS MMIC Can Help Reduce Costs for Group and Individual Plans

30 | TO EXTRACT OR NOT TO EXTRACT? Protecting Special Occupancies in NFPA 13

32 | THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRENTICESHIP AFSA Launches New Apprenticeship Program

34 | MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS Chapter Connections

36 | HAZARDS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF NFPA 13 Think “Outside of the Box”

38 | “QUALIFIED” PERSONNEL What is the Meaning?

ON THE COVER: Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is the 2022 recipient of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award. Also in this issue: Special Occupancies and other NFPA standards.

6 8 10 40 41 42 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 51 54

CHAIR’S MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT FLASHPOINT HIGHER STANDARDS TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AFSA NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS CHAPTER NEWS #MEMBERSMATTER! NEW MEMBERS AFSA CHAPTERS U.S. CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bi-

monthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SPRINKLER AGE,

12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Follow us on

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 5

I

CHAIR’S MESSAGE am writing this article, having just returned from the NFPA Conference & Expo held in Boston. This was the first in-person C&E that NFPA has had since 2019. It was a tremendous success, and AFSA was well represented. Our technical staff presented seminars and had an integral part in the Technical Session, where various standards going through their revision cycle had potential modifications voted on by the qualified membership. If you are unaware of the NFPA code-making process, please feel free to call our Engineering & Technical Services Department, and they can explain the democratic process NFPA follows. Your voice and suggested changes to the standards are not only listened to but are desired by the various code writing committees. AFSA also had staff present at our complimentary booth at the exhibit hall.

Attendance at our booth and interest in joining AFSA was very positive! It was great to see our fire colleagues in person for the first time in three years. I do believe that the success of AFSA40, held last year in San Antonio, started the other fire protection associations to return to in-person gatherings. I’m so looking forward to seeing you all at AFSA41 in Las Vegas in October. Make sure to put it on your schedule... you won’t want to miss it!

An important part of AFSA41 is the general session, where AFSA will present its top three awards. One of these awards is the Young Professional of the Year, chosen by AFSA’s NextGen workgroup. AFSA started this Initiative a handful of years ago (Thank you, Joe Heinrich!). If you happen to look around our industry, there are quite a few of us who would not be considered “spring chickens”... just look at my picture at the end of this article if you don’t believe me! NextGen has brought a flurry of talented, future leaders from our industry into our association. So much so that an award has been created to recognize them, the Young Professional of the Year award. This year’s recipient is Katie Meehan with VSC Fire & Security. I have known Katie for, well, her entire life. I have been friends with her dad Mike and her mom Belynda for nearly 40 years. Katie is a very talented, driven individual. What she has done for NextGen and AFSA (nationally and locally at the Virginia Chapter) is nothing less than exceptional. She has accomplished tasks that we didn’t even know needed to be done. She is driven to accomplish her goal of making the next generation the future of our industry. Congratulations, Katie!

The 2022 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year is also someone I’ve known for a very long time. I first met Ron Siarnicki, former fire chief of Prince George’s County Maryland Fire & Rescue Department, in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s. I was an active volunteer firefighter during that time, and our paths crossed quite often. I had a ton of respect for him as our leader... and he was just that, our LEADER. During his time in the county, sprinklers were mandated for all new townhomes and then new single-family homes. This eventually went statewide. After retiring from the county, he was named director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). This was in 2001, right before 9/11. I believe that God places people in positions on purpose to handle upcoming situations, and this was one of those divine placements. He assisted with rebuilding the FDNY after they lost over 300 firefighters that fateful day. Our Chesapeake Bay Chapter holds a golf tournament each year, and the proceeds help the NFFF. It has been the charity of choice for over 30 years, ever since I was the chapter chair in the early ‘90s. Chief Siarnicki is very deserving of this award.

I hope you all have a great summer! Take care, continue to save lives, and God Bless. n

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, Publisher, ext. 124

bcaputo@firesprinkler.org

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

ADVERTISING: 214-349-5965

SYDNEY RICHARDSON, Communications Specialist, ext. 134

srichardson@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., Chair, 804-222-1381

LINDA M. BIERNACKI, First Vice Chair, 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, Second Vice Chair, 603-432-8221 ROD DIBONA, Treasurer, 605-348-2342 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

TED WILLS, Immediate Past Chair, 610-754-7836 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949

CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 757-213-3660

E. PARKS MOORE, P.E., 251-473-6000 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136 WAYNE WEISZ, 209-334-9119

AFSA LEADERSHIP BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, President, ext. 124 LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Meeting & Education Services, ext. 118 BRUCE LECAIR, Senior Director, Membership & Chapter Support, ext. 139 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116

Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the fire sprinkler industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information.

Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association.

Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-member and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965.

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E. AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

You’ve got a deadline to meet, and we’re not in the business of delaying your progress. When it comes to on-time delivery of jobsite material, you can count on the industry’s top choice for fire protection products.

VISIT US ONLINE AT FERGUSON.COM/FIRE

©2022 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0322 3462623

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

S

ummertime is a fun time for us all. Longer daylight hours mean we can get more done each day, both on the job and at home. Actually, June 21 is always a sad day for me because it marks the summer solstice which means every day that follows will have fewer daylight hours. Dallas has been a bit on the warmer side of late, but we will try to remember the heat in about six months.

Your AFSA staff members are excited about our new offices and lab build out. The new location is about 10 minutes north of the existing office space for those of you who have had the opportunity to visit here over the past 10-plus years. The lease space is in a two-story multi-tenant building with our offices and training center in adjoining spaces on the ground level.

We expect to occupy the new facility in early November 2022, with the lab fully operational around January 3. We are in the process of planning and building a state-of-the-art training facility with classrooms and a full-service lab for hands-on training opportunities and tactile learning experiences. The equipment is anticipated to include 18 functional sprinkler risers, including new and old valves from every manufacturer. With a modular approach, we will be able to change out equipment to accommodate specific training programs for sponsored events. We will have two fire hydrants—one to read and one to fully flow for flow test training. We often hear from designers, technicians, installers, and inspectors that they have never seen a sprinkler flow water. In AFSA’s lab, they will have an opportunity to see a variety of sprinklers do just that! Our wet lab area will have a glass wall with up lighting so attendees can see a variety of sprinklers flowing water and demonstrating spray patterns.

AFSA will offer in-house fire pump training with the ability to perform annual pump tests, simulate standpipe flow testing, and live sprinkler pull training, so it happens in our lab and not on your jobsite.

Our training center will feature larger classrooms to accommodate the needs of our industry and our members. This investment in the future is a bit like the movie “Field of Dreams.” If we build it, they will come, fulfilling our mission and promise to educate and train the industry.

Whether visiting AFSA for sprinkler design courses, ITM training, or fire sprinkler installation, we intend to expose everyone to the lab experience. We will deliver magical educational experiences for everyone who visits our training facility.

As we continue to see more return to pre-COVID-19 norms, there are still cases. The daily average in the U.S. is less than 1,000, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see spikes or new variants. Clearly, we are all tired of the COVID experience, but know that AFSA is prepared to continue educating our industry and fulfilling our mission.

On the negative side, the higher cost of everything from fuel to steel and groceries has had a negative impact on our business and personal lives. Being the optimist that I am, I know that nothing good lasts forever and neither does anything bad. Politics aside, this economic downturn will not last forever, and I encourage everyone to stay focused on what is actually happening in your lives and in your businesses. Do

8 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

not fall into the trap of seeing and hearing what’s going on in the media and reacting to it. Every good project starts with a good estimate, followed by using that estimate for setting project goals and milestones.

Stay focused on what you know and deliver. A positive attitude is 80 percent of the job.

Speaking of the positives, we have (finally) settled our discussions with the Department of Labor (DOL) over which type of apprenticeship program we should adopt. Since AFSA is not the employer, the DOL guidance is for us to seek approval on the National Guideline Standard. After months of discussion, AFSA has agreed to accept this option. This means AFSA will have an approved draft for members to use in applying for individual programs with the DOL and the individual company employing the apprentice(s) will be responsible to report on-the-job-training (OJT) hours and progress. AFSA’s main role will be to provide the classroom part of the training, which will be delivered virtually.

Classroom sessions will be recorded; however, apprentices will be strongly encouraged to participate in live sessions where they can actively participate in Q&A with instructors.

Pricing structures and application procedures will be announced soon with three levels of service offered to our members. The first level will be providing books and online proctored testing. The second level of service will add the virtual classroom opportunity, and level three will include AFSA’s administrative offerings for registered programs.

We have a few creases to iron out before we launch. We want to ensure the various software programs get it right with enrollment, assessments (electronically proctored testing), reporting, and record keeping. We are planning to complete beta testing with a few members in the fourth quarter of 2022, with a full-scale launch in the first quarter of 2023. We know this will be a very active program for our members and we are looking forward to this new program.

Lastly, a reminder that AFSA41 scheduled for October 16–19 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is going to be one of the best-ever conventions and exhibitions we’ve ever served up. You will not want to miss this event! Visit our website, firesprinkler.org, to register for AFSA41 and reserve your hotel room at the AFSA-guaranteed rate before they sell out. We’re excited to see you there! n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

Shop Fire System Solutions TODAY.

The shortest, lightest and only all-stainless steel backflow preventer in the industry.

Free shipping on ALL valves and 24-hour shipping on select orders.

Only at BackflowDirect.com

FLASHPOINT

W

hen I was thinking about the topic for this issue’s column, I kept thinking about the great time I had in Boston in June at the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Annual Conference & Expo. This annual event returned after being canceled the last two years due to the pandemic. While any event can be improved, overall, I had a great experience.

The day before the conference started, I attended NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation sprinkler research planning meeting. In that meeting, AFSA President Bob Caputo, AFSA Senior Manger of Engineering & Technical Services Kevin Hall, AFSA’s Manager of Technical Services Josh McDonald, AFSA’s Manager of ITM Technical Training John Johnson, and I represented our membership in developing the topics for the foundation to pursue. The exchange of information and research needs was outstanding.

Afterwards, I attended a welcoming reception to network.

As I talked to the attendees, I kept hearing the same general comment, “Wow, AFSA is all over the place strongly representing their members. What you are doing is incredible.” While that makes me feel good, it takes an entire team working together to succeed. Our AFSA staff takes our job seriously.

That evening, I was invited to represent AFSA at the NFPA “Stars at Night” Awards Dinner. This black-tie affair was well run and organized. Awards were presented to individuals in eight distinct award categories. Kerry Bell of UL Laboratories, one of our contributors to Sprinkler Age, AFSA seminars, and conventions, received the Standards Medal. The Standards Medal is the most distinguished award given by the NFPA Standards Council, recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to fire safety. Kerry is very deserving of this award, and I wish him congratulations!

The following morning, technical training sessions started. The number and breadth of selections for the training sessions were enormous. The training sessions continued for the next few days. Most sessions were standing-room only. Our own Director of Engineering & Technical Services Victoria Valentine and Bob Caputo presented seminars. Both did a great job. There was something for all no matter what level or the interest the attendees had.

The expo also opened, and I spent hours walking through the convention hall looking, talking, and greeting all sprinkler-related vendors and exhibitors—and I mean hours. The expo portion was well attended, and the feel of most people was they were finally glad to be back in person and putting a face with a name. No matter how many Zoom, Teams, or Google meetings you attend, shaking hands with a human is much more satisfying. Old friendships were rekindled, and new friendships started. I was able to view new or revised products, ask technical questions on issues

10 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

AFSA President Bob Caputo and the Engineering & Technical Services Department team participated in the 2022 NFPA Technical Meeting.

we have seen with certain products, discuss membership in AFSA with some exhibitors, and ask for support for our new AFSA training laboratory being designed. Our Membership Team had a booth and staffed it throughout the expo. Traffic at the AFSA booth was busy, and a special thank you goes to all of our members who stopped by to discuss a technical topic, ask a membership question, or just to say hi. Also, the Engineering & Technical Services Team answered several Technical Reviews right on the expo floor! On most evenings, various suppliers, vendors, college alumni associations, and others held social hours or get-togethers. The bonding never stopped, and the connections will last a lifetime.

The highlight for my department is the NFPA Technical Meeting. Bob and the entire technical staff participated in the first day. NFPA 25, 2023 edition was our main interest; however, we joined in on all discussions and votes that day. To see how the standard is finalized and sent to the NFPA Standards Council to be issued is a tech person’s dream. The details of the NFPA 25 actions are discussed in the Higher Standards column in this issue, but let me state that AFSA was very pleased with the outcome for our members. I am looking forward to the 2023 NFPA Conference & Expo. n

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

We want you back!

REJOIN AFSA ed s t a t ins mber e R / r Me w e N racto ve i K t Con rece BOO * ON

P U O C

.

5 2 ,2 UE

$1 VAL

Join or renew today! *Trial Members do not receive coupons until they join at the full member rate.

CALL (214) 349-6965, ext. 555

PROTECTING AMERICA’S CITIZENS AND HEROES RON SIARNICKI NAMED 2022 FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

W

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION hile many can say they “grew up” in the fire service, Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), was raised in the fire service and the fire station.

From serving as a volunteer firefighter as a teenager to two careers—one as a fire chief and one leading the Foundation—Siarnicki has dedicated his life to protecting residents, firefighters, and their loved ones. And along this journey, he has always promoted fire sprinklers as an essential component of safety. For his relentless drive to protect America’s citizens, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is honored to present its 2022 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to Ron Siarnicki.

Siarnicki’s family has a long history in the town of Monessen, Pennsylvania, 30 miles from Pittsburgh, which was founded in 1898. Situated along the shores of the Monongahela River, the area quickly developed with a prominent steel mill replicated from one in Germany and other industries.

Siarnicki’s grandfather immigrated from Poland to Monessen. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Monessen Fire Department, which was established in 1899 and served as the only department for the borough. Eventually, the need for a second station was evident, and Monessen Fire Department #2 was organized in 1946 with Siarnicki’s father, John, as a charter member. He also served as president of the firehouse, and Siarnicki’s mother, Tillie, was an auxiliary member supporting the department.

“The fire station was a mile from our house,” Siarnicki remembers. “Our lives revolved around the fire station. It had a social hall where we held holiday and community events. I basically grew up in that station.”

At 18, Siarnicki was eligible to serve as a volunteer firefighter and signed up while still in high school. “The school would even let us leave to respond to a fire if the call went out,” he reminisces.

Siarnicki spent two-and-a-half years with the fire department. “I knew I wanted my career to be in the fire service, but there weren’t a lot of opportunities in Monessen nor the cities close to home,” Siarnicki says. “Luckily, my sister had moved to Washington, D.C., and had married a firefighter with Prince

12 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

Siarnicki speaking at a 2015 press conference after an Annapolis, Maryland house fire claimed the life of Don Pyle, his wife, and four of their grandchildren. After the tragedy, Pyle’s sister Cher Grogg became an advocate for fire safety and residential fire sprinklers.

George’s County. He said they were hiring, and I ought to apply.”

Siarnicki applied, and a year later, in 1978, he was hired as a firefighter in Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

Little did he know, he would rise to become fire chief of the department and be a prominent figure in the residential fire sprinkler movement.

PROTECTING PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESIDENTS Siarnicki spent 24 years in Prince George’s County, working his way up to become fire chief in 1998. As he was “coming up” the ranks, the county was moving forward with residential fire sprinkler requirements. “As the population and construction grew within the county, so did fire deaths, injuries, and fire loss costs,” he comments. ‘After a considerable amount of work led by the county’s fire service, legislation was approved by the Prince George’s County Council and signed into law in 1987.”

The law was enacted in stages over five years. The first phase required one- and two-family model homes to feature residential fire sprinkler systems by February 1, 1988. All multi-family residences were affected on June 30, 1988, with all townhouses starting on January 1, 1989.

From l to r: Siarnicki and others reviewing the public safety plan at Jack Kent Cook Stadium. Siarnicki attending two community-based outreach programs that included smoke alarm, CO alarm, and fire sprinkler information to promote life safety.

“A large number of three-story apartment buildings were burning back then—garden apartments, townhouses, and duplexes,” remembers Siarnicki. “We wanted to protect those structures early on and then phase in single-family dwellings so the building community could prepare for each component.”

On January 1, 1992, the final stage of the law went into effect, stating that all single-family homes must be fully protected by an NFPA-approved 13D residential fire sprinkler system. The biggest groups fighting the ordinance were realtors, the building community, and the development community. To win their support, the county worked to find a “win-win” situation for everyone, including considerations such as offsetting the anticipated costs of the fire sprinkler system, providing marketing materials that would increase system purchases by home buyers, allowing communities to have a denser population, and increasing the value and demand for homes containing these systems.

“The entire process was a learning experience for me,” Siarnicki notes. “I was working in the fire chief’s office as a management intern then. My first executive thesis was on the topic.” Twelve years later, he would write another report on the effectiveness of the ordinance, showing that the projections were true—fire sprinkler systems saved lives and dollars. The actual monetary results indicated a total property savings of over $38 million and, most importantly, 154 lives that were saved as a direct result of residential fire sprinklers.

In addition, a 15-year study further showed that 89 percent of total fire deaths in the county occurred in residential dwellings.

One hundred and one people died in single-family and townhouse fires with no fire sprinklers, and there were 328 civilian injuries in single-family and townhouse fires with no fire sprinklers. In contrast, there were zero fire deaths in homes protected with fire sprinklers.

One innovative project that Siarnicki oversaw was the construction of Jack Kent Cook Stadium. The state-of-the-art football facility seats more than 78,000 patrons and is the largest single public assembly structure located within the jurisdiction.

During the opening game at the new stadium, NFPA Chief of Security Milton E. Ahlerich stated, “This plan, developed in Prince George’s County, Maryland, serves as a model for the National Football League.”

When he became fire chief in 1998, Siarnicki oversaw the entire fire/EMS department, including directing, coordinating,

and assessing the work of division managers, bureau chiefs, and other staff. Fire department programs under his jurisdiction included emergency fire; emergency preparedness and rescue services; basic ambulance, advanced life support, and battalion rescue ambulance services; hazardous materials response; and high-rise and underwater rescues. He also coordinated activities with citizens and governmental agencies while serving on various county and other committees to accomplish goals set by the county executive and council programs.

“I had a great career in Prince George’s County,” remarks Siarnicki. “My time there was educational and very rewarding as we worked to make our communities better and safer.”

PROTECTING AMERICA’S HEROES After 24 years of service with the department, Siarnicki knew he needed to start planning his life after the fire service. That’s when he found an opportunity to serve as executive director of the NFFF. “I didn’t expect to leave Prince George’s County as soon as I did,” says Siarnicki. “I had heard about the position at the Foundation and decided to apply, figuring it was a long shot. Hal Bruno, then chairman of the board of directors for the Foundation, whom I’d known for years, called me soon after and said if I wanted the job, I could have it. I started July 1, 2001.”

As executive director, Siarnicki oversees all programs, services, and activities of the Foundation, which includes the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, survivor support programs, fire service training and support programs, the national memorial park, and working with the entire fire service community to develop and implement programs that will reduce the number of line-of-duty deaths that occur in the United States each year.

AFSA’s Chesapeake Bay Chapter is a long-time supporter of the Foundation and its efforts. Its annual golf tournament has benefited the organization for over 30 years and raisesd over $150,000. “We are grateful to AFSA and its Chesapeake Bay Chapter for its fundraising, not just for the Foundation but also for the fire service,” notes Siarnicki.

The chapter’s 2022 golf outing will be held on September 15 at The Links at Challedon in Mt. Airy, Maryland. For more information about sponsoring or playing in this year’s tournaSPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 13

From l to r: Leadership from NFPA, NFFF, and NVFC visited with Congressman Steny Hoyer (center) at a CFSI Fire Service Dinner. The PGC Fire Department hosted the American Burn Association’s committee meetings, which included a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy. The NFFF team working to promote firefighter cancer issues across the country as a part of the Pink Ribbon Tour. ment, email Chapter Executive Director Danielle Fowler at daniellef@pottersignal.com.

“I have been the executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Chapter for over 15 years now, and we have continued to use the Foundation as our primary donation for our annual golf tournament,” comments Fowler, Northeast sales manager, Potter Signal.

Mount Airy, Maryland. “Some of our founding members are the reason this charity is special to our chapter. Both Jack Medovich

FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS 1997 Dan Jones, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Fire Chief 1998 John Vendetta, Hartford Fire Chief 1999 V.J. Bella, Louisiana State Fire Marshal 2000 Dennis Compton, Mesa, Arizona Fire Marshal 2001 George Miller, National Fire Protection Association 2002 Jim Ford, Scottsdale, Arizona Fire Department 2003 Gary Keith, National Fire Protection Association 2004 Jan Gratton, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Covina, California Fire Department 2005 Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) 2006 Meri-K Appy, Home Safety Council 2007 Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) 2008 Ron Hazelton, Home Improvement Expert 2009 Olin Greene, U.S. Fire Administrator 2010 Jim Shannon, National Fire Protection Association 2011 Jeff Feid, State Farm Insurance 2012 Tonya Hoover, California State Fire Marshal 2013 William Barnard, Maryland State Fire Marshal 2014 Peg Paul, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition 2015 Ed Van Walraven, Aspen, Colorado Fire Marshal 2016 Ed Altizer, Virginia State Fire Marshal 2017 Randy Miller, Camas, Washington Fire Marshal 2018 Richard Smith, Maryland State Firemen’s Association 2019 Amy Acton, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors 2020 Brian Geraci, Maryland State Fire Marshal 2021 H. Butch Browning, Louisiana State Fire Marshal 2022 Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

14 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

and Greg Prentice had multiple generations of firefighters in their families. We have been fortunate that we’ve only been guests at the memorial each year, but to know that fellow brothers and sisters have passed working to save others is why we continue to keep it as our beneficiary.”

Siarnicki says the new job was “baptism by fire.” A few months after joining the Foundation, 9/11 hit. “We moved operations to New York City and stayed there for almost 12 weeks straight to get a program in place for firefighter and family support,” Siarnicki states. “We learned a lot during that time, and many of the pieces that were developed for 9/11 have been used throughout the country since then. Each time there’s a need, we try to build something good and then make it a bit better each time.”

One program born from 9/11 is “Everyone Goes Home”— firefighter life-safety initiatives jointly developed by representatives of the major fire service constituencies to reduce firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. The Foundation was tasked with executing these initiatives throughout the fire service and developing material to support their implementation.

One of those 16 initiatives is #15 “Code Enforcement and Sprinklers.” According to the site, “Advocacy must be strengthened for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinklers. The term ‘fire prevention,’ as used here, means preventing accidental fires from starting and, when they do start, minimizing their growth or extinguishing them prior to human intervention. A successful effort in fire prevention will mean fewer fire responses by firefighters because of a reduction in fires and less dangerous working conditions on the fire ground as a result of smaller contained fires. With fewer fire responses and smaller, contained fires, and a better-protected public, it is clear that there will be fewer firefighter injuries and fatalities – which is the goal of our overall efforts. The 15th Initiative asks us to advocate for stronger codes and laws which will decrease the number and severity of structural and residential fires to keep our firefighters out of harm’s way.”

“We’ve lived through the belief that firefighters will be out of a job if a fire sprinkler system is present and that prevention, in general, would put us out of a job,” says Siarnicki. “Most firefighters have realized fire sprinklers work parallel with the fire service industry. If we can ensure everyone gets out of the structure by the

time firefighters arrive through working smoke and CO2 alarms and fire sprinklers, firefighters can do what they must do in a safer environment. Property can be replaced. Lives cannot. Having the prevention pieces improves the safety of the public and the fire service community.”

ENSURING LIFE SAFETY FOR EVERYONE Siarnicki also finds time to serve the industry and people affected by fire through other organizations. He became involved with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors when his nephew was burned, and he was looking for some programs to help him.

“I found Amy Acton at a booth at an NFPA conference, and we developed a friendship. Next thing you know, I’m the fire service representative on the board and then president of the Society’s board of directors,” he says, laughing. “That led to my involvement with the American Burn Association.”

During his time as Prince George’s County fire chief, Siarnicki put into policy that any firefighter who received burn injuries went to a burn unit. “The level of care is unique at a burn center. Emergency rooms care for burn victims as best they can, but burn centers are specialized, and receiving that care early makes all the difference in the outcome.”

Siarnicki is also on the board of directors for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC). “I was asked to serve because of my commitment to residential fire sprinklers,” comments Siarnicki.

“It was the perfect opportunity to promote them and tell the Prince George story.”

During his time in Prince George’s County, Siarnicki became involved with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, which works to serve, promote, advocate, and represent the interests of the volunteer fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in Maryland. He currently serves as treasurer of the association.

Siarnicki has served on numerous other organizations, including chairing the National Advisory Committee for the Congressional Fire Services Institute and being appointed to the National Fire Heritage Center board of directors. He is also a member of several other groups, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Association of Fire Chiefs Eastern Division, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Society of Fire Service Instructors, Institution of Fire Engineers, Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, and Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.

Siarnicki has received numerous awards, including the Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Leadership and Management Research, the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors’ Alan and Delwyn Breslau Award, the International Fire Service Training Association’s Everett E. Hudiburg Award, the American Burn Association Dr. John Moncrief Award, and the United Fire Communities Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chiefs Award. He has been inducted into the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Hall of Fame and named a University of Maryland University College Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

Siarnicki graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science and management and a Master of Science degree in

VENT TO PREVENT

CORROSION MAV

AAV

ILV

NFPA 13 requires the addition of an air vent on each wet pipe fire sprinkler system that utilizes metallic pipe to help mitigate internal pipe corrosion. PURGEnVENT valves come in a variety of styles. The 7910MAV is a manual air vent that has the smallest footprint on the market. The M7900AAV features an 7900V automatic air vent that releases excess air while the system is in operation. It also includes an isolation valve and purge valve. The purge valve helps air exit the system faster when filling, and it can be used as a vacuum break when draining the system. The vacuum break helps the system drain faster and protects gaskets from being dislodged on other system components when draining. The M7930ECA includes a pipe cap for easy installation, and the M7950ILV features an air separation chamber that installs into the main branch SC AN FO FOR MORE IN line for applications with difficult to reach system high-points.

www.agfmfg.com SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 15

From l to r: Siarnicki working with then U.S. Fire Administrator Keith Bryant and Chief Dennis Compton, then chair of the NFFF board, on issues relative to the NFFF and USFA. The NFFF team in New York at the NFFF Operations Center during its effort to support the FDNY as a result of 9/11. Chief Dennis Compton, then NFFF board chair, and Siarnicki being recognized by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs. technology management from the University of Maryland College Park and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

It seems like the word gets out about Siarnicki, and he’s often asked to join local efforts and organizations. “When I moved to Kent Island in the Chesapeake Bay, I’d find an application in my mailbox for the community’s volunteer firehouse every week. I’d go down and tell them ‘no,’ but guess who has now been president for ten years,” he says with a laugh.

FAMILY TIME AND DOWNTIME Siarnicki has been married to his high school sweetheart Jan for over 40 years, and they enjoy spending downtime together.

“On Saturdays, we try to get out to our 10-acre farm in Caroline County,” he says. “I also have a couple of antique fire trucks that I enjoy tooling around with.”

Siarnicki and his wife sit on the board of directors for the Enchanted Haven Horse Rescue, a not-for-profit private foundation that works with local and regional entities to locate abandoned, abused, and neglected horses who are then nursed back to good health.

“I assume I’ll soon be retiring after being with the Foundation for 21 years,” comments Siarnicki. “Then I may try to continue with some of my charities and enjoy life—ride tractors and enjoy fire trucks.”

HONORING A DEDICATION TO LIFE SAFETY AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award was created to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have had a national impact in advancing life safety and property protection through the use of automatic fire sprinklers. Each year, AFSA’s Legislative Committee selects a recipient from a pool of nominations. Their nomination is then approved by the AFSA Board of Directors.

“When Chief Siarnicki was on the management team for the Prince George’s County Maryland Fire & Rescue Department, the department was one of the first in the nation to mandate that all new townhomes and new single-family homes were to be sprinklered,” comments AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia. “This eventually carried forward to include the entire state of Maryland, based upon the tremendous data and results found in Prince George’s County.

Chief Siarnicki is very deserving of this award, and I look forward to presenting it to him at AFSA 41,” comments AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., president, CEO and founding partner of Fire & Life Safety America in Richmond, Virginia.

“Chief Siarnicki’s dedication to the fire service and, in particular, his commitment toward promoting fire sprinkler legislation that enhances the safety of our communities across the country is unprecedented,” comments AFSA Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Support Bruce Lecair, who serves as staff liaison to the AFSA Legislative Committee.

From l to r: From l to r: Jan and Ron Siarnicki at the St. Patrick’s Day parade with his truck that his father rode in as a volunteer firefighter in Monessen. Siarnicki and his first horse Sage at the farm preparing for an outing on the trail. Jan’s passion for animals of all kinds brings Westies into the Siarnicki home.

16 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

“Chief Siarnicki is more than just a unique figure in the world of firefighting,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “A third-generation firefighter, his tireless dedication to fire- and life-safety training programs, firefighter safety, and support of the families of fallen fighters are unparalleled. The American Fire Sprinkler Association is honored to be able to acknowledge his career-long efforts and his support of the fire sprinkler industry.”

“From the time Ron stepped onto a fireground more than 40 years ago to his current role as the head of the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation, he has championed efforts that keep firefighters safe and ensure they go home at the end of their shifts,” says Lorraine Carli, president of HFSC and vice president of outreach and advocacy for NFPA. “His informed and passionate drive for sprinklers is central to his advocacy work and undoubtedly has saved lives and educated countless individuals on the value of sprinklers.”

Siarnicki shies away from all the praise and accolades. “I am honored to have been selected by AFSA to receive this award. My life has been committed to making things better than how I found them, and that includes my efforts for fire prevention and life safety.”

He continues, “All of my accomplishments have been a result of the support and assistance I have gotten from family, friends, and coworkers along the way; no one can do it alone. I appreciate this recognition and hope that it will inspire others to carry forward all of the work that has been done to this point in time in an effort to make our communities safer and a great place to live, work, and play.”

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial was built in 1981. The stone monument is encircled by plaques listing the names of fire service members who died in the line-of-duty since then.

Siarnicki will be presented with AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award during the general session at AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition on October 16 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. To learn more about and register for AFSA41, visit www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA41. n EDITOR’S NOTE: All three of AFSA’s annual awards—the Henry S. Parmelee Award, Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award, and Young Professional of the Year Award—accept nominations year-round at www.firesprinkler.org/awards.

CALLING ALL AHJs! Attend Free AHJ Day at AFSA41 AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held October 16-19 at the Bellagio Las Vegas, will feature a day especially designed for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and it’s free to attend! Join AFSA on Wednesday, October 19, for a plan review seminar in the morning and to walk the exhibit hall that afternoon, free for AHJs in uniform. To attend, register in advance at www.firesprinkler.org/register-for-afsa41/or onsite.

Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (AHJs only) Keith Heckler, FEMA Review of automatic fire sprinkler system plans has become very complex as the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 has been completely re-organized and expanded to provide more information than ever before on fire sprinkler system design and installation. This seminar will guide attendees in a discussion of the requirements for plans and calculations contained in Chapter 27 and will include an exercise in hands-on review of a fire sprinkler system plan, including the overall design concept, hydraulic calculations, seismic bracing, and the underground supply system. Evaluation of the decisions made on the part of the system designer dealing with hazard and commodity classification, building construction type, positioning of the sprinkler and their spacing, and materials selection will all be among the topics which are a part of the review. This seminar will rely heavily on attendee participation and will generate a list of items which require further clarification or revisions. A question-and-answer session will follow the completion of the plan review. Plan reviewers and field inspectors should find this seminar helpful and will most likely find areas where their own review checklist can be modified or improved. An architect’s scale and a copy of the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 are strongly recommended for attendees. 3.0 Hours | 0.3 CEUs | 3.0 CPDs AFSA41 Exhibition AFSA’s exhibition hall showcases nearly 500 exhibiting company representatives, making it hands-down the leading exhibition of fire sprinkler products and services in the country. Take the afternoon to tour the exhibits, featuring over 87 companies in 122 booths. In addition, AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition will take place in the exhibit hall, showcasing the “best of the best” in the industry! Seven apprentices will cut, thread, and install a miniature wet pipe system complete with sprinklers and a pressure test— all on display for exhibit hall attendees. Established in 1994, the AFSA National Apprentice Competition promotes the strengthening and growth of skilled apprentices through higher education, advocacy, and industry promotion.

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 17

DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR BUSINESS—ATTEND AFSA41 NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST FIRE SPRINKLER EXHIBIT IS A SURE BET!

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 41st Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition (AFSA41) is offering this year’s largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the country! Visit Las Vegas and the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers October 16-19 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. This year’s event will feature over 87 companies in 122 booths, nearly 60 technical and managerial seminars, the National Apprentice Competition, and entertaining social events! This is four days with nearly 400-plus decision makers, representing 200 contractor companies—a valuable opportunity to grow your business, your contacts, and your knowledge! Plus, you asked, and we listened! This year, rest longer and rise later with registration opening at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 16, and 7:30 a.m. each following day. It’s Vegas, baby, and we know you want to enjoy it to the fullest!

EXHIBITS, ENGAGEMENTS, AND EXCITEMENT! The old meets the new at convention each year—reconnect with old friends while also having the opportunity to meet new faces. Visit companies from around the globe, each exhibiting innovative products and services in the industry. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall Wednesday, October 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Exhibition Grand Opening Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s annual convention. AFSA Chairman of the Board Jack Medovich, Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia, will host the reception and will offer the first look at this year’s exhibits. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be plentiful as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers across the expansive hall.

The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees. Here, the National Apprentice Competition sprinkler installation practical test will take place and convention goers will be able to watch as the top seven apprentices cut, thread, and install a steel and plastic pipe system with sprinklers. Judges will perform a pressure test on each system and calculate points earned in this phase of the competition. See this competition for yourself and decide who you think the judges will deem most successful!

Then, join AFSA Wednesday night as the apprentice competition champion is crowned during a party for the ages. The “Music

18 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

Join AFSA at the luxurious Bellagio Las Vegas for education, training, networking, and fun!

Through the Decades” theme will feature top hits from iconic artists over the years and be held at the Bellagio Pool. This night of fun will include dinner, drinks, and live entertainment to cap off the convention. Prepare to dazzle fellow industry professionals by dressing in your favorite musical decade—while it’s not required, we heavily encourage it (plus, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes)! Finally, be there to see whose name is added to the AFSA Apprentice “Hall of Fame” plaque and takes home the top prize—the title of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentice and $5,000 cash.

NETWORKING AROUND THE CLOCK Whether you’re mingling during the evening with a cocktail in hand, or you’re just starting your day at breakfast, AFSA’s convention is filled with networking opportunities! Contractors and exhibitors with an “all-access” registration can enjoy three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches. Gather together to share ideas, product information, and more all while breaking bread together.

This meal offer is valid for one breakfast and one lunch per night reserved at the Bellagio Las Vegas in the AFSA group block.

AFSA’s NextGen Initiative will host this year’s Opening Night Party, Sunday, October 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at On the Record Speakeasy & Club at Park MGM. Enter through a functioning record store and shift over to a 1970s-period design venue. This funkadelic space will captivate you the moment you walk in with its decked out authentic music nostalgia. Selfie

opportuities here are endless with a wall of antique TVs, framed vinyl records, and even a 1963 Bristol double-decker bus. Test your skills on one of the various pinball machines, sing your heart out in a private karaoke room, or slip away to the hidden speakeasy parlor.

The fun never stops with DJs spinning and callers dancing! Take this moment to mingle with industry professionals, apprentices, the NextGen work group, and whoever else you rub shoulders with.

This event is open to all-access registrants 21 and over. The relationships you make here could last a business lifetime!

THE BELLAGIO, WHERE ELSE? Vegas is calling, and this year it means business! Be sure to book your stay at this year’s convention headquarter hotel—Bellagio Las Vegas—and be transported to an elegant European resort. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the dancing water fountains synchronized to music. Once inside you will be immersed in the natural light bathing the lobby through glass ceilings along with the fresh flowers and trees of the Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens. With all the hustle of the flashing lights and neon signs that come with Vegas territory, let the Bellagio transport you to a calming oasis. Indulge yourself with lavish rooms, award-winning restaurants, and a luxurious spa, all while surrounded by works from the world’s most renowned artists.

Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and dancing poolside during the closing night’s “Music Through the Decades” Awards Party.

Guests will enjoy first-rate dining options, exclusive shopping at Via Bellagio, and sophisticated nightlife at Lily Bar & Lounge, and the Baccarat Bar. In addition to the free breakfast and lunch offer for “all-access” convention registrants, the entire AFSA room block nested within the Spa Tower is located steps away from all meeting spaces. AFSA’s group rate for Bellagio Las Vegas is $284 per night

AFSA41 Exhibitors (as of June 29, 2022)

AGF Manufacturing, Inc., Malvern, PA American Backflow Products Co., Tallahassee, FL AFSA, Dallas, TX Ameriflo, Rossville, TN ARGCO, Carlsbad, CA Armstrong Pumps Inc., Toronto, ON ASC Engineered Solutions, Exeter, NH Asurio, Boulder, CO Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA), Columbus, OH BAVCO, Long Beach, CA BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems, Brecksville, OH Brecco Distribution Corporation, Phoenix, AZ Brooks Equipment Company, Inc., Charlotte, NC BuildingReports.Com, Suwanee, GA Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, MO C-Aire Compressors, Inc, Dresser, WI Centrury Fire Protection, Duluth, GA Cintas Fire Protection, Mason, OH Cla-Val Company, Costa Mesa, CA Clarke Fire Prot. Products Inc., Cincinnati, OH Core & Main Fire Protection, St. Louis, MO Croker Div. Fire-End & Croker Corp., Elmsford, NY Doringer Cold Saws, Gardena, CA Driven Fire Consultants, Sioux Falls, SD Dropmaster by Gecco, Inc, Factoryville, PA Duyar Vana Makina San. Ve Tic. A.S., Istanbul, Turkey Eaton’s B-Line Division/TOLCO, Highland, IL

Engineered Corrosion Solutions, St. Louis, MO Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Newport News, VA Fire Tech Productions, Centerville, OH FireDos US Inc, Houston, TX Firetrol, Inc., Apex, NC Gast Manufacturing, Benton Harbor, MI General Air Products Inc., Exton, PA Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc., Miami, FL Hydratec, Inc., Windham, NH IPV, Phoenix, AZ JG Innovations, Inc., Janesville, WI Job Gmbh, Ahrensburg, HA Johnson Controls, Lansdale, PA Kennedy Valve, Horseheads, NY Loos & Company, Inc., Naples, FL M.E.P. CAD, Henderson, NV Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI National Construction Workforce, Indianapolis, IN NFPA, Quincy, MA NCCER, Alachua, FL Noble Company, Spring Lake, MI Nucor Tubular Products, Trinity, AL Nuvo Solutions, Clayton, NC Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK Pace Machinery Group, Inc., Wasco, IL Pace Supply Corp., North Highlands, CA Paragon Industries, Inc., Sapulpa, OK Peerless Pump Company, Indianapolis, IN Perimeter Solutions, Clayton, MO Permabond, Somerset, NJ PHD Manufacturing, Inc., Columbiana, OH

Polymer Molding Inc., Erie, PA Potter Electric Signal Company, Maryland Heights, MO Potter Roemer, City of Industry, CA Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Elmsford, NY Ridge Tool Company, (Emerson), Elyria, OH Safe Fleet Fire, EMS & Industrial Group, Elkhart, IN Safe Signal, St. Louis, MO ServiceTrade, Inc, Durham, NC Shawfor, Calgary, Alberta SIGMA Piping Products, Houston, TX Snap Drill AS, Oslo, Norway South-Tek Systems, Wilmington, NC Spears Manufacturing Co., Sylmar, CA SPP Pumps, Inc., Norcross, GA Talco Industries Inc. dba Talco Fire Systems, Portland, OR Texas Manufacturing Company, Whitesboro, TX The Hose Monster Company, Lake Zurich, IL The Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL The Viking Corporation, Caledonia, MI Tornatech International, Inc., Laval, QC United Fire Systems, Kenilworth, NJ Victaulic, Easton, PA Watts Water Technologies, North Andover, MA Wheatland Tube Company, Chicago, IL Winsupply, Lithonia, GA Xylem Inc., Morton Grove, IL Zurn Industries, LLC, Milwaukee, WI

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 19

plus tax for Run of House. Call (888) 987-6667 to make your reservation. Group rates are available October 10-23, 2022, but reservations must be made by September 16, 2022, to ensure AFSA convention rates. After September 16, 2022, room rates are based on availability. Be sure to ask the booking agent to confirm your reservation includes both the resort fee and complimentary internet.

REGISTER TODAY! The regular registration deadline is August 26, 2022. Register by then to save the most! Late registration dates, with higher fees, are

August 27-October 14, 2022. After October 14, registrations must be made onsite in Las Vegas, and fees higher than online rates will be incurred. You can read more details and register to attend all convention-related events at firesprinkler.org/register-for-afsa41. n EDITOR'S NOTE: Don’t let your reservation be hijacked! AFSA is aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendors. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHRS) and Global Housing. They are NOT endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA nor its show, and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences like no free networking meals nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by using reservation links provided above.

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND AFSA41 1. GET INSPIRED by our line-up of nationally recognized speakers. The industry’s biggest and best provide the most bang for your buck with prominent panelists as well as expert industry practitioners with topics and tips to help you remain strong, competitive, and profitable during uncertain times.

2. EARN CEU/CPDs at relevant workshops. Offering four jammedpacked days of intensive, educational and managerial seminars, AFSA41 provides an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to earn CEUs, CPDs, and Contact Hours. With concurrent seminars, you’ll want to bring several people from your company.

3. BE UP-TO-DATE ON NEW STANDARDS Learn the ins-and-outs of the 2022 editions of NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 20 and the 2019 edition of NFPA 14. Plus, get a preview of the 2023 editions of NFPA 25 and NFPA 14 as well as insights into the 2025 revision cycles for NFPA 13/13R/13D, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20. Don’t get burned from a lack of knowledge. System design professionals will benefit from a working knowledge of this process, and it is especially important for those involved in the design-build market.

4. GET MORE, FOR LESS For contractors and exhibitors with an “allaccess” registration, three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches are provided free. Contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers can gather together to share ideas and share information on products while enjoying a great meal together. This meal offer is valid for one breakfast and one lunch per night reserved at the Bellagio Las Vegas in the AFSA group block.

5. LEARN THE TRICKS AND TRAPS before you take steps to expand your business plan into other areas such as inspections, residential, or storage or with dozens of member-driven educational sessions with hundreds of ideas. AFSA guarantees that you will leave the convention with solutions, strategies, and creative ideas to incorporate into your business.

6. MAKE CONNECTIONS that will last throughout your career. The networking events and social opportunities at AFSA41 are incredibly popular

20 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

and a useful place to start making connections. Participate in the seminars, attend the general session, walk the exhibition hall, network at the Opening Night Party and Music Through the Decades-themed Awards Party, and congratulate the winners at the awards party.

7. TRACK INDUSTRY TRENDS that can affect your business. Attending AFSA41 allows you to glean information about current and future trends. The information learned can easily give you a leg up on your competition.

8. MEGA EXHIBIT HALL As host to the industry’s largest and most comprehensive exposition featuring products and services of more than 80 companies from across the globe, AFSA’s exhibition is a proven opportunity for people to connect with great prospects as well as grow and cultivate their existing networks.

9. DISCOVER LAS VEGAS Experience the best of the city at Bellagio Las Vegas. Take one step onto the fountain-fronted property and you will instantly find yourself amid lavish rooms, award-winning restaurants, and a luxurious spa, all the while surrounded by works from the world’s most renowned artists. Best of all, with the special room rate negotiated for AFSA41, you’ll enjoy this luxury for no more—and in many cases, much less—than other hotels in the surrounding area.

10. A LASTING IMPACT So many resources to explore, with access to speakers and workshops on a multitude of industry- and business-related topics—this event has the potential to equip and inspire you to make a lasting difference in your business (and add to your bottom line).

NEED ONE LAST REASON TO ATTEND? 11. SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION by attending AFSA41. AFSA is a member-driven organization and we depend on and value your membership. AFSA41 content is a direct result of your input, participation, and investment. AFSA is confident that you will make a profit on your investment with the seminars, trade show, and social opportunities available at AFSA41. Register today at firesprinkler.org/AFSA41!

VIRGINIA HOSTS CAREER FAIR AFSA CHAPTER SHARES FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES WITH LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

T

BOB BECKWITH | AFSA VIRGINIA CHAPTER he American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Virginia Chapter held an interactive Fire Protection Industry Career Fair on March 29, 2022, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, focusing on fire protection careers in fire sprinkler, fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and detection industries.

The career fair was open to local high school students, recent graduates, parents, teachers, and career counselors interested in learning about the fire protection industry careers available to their students in the Richmond area.

The purpose of the career fair was to expose local students and graduates to the many careers and career paths in installation, ITM, design, fabrication, and manufacturing in the fire protection industry. Attendees were wowed by the hands-on experience provided by the contractor and vendor members of the Virginia Chapter, allowing them to explore pipe fitting, fire alarm, fabrication, use of fire extinguisher, manufacturing and live demonstrations of Auto CAD, RIVIT, and 3D modeling.

The career fair had a virtual reality table set up so attendees could practice resetting a dry pipe valve, two interactive fire alarm tables with devices to activate, a fire extinguisher table where attendees could practice electronically putting out a fire on a screen, an Auto CAD/RIVIT/3D modeling demonstration with an expert on site, a 48-in. pipe wrench and Hose Monster were on display as well as a screen running the National Apprentice Competition from AFSA40 held in San Antonio, Texas.

The chapter had 12 member companies participate and showcase different aspects of the fire protection industry at each table.

Contractor members participating in the event were ACI, Akers Fire Protection, Cavalier Fire Protection, Eagle Fire, FLSA, and VSC Fire & Security. Vendor members participating included Core & Main, Ferguson Fire and Fab, Hajoca, Reliable, and Viking.

Representatives from Henrico County Public Schools, Henrico County Fire Department (bringing their explorer program with kids ages 14-20), and the City of Richmond Public School System were duly impressed with the interactive fair and job opportunities in the fire protection industry for their students.

“The career fair was the correct mix of hands-on and displays of career paths. It was eye-opening for the attendees,” comments Jeff Lewis, vice president of inspections for VSC Fire & Security, Inc. in Ashland, Virginia. “It will also change how we interface with some of the schools’ career fairs. One of

AFSA’s Virginia Chapter held a career fair for local high school students that featured 12 member companies that showcased the industry.

the larger districts want us to participate as a group at their large fair in October.”

He continues, “A few of our members said they were able to speak to two or three candidates after the show and were pretty pleased with that and are looking forward to what the future holds.”

The chapter expects this career fair to lead to numerous opportunities for Central Virginia members to provide internships and employment from these local area high school systems. For more information about the career fair or the Virginia Chapter, visit virginiaafsa.org or contact Steve McGee, the chapter's executive director, via email at exedirafsava@gmail.com. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Beckwith is chair of the AFSA Virginia Chapter and owner of Cavalier Fire Protection, LLC in Dumfries, Virginia. Email at BBeckwith@cavalierfire.com.

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 21

KATIE MEEHAN RECEIVES 2022 YPY AWARD REFINED TALENT ARRIVES TO THE FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY

A

SYDNEY RICHARDSON | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION s fate would have it, some things are just meant to be. At least, that’s how things played out for Katie Meehan, director of marketing at VSC Fire & Security, Ashland, Virginia. Growing up with a father who was already in the fire sprinkler industry, one could understand how Meehan could follow in her father’s footsteps one day. However, Meehan herself did not join the fire sprinkler industry until just four years ago. Still, since her arrival, Meehan’s work has been nothing short of impactful. Since joining VSC, Meehan has

hit the ground running with her involvement in the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) NextGen Workgroup, Public Education & Awareness Committee, Convention Committee, as well as AFSA’s Virginia Chapter. What’s more, is that Meehan’s dedication to the industry has helped pave the way to her success.

For these reasons, AFSA is pleased to announce that Meehan has been elected by her peers as the recipient of AFSA’s 2022 Young Professional of the Year (YPY) award, which highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional under 40 who demonstrates exemplary technical, professional, and inclusive leadership skills in their business and at a national level.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO FIRE SPRINKLERS

Katie Meehan, director of marketing for VSC Fire & Security, is AFSA’s 2022 Young Professional of hte Year.

22 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

Katie Meehan’s father, Mike Meehan, who has served on AFSA’s Board of Directors since 2008 and was Chair of the Board 2015-2107, began working for VSC as a pipe fitter apprentice, and after years of hard work and involvement, he eventually became the company’s CEO. Despite the many decades Mike has spent at VSC, Katie didn’t have plans to join the industry.

“I did not think I would ever be in the sprinkler business. I grew up in it, my dad was heavily involved, but I was never involved in any way professionally. I had no interest or any idea I would get into it,” Katie recalled.

Meehan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and management from Virginia Tech in 2013, which led to the start of her career in branding, marketing, and sales.

Meehan spent her first five years after graduation in New York, where she helped craft-alcohol companies with their branding and strategy.

Eventually, she decided it was time to come home. “I was looking to make a change and get out of New York. I was thinking about coming home to Virginia, and this opportunity came up to work with VSC. I was originally hired, and I thought it would be a quick gig, almost like a contractor’s job, and four years later, I’m still here.”

When asked how she began working at VSC, Meehan explained, “I came home for the Fourth of July one year, and my dad had all of his plans for VSC’s rebrand laid out on the kitchen table. We went over them together, I asked a few questions, and finally asked him who was managing the project. He told me that he and his CFO were handling it, to which I replied, ‘You guys don’t have any business running a rebrand campaign!’”

AFSA First Vice Chair and AFSA40 Convention Chair Linda Biernacki and Meehan celebrating during a very successful 40th convention.

Meehan with the VSC team at AFSA40, including employees from Atlanta, Little Rock, and Virginia Beach.

SEPARATE IDENTITIES

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

While Meehan was happy to return home to Virginia and begin her career with VSC, she still had her reservations about working with her father. From the beginning, it was important to both that they had their own identities while working together at the same company. Meehan noted that although the industry is beautiful for harboring many family businesses, she did not want to experience nepotism simply because she was related to her father. “He was definitely excited to have me on board. We work really well together, and I really admire him and look up to him in a lot of ways. It’s been an honor. It’s pretty big shoes to fill having the last name that I do, but I’m thankful for that most days,” Meehan explained.

Still, Meehan credits her father for his guidance in her life over the years. “I have a great relationship with my dad. He’s been a mentor of mine since I was little, through sports as a kid, working high school jobs, and then once I got into corporate America, we really started connecting on business. We’ve always enjoyed talking about work, and [I have always enjoyed] learning from him. I think I get a lot of my business and professional traits from him.”

She continued, “I’ve been very lucky to have some incredible role models, bosses, and mentors over the years. I wouldn’t be here today without all of their guidance. Linda Biernacki has also been a mentor of mine and someone I really look up to. She’s been so helpful with getting more involved and establishing myself within the industry. Linda is always quick to share her experience, and give advice on how to problem solve.”

Biernacki, founder of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, and First Vice Chair for AFSA’s Board of Directors explained how she met Meehan and developed a relationship with her over the years. She reflected on how Meehan’s father would bring his family to AFSA conventions and said, “As the years passed and Katie started working in the industry, we began seeking each other out. Having lunch, dinner, and visiting in between meetings, we were always having great conversations. Being a female in a male-dominated industry, we mentor and encourage each other. We revel and laugh about our adventures.”

Awareness has been and continues to be one of the largest obstacles the industry faces. The million-dollar question that plagues the minds of industry professionals alike is how to recruit new blood and, in turn, keep them around. While those who have been in the industry for years understand the prestige that comes with the territory, this message struggles to be conveyed to future generations.

That being said, for marketing professionals such as Meehan, to say they have their work cut out for them is an understatement.

“The fire sprinkler industry isn’t sexy,” Meehan said with a laugh.

“It’s true! In general, I think the trade has always had a disadvantage in terms of full-time employment and career opportunities, and we’re starting to see a shift in that, but us being a sub, or a lesser-known trade has always been a hurdle.” Meehan continued on to explain that many people will often think of firefighters or sprinklers in the ground when they think of “fire,” though she hopes to change that.

Further, Meehan suggests that companies need to look inward first. Instead of comprising a completely planned-out strategy for how to increase numbers, sometimes, simplicity is best. “I think everyone wants this magic answer of here’s the formula that we’re putting in place. And we’re really seeing this as an industry-wide problem and a nationwide problem. One thing we are trying to put in place is focusing our efforts specifically on retainment—because retainment is a huge part of recruiting. We are encouraging our members to really examine their company culture and their company atmosphere [to see if] they’re the type of people they would want to work for. So, encouraging you to look at your benefits package, your pay scale, your per diem, all types of elements and really encouraging people to go inward first because I think it’s a little easier right now to look out and say, ‘Okay, how do we get from here, how do we hire them?’”

Meehan has exemplified leadership from the beginning. She has not confined herself to the local level and has made sure to branch out her efforts to the national level. “I got involved at the national and local levels as soon as I got involved in the industry. At a local level, I’ve been focused on involving more contractors and getting more contractor support because it can sometimes be a struggle at a local level. Certain chapters tend to have heavier vendor support at certain events.”

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 23

Katie and Mike Meehan at their first annual VSC Safety Summit.

Locally, Meehan handles VSC’s social media and represents NextGen for the Virginia Chapter. “At a national level, I originally got involved with NextGen, and I also joined the Legislative and Membership committees at the same time. I then transitioned off of the Legislative committee, and now I’m on the Public Education & Awareness, Convention, and Membership committees,” she said. “I worked really closely with Meaghen Wills, (who frankly deserves most of the credit for where NextGen is today) when she was the chair of NextGen. Meaghen taught me a lot about the industry and the association. She’s been involved from a young age, and was a wealth of knowledge when I first started. I think that we have tried to commit to getting younger people and those like-minded individuals involved in the industry and how we can better promote and help with things.”

A LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE Meehan understands the importance of implementing new tactics to attract new industry professionals. Among these efforts is a program to help sponsor contractor members to attend AFSA’s annual convention. “We are currently working with a couple of other committees to create a sponsor or scholarship program that would encourage individuals under the age of 40 to apply and receive a sponsorship to attend convention. We oftentimes see mid- to higher-level management at convention. Once you’re there, you see the magic and the family that the industry has, and that is something we are working on—trying to get more attendance at convention.”

Efforts such as these don’t go unnoticed. Josiah Bergen, CEO of Heritage Fire Sprinkler Inc., Wichita, Kansas, and nominator of Meehan for this year’s award, stated, “Katie has been a fantastic chair of NextGen and has shown great leadership in helping NextGen nail down purpose in the industry. Katie is also a member of several other AFSA committees and is not afraid to question the status quo of the industry, bringing in fresh ideas of how to help the industry thrive in an ever-changing world.”

Meehan’s work and suggestions don’t stop there—she also wants to continue to pay tribute to the past while also being innovative for the future. “Legislation is such a big part of our industry. We are constantly evolving and changing as the world around us does. It’s important that we take the time to do this internally as well. There is a

24 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

fine line between progress and innovation, while also respecting and remembrance of the past. We need both to have a successful industry.”

“One of my old bosses used to always say, ‘Innovate or die,’ and, although it may sound extreme, I’ve since used it as guiding point. If we don’t capture the knowledge, stories, and history that exist with the dying industry that we have, then we’re going to lose it. It’s really important that we all create, speak out, and mentor— that we are investing in ourselves, and we’re speaking out to people to invest in our generation as well,” Meehan explained.

Bergen adds that the next generation has a thing or two that can be learned from Meehan. “Katie’s professional background is marketing, but she has not let that be her only impact on the industry. She has gone far above and beyond her marketing duties through the leadership she has taken in the industry. I think that Katie is a great example of how we all should be striving to go above and beyond what is expected of us in order to positively impact our industry and the communities we help protect.”

Finally, Biernacki credits Meehan for her leadership. “Great leaders listen, and Katie has this as one of her greatest qualities. She hears what you are saying, assesses, then offers ideas and solutions.

She has worked relentlessly behind the scenes in a quiet and methodical way, with no expectation of a reward. [Her] future is very bright!”

NEARING A DECADE OF RECOGNITION This year marks the seventh annual YPY award—presented by AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI), which is on a mission to recognize the outstanding talent and achievements of newcomers in the fire sprinkler industry. These professionals aged 40 and under can be described by a variety of adjectives—movers and shakers, innovators; but by all definitions, NGI’s YPY award winners are most recognized for how they shape the business landscape with their passion and sense of community. The award also seeks to promote the emergence of new talented professionals and inspire companies to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession.

“Katie is a very talented, driven individual. She is passionate about our industry and our association,” said AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia. “Her vision in leading NextGen is exciting and transformational.”

“Katie Meehan is an excellent choice for this recognition,” commented AFSA President Bob Caputo. “In her relatively short time in this industry, she has been a shining star with a fresh perspective. Her education and experience in branding and marketing allows her to bring a unique and exciting point of view along with new ideas to our challenges. Katie’s enthusiasm and energy are obvious to anyone who attends a meeting with her in the room.”

The YPY award will be presented to Meehan during the general session on Tuesday, October 18, at AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas. Learn more and register to attend at firesprinkler.org/AFSA41. For more details on AFSA or its NextGen Initiative, visit firesprinkler.org/nextgen. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you know someone to nominate for AFSA’s YPY award? Nominations can be done online at www.firesprinkler.org/awards. Each award has a specific deadline, but you can nominate now for 2023 awards including Fire Sprinkler Advocate, YPY, Fire Sprinklers Save Lives, and the Henry S. Parmelee awards.

AFSA’S ITM Graduates Lead the Industry

NICET Recognized

ITM

INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Training Provider

AFSA’s 20-month Inspector Development Program guides your novice inspector technicians as they gain knowledge and practical skills while learning to perform code-compliant inspections.

93% PASS RATE

PAYMENT PLAN

UP-TO-DATE

CONVENIENT

ITM Program graduates achieve a 93% pass rate on NICET Level I & II exams*, exceeding the 63% national average.

All program materials are based on NFPA 25, 2017 Ed., to correspond with current certification exams.

Available in four easy installments. $1,250 due at enrollment, $1,000 due at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months.

The first six months of the program is online and over 90% of the training is remote or on-demand.

www.firesprinkler.org/ITM *AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET exams or certification by NICET.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR BURN SURVIVORS VIRGINIA CHAPTER AND BURN SURVIVORS FOUNDATION SUPPORT CAMP

T

KATY LAWALIN | CENTRAL VIRGINIA BURN CAMP

he Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)and its 501c3 Burn Survivors Foundation have supported the Central Virginia Burn Camp since 2000 donating $524,400 over the last 21 years. The 2022 Central Virginia Burn Camp was held June 12-18 at Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The theme for Central Virginia Burn Camp this summer was superheroes, and I cannot think of a more fitting theme for this wonderful group of people! The campers shine with an inner strength that can only come from going through the darkest of traumas. The staff, counselors, and volunteers who give their time and efforts are some of the most selfless people you will ever meet, doing anything they can to give the campers a perfect week.

That perfect week included a young burn survivor riding a horse for the very first time, a giggling group of teenage girls getting dolled up for the camp dance and beaming with smiles when one of the girls was asked to slow dance, or the adult burn survivor there as a counselor now who finally had the courage to climb the rock wall for the very first time after years of coming to camp!

This camp is so much more than just one week out of the summer where kids play together, and adults take a week off from work. Lives are changed here. Burn survivors learn that there are others like them, others who look different, walk differently, but that this is a safe place where those differences do not stand out, and there are no curious stares or uncomfortable questions. This is a place where wigs, scars, and amputations do not get a second glance. The campers can all be free and comfortable in their own skin, no matter what that skin looks like.

Our entire Central Virginia Burn Camp family works to help these young burn survivors realize that their lives may never be the same, but they can find a new normal and be perfectly happy with their life as a burn survivor. We have had the enormous privilege to watch some of our young burn survivors grow up into outstanding adults and successful members of their communities. It is a gift to see those older burn survivors come back to camp as counselors and help

26 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

Campers dressed up and danced the night away at the Central Virginia Burn Camp’s 2022 dance.

guide the young burn survivors through challenges only they know how to face, and we get to see them face those challenges together. Those younger campers begin holding their heads higher, smiles come more freely, and scars are no longer hidden. That repeating process of growth and strength is truly a beautiful thing.

I know I speak for the entire Central Virginia Burn Camp family when I say thank you to every single person who makes this camp possible! Because of this camp we know that even during our lowest times, we will rise and come out stronger than before and surrounded in love.

In sticking with the superhero theme, I leave you with a very fitting quote from the one and only Superman, “I think a hero is an ordinary induvial who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katy Lawalin is a burn survivor and now burn camp counselor supported by George Wagner, who is an an AFSA National Life Member, AFSA Virginia Chapter member, and director of the Burn Survivors Foundation.

HEALTH INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS MMIC CAN HELP REDUCE COSTS FOR GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL PLANS

T

ED STERCZEK | MASS MARKETING INSURANCE CONSULTANTS

oday, individual members and small businesses are looking for ways to reduce health insurance costs.

With healthcare costs escalating over 10 percent per year, members are looking for lower cost health insurance options.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has partnered with Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC) to offer a variety of insurance options to members including a free, no-cost, no obligation group health or individual insurance quote. Funded Plan options are available as group health insurance and companies can make two or more plan options available to their employees, including PPO, HMO, and Level.

A company with a minimum of two employees can enroll at any time (no open enrollment period). However, there is a Small Group Special Open Enrollment Period once a year (November 1 to December 15) when it’s easier for small businesses to offer group health insurance to employees. That is because during this 45 day period: 1. Your business does not have to contribute to the premiums; and 2. Only one employee needs to enroll to establish a group plan.

There is no minimum participation or contribution requirements to enroll on a group basis.

For individual health insurance, the open enrollment period runs from November 1 to December 15 of each year with effective coverage on January 1. Coverage is guaranteed and covers all conditions (pre-existing conditions are covered). Employees who unable to enroll during the open enrollment period can acquire insurance if he or she experiences a qualifying event (i.e., involuntary loss of health coverage, marriage, addition of a newborn, become a U.S. citizen, or permanent move to another state.) Short-term insurance is also available from one to 36 months if the individual qualifies.

Further, dental, vision, life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance plans are offered to groups. This coverage is guaranteed (no health questions) and is available on a voluntary basis. Employer contribution is not required.

Group dental insurance provides coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.

Group vision insurance offers plans with co-pays for exams, eye glass lenses, contact lenses, and frames. Group life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance plans are available to firms with less than 10 employees ($50,000 per employee) and firms with more than 10 employees ($100,000 per employee) respectively.

MMIC can offer the broadest range of insuring companies, policies, and plans. The staff at MMIC will analyze the health insurance needs of AFSA members and provide impartial objective advice with a view to improving coverage and reducing costs. For more information, contact Ed Sterczek at (800) 349-1039 or email ed.s@mmicinsurance.com. n

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 27

OUR LI JUST SMA

Compact, wrenchable guard and shield for in-rack applications

Pre-assembled guard can be installed with W16 wrench

The Durable P22 & P25 ESFR Sprinkler • • • •

Now the most compact K 22.4 & K 25.2 ESFR on the market Locked wrench ensures a slip-free installation Over 100 years perfecting links No link protector needed

ESFR NE GOT LLER

reliablesprinkler.com/ESFR

TO EXTRACT OR NOT TO EXTRACT? PROTECTING SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES IN NFPA 13

T

KEVIN HALL, M.ENG., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION here is a general note on most contractors’ shop drawings stating, “Design in accordance with NFPA 13,” but do we truly know what that means? What happens if the building is used to store flammable or combustible liquids? What if it is a laboratory using chemicals? How about information technology equipment? If you simply follow the usual requirements in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, you may be missing something. Technically, these occupancies would also have to meet the requirements of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, or NFPA 75, Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, respectively. If NFPA 13 were to reference every special requirement for special occupancies, the standard might start to resemble the Encyclopedia Britannica. So, to cut down on some pages and save some trees, NFPA 13 references the special occupancy requirements in Chapter 26 and provides pointers to these specific standards.

The technical committees for NFPA 13 recognize that they may not have the expertise to create and apply requirements to certain special occupancies and defer to those standards through references in Chapter 26, “Special Occupancy Requirements.” The key to applying those standards lies within the application section of Chapter 26: 26.1.1 Application.

26.1.1.1 In addition to the requirements of Chapter 8, Chapters 11

30 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

NFPA has launched NFPA LiNK®, which is a new digital-access platform for NFPA® codes and standards. through 22, and Chapter 23, the following special occupancy requirements shall apply.

26.1.1.1.1 All provisions of design criteria in this standard, including design area increases and reductions, shall also apply to these special occupancy requirements.

26.1.1.2 Where the requirements of the reference standard differ from the requirements of this standard, the reference standard shall take precedence.

We all know that codes take precedence over standards, but requirements in special occupancy documents must be applied in addition to NFPA 13. Where requirements in the special occupancy document differ, the requirements will supersede the requirements of NFPA 13.

If you have ever asked the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) a technical question or attended one of its seminars or webinars, you should remember that definitions are a very important part of each standard in order to apply requirements in the right context. There is an additional statement in Chapter 26 that references what to do when terms are defined in another document, but not NFPA 13.

26.1.2 Definitions. For terms not defined in Chapter 3, the definitions of the reference standard shall apply.

It should be noted that the definitions in other documents only apply when installing sprinkler systems in those specific special occupancies.

When looking back at the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, the special occupan-

cy chapter is significantly larger than the 2022 edition. So, what happened? Did the Technical Committee incorporate those requirements into the other sections of NFPA 13? When reading the requirements carefully, you can see that the 2022 edition only directs the user to the specific document that has the special occupancy under its scope, and the extracts that were included in the previous edition of NFPA 13 were deleted. While that seems like a lot of useful information was deleted out of the standard, it was done with intent. The extract update process can be onerous as changes in other standards are made by other technical committees, and the context of those moving or updated requirements could be lost in the extraction. The committee felt that it was a more complete requirement to point the user to the appropriate standard so that the special requirements of that standard can be applied in their entirety.

If you preferred the extracted text in NFPA 13 and are now worried that you

have to add a couple of shelves to accommodate all of these referenced texts, don’t fret. With the launch of NFPA LiNK®, the entire NFPA library is at your fingertips.

NFPA LiNK® is a great tool, and the AFSA Engineering & Technical Services staff has been using the application religiously over the past year. The system archives previous versions of most NFPA standards, is fully searchable, and allows for notes and comments to be saved. Try out the two-week trial, and I’m sure you will favor the convenience of the standards at your fingertips rather than having to sift through multiple PDF files or hard copies.

Applying requirements in standards that you are not familiar with may seem like a daunting task, but your AFSA Engineering & Technical Services staff is here to help. We are heavily involved in 54 technical committees that cover 43 codes and standards. If it has to do with sprinklers, we know about it. So, feel free to use your member benefits. Ask us your questions through our Technical Review service, bounce a thought or question off

of the industry in the SprinklerFORUM, or go right to the source and email us at technical@firesprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the senior manager of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is a member of, and involved in, several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees responsible for developing the model codes and standards including, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 13/13R/13D Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 20 Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection, NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and NFPA 915 Remote Inspections. He also represents AFSA on numerous UL standard technical panels responsible for revising and maintaining the product standards used in the sprinkler industry. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland, NICET III certified in water-based system layout, a Certified WaterBased System Professional (NFPA), and a professional member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park in fire protection engineering. In 2021, he was recognized as one of SFPE’s “5 Under 35” award recipients. Prior to his association and committee work, he worked for Reliance Fire Protection in Baltimore, Maryland as a project manager overseeing projects of various sizes and complexity for the Contracts Division.

DESIGNED TO HANDLE

THE PRESSURE

Introducing High Pressure HP FireLoop® & FireVoop Expansion Joints • Standard Fireloops and FireVoops now have 300 psi rating extended through larger diameters • UL Listed at 300 psi for all movements, up through 6” diameter • High pressure option also available for the FireStrait flexible connector with carbon steel end-fittings

To learn more about the High Pressure line from Metraflex Fire Protection Division, visit us online at www.Metrafire.com or call 1-855-FIRELUP

The Metraflex Company © 2021

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 31

THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRENTICESHIP AFSA LAUNCHES NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

L

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

ike many of you, I have been around this industry for more than 45 years and, like many of you, I have heard the refrain, “When we’re busy, we don’t have time for training and when we’re not busy, we don’t have money for it.”

I’m also fond of sharing the comments of one of my former employers who said, “I don’t invest in training programs because people just end up leaving us for a buck and a truck.” My response was, “What happens when we don’t train them and they stay?”

These quotes are not intended to call anyone out or to be provocative, but let’s be real about two important points: 1. The entire construction industry does not have enough manpower for the backlog of work or the future needs of our industry.

This is no less a factor in the fire sprinkler business.

2. We are paying higher wages for lessertrained personnel which is, in turn, adding to our liabilities every day.

With many cities and states adopting $15-per-hour minimum-wage laws and the fast-food industry offering dead-end jobs at $17 per hour and more, our industry is competing for the same group of potential new hires. You cannot grow your company without skilled labor. No, it does not take five years to teach someone how to twist pipe, but there is a lot more to being a good fitter or foreman, foreperson, or field supervisor than just picking up the pipe, sticking it into a hole, and turning it to the right.

Safety on the jobsite, stewardship of tools and equipment, safe driving of company vehicles, avoiding water damage claims, communication skills, managing others, and dealing with jobsite change orders are just a

32 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

Apprentices enrolled in AFSA’s training program may be eligible to compete in the National Apprentice Competition like 2021 Winner Matthew Tyre, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., Vista, California.

few of the skills needed to become an effective fitter or foreperson. Experience takes time and willingness, along with the aptitude and a positive attitude—not to mention the fact that helpers and apprentices help us reduce the cost per hour for the crews on site.

We usually see two models for companies hiring labor to keep the pace with open projects. The first are the farmers, who grow people and spend the time and money to train and educate. The second are the hunters, who go after the people the farmers are training. Often the hunters are picking off “almost-trained” people and paying the wage rates for well-trained people. As the “round robin” of people moving around continues, our industry ends up paying overly inflated wages to people who have little experience and who expose their employers to greater levels of liability. None

of this creates a promising image for the company or the industry.

So, what is the solution? Apprenticeship programs are the solution, and the AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Training is the best and only program available for open shop fire sprinkler contractors. Whether you’re using our books and assessments through an ABC chapter or any other means, the AFSA program is the only curriculum available for training merit shop fire sprinkler fitters. In support of our members and our sprinkler fitter training programs, AFSA will be launching a new support program to assist the process of hiring and managing your apprentices and their progress through apprenticeship training.

Following an initial beta-test period to ensure everything works seamlessly for virtual instruction (scheduled for Quarter 4 of

2022), AFSA will open registration for 2023 Quarter 1 enrollment. Our program will be a National Guideline Standard registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). AFSA will provide multiple options for the management and/or education of your apprentices to fulfill the needs of members.

Under this DOL model, each individual company will need to apply to have an approved Program Standard registered with the DOL. AFSA will provide the guidelines necessary for a successful program and take the burden of discovery off your plate by providing templates and assisting you in executing them. This model is needed because the apprentices must be your employee and not AFSA’s employee.

Next, we are planning three options for participation in AFSA’s training program which basically includes: • Option 1 provides the books and assessments (testing) only. Testing online will include electronically proctored exams.

This will be similar to existing offerings but the curriculum has been updated and a new platform will be used for testing.

• Option 2 adds our virtual classroom training twice per month online with both live and recorded sessions. The live sessions offer an opportunity for apprentices to interact with instructors and ask questions in a live, interactive setting.

• Option 3 adds the option of having AFSA staff assist with administering your program with a fee for each apprentice. Services included with this option are still being finalized at the time this was submitted.

These are high-level summaries of the services we’re planning to deliver with more specific information to be available soon.

AFSA is leading the way in helping our members grow their businesses with a solid foundation, beginning with apprenticeship as a core element. Look for more information guiding you to a landing page on our website, firesprinkler.org, and at our booth at AFSA41. Registration will start around late September and continue through early January for the first class. You do not have to have your individual DOL program approval before enrolling apprentices or starting the training program.

AFSA staff will introduce specific information during an AFSA41 seminar

session to share details and answer specific questions about this program. As the program develops and we receive feedback from participating companies, AFSA staff will evaluate the services we provide and adjust as needed. We are excited and expecting a lot of interest and participation in this new program, and we will provide more detail in the weeks and months ahead, including costs associated with each level of service, who to register and whom to contact for assistance.

Again, this is a work in progress, so all details are not yet ready for prime time but

we’re close to launching the program so look for more information coming soon! n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Caputo, CFPS, is president of AFSA. He currently serves as chair of NFPA 24/291 Private Water Supply Piping Systems committee and as an alternate member of NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Installation Criteria committee.

Caputo has written and presented seminars throughout the world on fire protection and life-safety systems and has developed AFSA and NFPA education and training materials. Contact him via email at bcaputo@firesprinkler.org.

We’ve done a new thing!

Visit FPC’s all new, updated website – designed with Fire Sprinkler Contractors in mind! www.fpcmag.com

Fire Protection Contractor magazine The Most Widely-Read Spr inkler Industr y Publication

Serving the Fire Sprinkler Industry since 1978 FPC/Fire Protection Contractor PO Box 370 | Auburn, CA | 95604 | (530) 823-0706

info@fpcmag.com | www.fpcmag.com @fpcmag

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 33

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS

M

CHAPTER CONNECTIONS

embership in the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has tremendous benefits for you, your business, and your industry. One of the benefits for your industry is chapter membership—connecting and networking with other industry professionals in your area. Recently, AFSA National held its Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference, which brings chapter leaders together from around the United States to share successes and challenges to aid them in the success of AFSA chapters.

2022 MID-YEAR CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE This year’s Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference occurred May 4-5 at AFSA headquarters in Dallas and was led

by AFSA’s Director of Membership and Chapter Support Bruce Lecair, and AFSA Director of Membership and Chapter Relations Meda Merritt.

“This event was the first in-person Chapter Leadership Conference since the beginning of the pandemic,” says Lecair.

“It was great to get everyone together for a couple days to share ideas about holding and planning meetings, setting up training events, and how the more-experienced leaders manage their chapters. We also enjoyed meeting some of our newer leaders and sharing some time together with them.

I know I learned a lot and look forward to our next conference.”

Chapter leaders had the opportunity to gain insight into the basics of chapter operations, AFSA training and educational programs, technical services, and legislative matters. While learning, they had the opportunity to apply their knowledge to

34 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

AFSA chapter leaders from around the country came together in May 2022 to learn more about AFSA programs and services, how to best serve their chapters, and share ideas with one another.

win prizes with AFSA trivia. The second day was an open forum where chapter leaders shared experiences and gained knowledge from each other. Leaders also had the opportunity to tour AFSA’s offices and meet some of the staff.

Although the classroom setting has its benefits, one of the biggest resources chapter leaders have is other chapter leaders. The leadership conference hosted two social events which allowed for networking. The first evening, everyone gathered at Topgolf, graciously sponsored by the Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., for some friendly competition, appetizers, and drinks. The second night members met at Sidecar Social to eat and drink while enjoying basketball, corn hole, and karaoke.

“We have some true talent at AFSA that was showcased during our socials,” comments Merritt. “The evening events were great fun and allowed chapter leaders to visit and get to know one other. Overall, the conference was a great success!”

If you missed the Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference you can review the

materials online via the Chapter Resource Center. If you have any questions regarding the conference or AFSA chapters, email chapters@firesprinkler.org.

GET INVOLVED AFSA hosts two Chapter Leadership Conferences each year. The Mid-Year is typically held in May and the fall conference is held in conjunction with AFSA’s annual convention. It’s a great way for chapter leaders to tap into the resources AFSA has to offer.

“We appreciate all of the AFSA chapter leaders for your dedication, time, and effort you give to ensure that your chapters are successful!” says Lecair.

If you missed the mid-year gathering, consider joining AFSA for its Fall Leadership Conference, held in conjunction with AFSA41 in Las Vegas, October 16-19 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. More details on AFSA41 can be found online at firesprinkler.org/AFSA41. For more information on AFSA membership and joining an AFSA chapter, contact AFSA’s membership team via email at membership@firesprinkler.org. n

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to learn more.

HAZARDS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF NFPA 13 THINK “OUTSIDE OF THE BOX”

O

JOSH MCDONALD, MSET, CWBSP, CFPS, WBITM | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

verall, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, includes many of the occupancies and hazards that the industry protects regularly. However, with the everchanging technological environment (products, process, and construction) and the three-year standard development cycles, specific hazards will inevitably not be covered. Some examples are discussed in this article. The NFPA 13 Technical Committee recognized this for compact mobile storage units, and NFPA 13, 2022 edition states: A.26.7.1 in NFPA 13 contains protection criteria for limited configurations of compact mobile storage units and materials stored.

Storage arrangements not specifically addressed in NFPA 13 are outside the scope of the standard (i.e., protection for commodities other than paper files, magazines, or books in compact mobile storage units does not simply follow high-piled storage protection criteria for shelves or racks).

Where compact mobile storage configurations outside the scope of NFPA 13 are to be utilized, they must be addressed on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the fact that no known sprinkler protection criteria is currently available. Additional protection features, such as rated construction, barriers within the storage, consideration for safe locating away from vulnerable areas, and methods for control or exhausting of the smoke, should be considered.

The design criteria outside the scope needs to be based on a performance-based design customized for the unique hazard with an engineering analysis and protection scheme. Though this is stated in the compact mobile storage units’ section, it also applies to the storage of other items.

VEHICLE STACKERS AND CAROUSELS Parking structures are always a common theme of fire protection conversations because of the increased combustible content in the manufacturing process and the introduction of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars. What is stored in a parking structure now is a lot different than what was stored 20 years ago and way different than 50 years ago.

The occupancy classification recently increased in Annex A.4.3.3 from Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) (OH1) to Ordinary Hazard (Group 2) (OH2), understanding that it may change as more data is acquired.

However, this hazard classification does not include car stackers.

There is guidance for prescriptive protection for car stackers up to two vehicles high, which is classified as an Extra Hazard (Group 2)

36 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

(EH2). Many parking structures are stacking cars, story after story, well beyond the two-car vertical stack allowance. An OH2 or EH2 designation is not backed with data proving that it is sufficient protection for the carousel or automated stacking units. The cars provide a dense fire load with many obstructions. There are too many variations for a one-size-fits-all prescriptive fire protection scheme.

Until additional testing is complete or the storage manufacturers provide an engineered protection scheme, the protection schemes must be designed as a specific performance-based approach for each scenario.

NFPA 13 states: A.10.3.2(9) Where sprinkler protection is provided under each level of cars, the ceiling sprinklers should be designed based upon the occupancy classification of parking garages. Not all car stackers or car lift systems will be able to have a sidewall sprinkler installed due to car stacker design or operation. The sidewall sprinklers must be installed meeting the requirements in the body of the standard including 9.5.5.3.1.2. A performance-based design is allowed with proper documentation to show equivalent protection. If the car stacker or car lift system design and/or operation prohibits the coverage under the cars, then the overhead system would be required to be designed to Extra Hazard Group 2 occupancy classification [see A.4.3.5(9)].

AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS (ASRS) Automated storage and retrieval systems pose a challenge for our industry, especially compartmentalized dense storage of plastic materials. The racking units and structure of the storage system obstruct the sprinkler discharge, and the robotic mechanisms typically need to shut down on waterflow to ensure they do not potentially move engulfed product throughout the rest of the unit, spreading the fire. ASRS systems are modular, and their designs are unique to the manufacturer, posing a challenge to protect the hazard prescriptively. This hazard poses an extreme challenge as some facilities sign waivers to recognize that local fire services may not enter the space in the event of a fire due to the hazardous fire suppression and extinguishment conditions.

The FM Global Group (Factory Mutual) guides protecting ASRS systems with in-rack sprinklers and monitor nozzles in the FM Global Loss Prevention Datasheet 8-34, Protection for Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems. This guidance is provided based on the fire testing and research (including simulation) conducted by the FM Global Group. The loss prevention data sheets are found at fmglobal.com. It is

essential to look at the datasheet before bidding on a job containing ASRS, as you will find that if the performance-based design is provided per FM 8-34, the job price will be quite a bit higher than that of standard storage. The design needs more water, more sprinklers, electronic shutdowns and detection, and a possibility for the need for monitor nozzles.

It is essential to remember that installing a system to FM Global Loss Prevention Datasheet 8-34 includes the system to be installed to the applicable FM Global Loss Prevention Datasheets. NFPA 13 is not to be used where it makes the installation more convenient or cost-effective. Other applicable Loss Prevention Datasheets would include but are not limited to: FM Global Loss Prevention Datasheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers Datasheet 2-8, and Earthquake Protection for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

FM Global has conducted other research outside the scope of NFPA 13. They conducted multi-part fire testing of lithium-ion battery storage and produced reports with the results and recommendations based on Loss Prevention Datasheets found at: fmglobal.com/ research-and-resources/research-and-testing/research-technical-reports.

Some of the results are more favorable than anticipated.

ASRS and vertically stacked car storage are two common hazards currently prevalent in our industry, and these are not the only ones.

The electric vehicles (EV) industry’s use of plastic and lithium-based batteries poses a threat due to the increased ignition sources from arc or thermal runaway in batteries with volatile plastic fires. The fire duration exceeds what the industry is used to due to the battery construction.

Another hazard is photovoltaic (solar) panels, which increase the dead load for retrofit buildings, making it difficult for a structure to maintain structural integrity in a fire event. Adding fire protection to these systems is not practical. It increases the risk of structural failure on retrofit as old buildings with new solar panels were not designed for the added weight of the panels, let alone the weight of system piping and the weight of the water discharged onto the roof. Another challenge is that the electrical battery storage cannot simply be disconnected like an electric service feed.

An occupancy or hazard outside the scope should not scare you away as a sprinkler contractor. “Outside the scope” will need more in-depth hazard analysis from the Engineer of Record, and there may not be a cut-and-dried approach to the layout and installation. The more information acquired about the hazards outside the scope of NFPA 13, the more likely the performancebased design migrates closer to a prescriptive-based design (some may be so unique that performance-based design is the only option) or a pre-engineered approach.

The National Fire Protection Research Foundation (Foundation) is an excellent resource for the industry to gather funding, infrastructure, and expertise for these expensive and complex research projects.

Realistically, the proper research needs funding. Companies are not lining up at the door to provide multiple electric vehicles or robotic storage units for a baseline large-scale fire test and numerous others to prove control, suppression, or extinguishment through active waterbased protection testing. The Foundation is currently researching the “Impact of Elevated Walkways in Storage on Fire Protection.” New ideas can be submitted as a proposal at nfpa.org/News-and-Research/

Resources/Fire-Protection-Research-Foundation. Current research project scopes and archives from previous projects can be located by navigating the tabs at the link.

It is the contractor’s responsibility to educate themselves through the research reports and white papers. We are also responsible for foreseeing the hazards as new technology is developed. It is the contractor’s responsibility to understand the data and resources out there so that jobs are not underbid, and the profit for the job is not eaten up. Do not be over your head because these “unforeseen issues” are outside the scope and provide the proper protection to save lives and property. Fully utilize the reputable resources surrounding the industry and your AFSA membership. Take On-Demand webinars, enroll in training programs, and contact the Engineering & Technical Services team at technical@firesprinkler.org for a Technical Review.

Don’t stop there. Send the new generation to AFSA for in-person training and seminars, and be active in your local chapter. The only way to stay ahead of the curve is to maintain our knowledge through NFPA standards, design, and ITM procedures; train the new generations; and network at the local level! n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joshua McDonald, MSET, CWBSP, CFPS, WBITM, is AFSA’s manager of technical services, where he is responsible for developing, updating, and delivering technical content. He has experience in all areas of training for fire protection industry professionals, including web-based and hands-on learning. McDonald also has experience with risk engineering applying to the installation and ITM of fire protection systems. As a manufacturer, McDonald has been involved in the research and development of new fire protection products, and has extensive experience with NFPA 25. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology and Master of Science degree in Fire Safety and Explosion Protection from Oklahoma State University. McDonald is a member of NFPA and SFPE.

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 37

“QUALIFIED” PERSONNEL WHAT IS THE MEANING? JOHN JOHNSON, CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

R

ecently, I had a conversation surrounding requirements for an owner of a property and their ability to conduct the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems in their buildings.

He mentioned that the local fire marshal required them to be licensed through the state fire marshal’s office to perform any ITM functions and inquired what the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards required. Since the owner has many locations around the globe, this caused them to re-evaluate their

Professional Fire Protection and Mechanical Engineering Services FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN High-Rise | Fire Pumps Hospitals | Laboratories Commercial Industrial Residential ENGINEERING Mechanical Access Garages Car Lifts/Stackers Commissioning Technical Assistance Reports High-Piled Storage Hazardous Storage Expert Witness | Fire Modeling AHJ Issue Resolution Peer Review | Consulting

Jon Corbett, P.E. (925) 566-4160 (888) 288-3330 jon@lockedinfire.com www.lockedinfire.com

38 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

corporate position surrounding their ITM policies.

This question comes up frequently and is often a source of confusion and even frustration, especially when licensing or certification is required.

Many believe if the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires licensing or certification, it is prompted by an NFPA document that is applicable depending on the situation.

NFPA does not mandate what an AHJ must require with respect to training, experience, or other qualifications. NFPA documents rely on the AHJ to determine what they feel is appropriate in their jurisdiction. A few possible options could be licensing, certification, job experience, or training. When referring to the skills or knowledge of a person who inspects, tests, or maintains water-based systems or alarm and detection systems; both NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, use the term “qualified.”

LICENSES Given the recent changes to the installation and ITM standards, the industry definitely favors having competent and qualified personnel working on sprinkler systems; however, who should be licensed sparks some debate. Licensure is a complex issue, and the sentiment varies depending on whether we are discussing contractor or individual fitter licenses.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is not opposed where contractor licenses are required.

For fitter licenses, AFSA is typically opposed to any requirement but sees value where licensing requirements drive fitters through an 8,000-hour apprenticeship program like the one that AFSA offers. For those types of programs, there is tacit approval.

CERTIFICATION It is important to understand the differences between a certificate of attainment or achievement and a certificate of attendance or completion and how they differ. A certificate of attainment or achievement shows the recipient has successfully completed an assessment of their knowledge or skills to a known standard such as NFPA 25.

Some examples of these types of certifications are: • ACE Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems certification program • ASSE 15010 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Certification • NICET Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems • NFPA Water-Based Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Certification (WBITM) A certificate of attendance or completion is given to someone who has participated in or attended a training program. There may or may not be an assessment of knowledge or skills, and the lesson plan may not be to a specific performance standard. Some examples of these types of training are: • Manufacturers training on their products • Third-party training providers on a particular subject

• Webinars or on-demand training Knowing that not all training is created equal, is it possible that a certificate of attendance or completion can be used to determine qualification by an AHJ? If the training associated with the certificate provides peace of mind for the AHJ, then the answer is yes. However, please keep in mind that just because you possess a certificate does not mean you are certified.

NFPA 25 TEASER In an effort to provide consistent language in the NFPA standards, NFPA 25 took the first step in providing detailed requirements on the classification of “Qualified Personnel.” The proposed language, which will be published in the 2023 edition of NFPA 25, is already making ripples and correlating language is being adopted into NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20 as they go through their own revision cycles this year.

3.3.35* Qualified Personnel.

Competent and capable individual(s) having met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the AHJ. A.3.3.35 Qualified Personnel.

See 4.1.1.3.1 for more information on qualified personnel.

4.1.1.3.1* Qualified personnel shall meet at least one of the following qualifications: 1. Meets the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction 2. Is certified by a nationally recognized fire protection certification organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction 3. Is registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority to perform inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems A.4.1.1.3.1 Many required ITM frequencies, such as daily, weekly, and monthly inspections to verify proper valve position or required air and water pressure maintenance, can be performed by building maintenance personnel, while other

required functions should be performed by personnel with specialized knowledge and training. Examples of ITMs that would typically require more qualified personnel include but are not limited to conducting and evaluating annual fire pump tests, trip testing valves, and foam systems tests. Many locations might not have municipal AHJ interaction/ oversight (or contact with insurance company risk consultants acting as AHJs, etc.). In these cases, ITM tasks that could adversely affect system performance should be completed by qualified personnel with specialized knowledge and training that is acceptable to the AHJ. This could include personnel that are registered, licensed, or certified by a nationally recognized fire protection certification organization, state, or local authority. Such qualified personnel typically have the competency to not only complete the ITM task but also understand the intended system performance criteria and potential impact of the work being completed.

Having qualified personnel performing ITM services is essential. When done properly, ITM services can increase the life span of water-based fire protection systems and generate a large and recuuring revenue source for companies.

Unfortunately, recruiting and retaining enough qualified technicians has been a challenge, but AFSA can help! Visit firesprinkler.org to learn more about the 20-month ITM Inspector Development Program, three-day NFPA 25 Hands-On Course for ITM of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and two-day ITM Certification Prep Course. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Johnson, CFPS, is manager of ITM technical training for AFSA. His experience spans over 30 years in both fire protection and fire suppression industries.

Johnson serves on several NFPA standards committees, allowing his experience in the fire protection industry and fire service to uniquely inform his understanding of the close relationship between fixed and manual fire suppression activities, and its application to the standard development process.

PERFORMANCE UNDER

PRESSURE

HYDROSTATIC TEST PUMPS • Pressure test water systems, both residential and commercial

EHTP500 ELECTRIC

2 gpm and 500 psi max

Sprinkler line tie-in with pressure test coming next

DPHTP500 DRILL-POWERED

1.3 gpm and 500 psi max Reed Manufacturing • Erie, PA USA 800-666-3691 • reedsales@reedmfgco.com www.reedmfgco.com

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 39

HIGHERSTANDARDS

I

t was great to be back at the NFPA Conference & Expo this past June. The return to in-person meetings gave everyone in attendance an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, attend many informative, educational sessions, and—my favorite—argue and discuss amending motions on the floor at the NFPA Technical Meeting.

In the May/June issue of Sprinkler Age, we published a voting guide for the 2022 NFPA Technical Meeting. In that guide, AFSA’s positions were articulated and presented to our membership and to conference attendees who grabbed a copy from our booth in the expo hall. Those positions led to a great discussion prior to the Technical Meeting, and the sprinkler industry was able to compromise and determine a path forward.

Of the seven Certified Amending Motions (CAMs) submitted for NFPA 25, four passed, and three failed. When a CAM passes, the proposed change is accepted by the general membership of NFPA and sent back to the appropriate NFPA Technical Committee to either accept the membership’s proposed change or return the language back to the last edition of the standard—the last point of consensus. The following summarizes the resulting vote, action, and path forward for three of the CAMs that passed on the floor of the NFPA Technical Meeting.

CAM 25-16 – Concealed Sprinklers Reject Second Revision No. 2 AFSA Position: OPPOSE NFPA Vote: PASSED While AFSA opposed the removal of the requirement to inspect the cover plates of concealed sprinklers, we ultimately conceded that there was no technical substantiation to support the new inspection. In discussions with representatives from the health care member section, the group agreed that over the next three years, members of the health care member section would survey their respective hospitals and other structures to gather the necessary data to make an informed decision on whether to require the cover plates of concealed sprinklers to be inspected every five years.

CAM 25-10 – Nonmetallic Sprinkler Piping Reject Second Revision No. 4 AFSA Position: OPPOSE NFPA Vote: PASSED CAM 25-10 was folded into the negotiations to support CAM 25-16, and the reference to the compatibility of nonmetallic sprinkler piping was ultimately removed from the standard.

While AFSA still believes that this is the owner’s responsibility, we feel that we can reason through that requirement using the existing language of NFPA 25 and the installation standards. In NFPA 13, the installing contractor is required to provide all literature and instructions describing proper operation and maintenance requirements for equipment and devices installed on the system to the owner. Since nonmetallic sprinkler pipe is a listed product, there will be special listing requirements for routine maintenance that include compatibility. The owner is still

40 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

responsible for complying with the manufacturer’s literature, and this action makes it more important than ever that the transfer of these documents is recorded so that the installing contractor can avoid any liability in the future due to an owner not complying with the listing requirements.

CAM 25-17 – Clearance to Storage Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 13 AFSA Position: OPPOSE NFPA Vote: PASSED During discussions at the Technical Meeting, it was determined that the annual frequency for the inspection of clearance to storage was arbitrarily added to the table in Chapter 5 Sprinkler Systems.

With the removal of the line item in the table, the requirements in Chapter 5 now require the clearance to storage to be maintained at all times. While this is not practical for an inspecting contractor, the lack of an interval precludes this activity from being considered an inspection and will ultimately fall back on the owner—unless specifically contracted to another party. To resolve this conflict, AFSA will submit a public input for the 2026 edition of NFPA 25 to move this requirement to Chapter 4 under “Owner’s Responsibilities,” where it belongs.

FUTURE REVISION CYCLES AFSA has been and will continue to be very busy this summer as the revision cycle for the 2023 edition of NFPA 14 finished its second-draft meetings in May, and NFPA 13 begins its input stage with the first-draft meetings scheduled at the end of July. Next year’s Technical Meeting will include NFPA 1, which will be the first edition of that code since the technical committee split into three separate committees. NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 will look to address active and passive fire protection systems and determine which standard has scope over the certain type of system. For NFPA 14, AFSA intends to submit two Notices of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAMs). Other standards to be covered at next year’s meeting include NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® and NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®.

Remember, the standard development process relies on input from the public, so I would l challenge everyone once again to submit a public input or comment, participate in a task group, apply to a technical committee, or attend a committee meeting. n

KEVIN HALL,M.ENG, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE SENIOR MANAGER OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges. Besides testing yourself and your co-workers, these exercises are excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. To participate, read through and work the problems.

MAY/JUNE ANSWERS The following questions are based on NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition; NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition; NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2022 edition; and NFPA 25, 2020 edition.

1. Which of the following is defined as a vessel that can store air under pressure that is higher than the air pressure in a system?

Reference: NFPA 13, Section 3.3.2 Air Receiver. A chamber, compatible with an air compressor, that can store air under pressure that is higher in pressure than that in the dry pipe or preaction system piping. (AUT-SSI) A. Air chamber B. Air receiver C. Air maintenance device D. Air reservoir 2. For a diesel engine driver in a fire pump system, how many seconds must the air supply be sized to provide continuous cranking without recharging? Reference: NFPA 20, Section 11.2.7.4.4.2 Where used as the only or primary cranking system, the air supply container shall be sized for 180 seconds of continuous cranking without recharging.

A. 60 seconds B. 90 seconds C. 120 seconds D. 180 seconds 3. What is the maximum water delivery time to the most remote hose connection for an automatic dry standpipe with a capacity of 1,000 gallons? Reference: NFPA 14, Section 5.2.1.2.2 Piping volume shall be permitted to exceed the requirements of 5.2.1.2.1 where the system design is such that water is delivered to the system at the most remote hose connection in not more than 3 minutes, starting at the normal air pressure on the system and at the time of fully opened hose connection.

A. 1 minute B. 1 minute, 30 seconds C. 2 minutes D. 3 minutes 4. Dry sprinkler systems are required to be equipped with what device that activates 5 psi above the system air pressure? Reference: NFPA 13, Section 8.2.6.7.2.2 The high pressure signal shall be set at 5 psi (0.3 bar) above the system air pressure specified in 8.2.6.7.1.

A. Low-pressure switch B. High-pressure switch C. Pressure relief valve D. Automatic air vent

5. When performing a periodic air leakage test on a preaction system, if the normal system pressure is locked in with the air source shut off, how long does the system have to maintain pressure before the low air alarm initiates? Reference: NFPA 25 Section 13.4.3.2.6 Preaction systems shall be tested once every 3 years for air leakage, using one of the following test methods: (1) Perform a pressure test at 40 psi (3.2 bar) for 2 hours. The system shall be permitted to lose up to 3 psi (0.2 bar) during the duration of the test. Air leaks shall be addressed if the system loses more than 3 psi (0.2 bar) during this test.

(2) With the system at normal system pressure, shut off the air source (compressor or shop air) for 4 hours. If the low air pressure alarm goes off within this period, the air leaks shall be addressed.

A. 1 hour B. 2 hours C. 4 hours D. 24 hours

JULY/AUGUST QUESTIONS The following questions are based on NFPA 13, 2019 edition.

(Hint: The 2022 edition of NFPA 13 removed all of the extracted text from the Special Occupancy Requirements chapter).

1. What is the required occupancy classification for the protection of paint spray booths that are not used for spray application of styrene cross-link thermoset resin or for powder coating operations?

A. Ordinary hazard (Group 1) B. Ordinary hazard (Group 2) C. Extra hazard (Group 1) D. Extra hazard (Group 2) 2. When protecting the underside of piers or wharves, what other type of sprinkler is permitted to be used in addition to pendent sprinklers in the upright position?

A. Pendent sprinklers in the pendent position B. Old-style sprinklers C. Sidewall sprinklers D. Open nozzles 3. When protecting information technology equipment, which of the following installation configurations are required?

A. All rooms must be valved separately B. All rooms must be provided with an individual floor control assembly C. All rooms must be protected with a single interlock preaction system D. All rooms must be protected with a double interlock preaction system

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 41

CALENDAR

AFSA NEWS

AUGUST 2022 2-5

RICHARDSON JOINS AFSA

• AFSA Training Course for ASSE 15510 Certification Exton, PA firesprinkler.org 8-10 • Sprinkler Hydraulics Calculations Workshop Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org 22 – 9/2 • Intermediate Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Online & in Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/nextlevel 22 – 9/16 • Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Online & in Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/design 27 • 33rd Annual FSCATX Scottish Rite Charity Golf Classic Farmers Branch, TX fscatx.org

OCTOBER 2022 5

7

• AFSA Virginia Chapter/Burn Survivors Foundation Golf Tournament Williamsburg, VA virginiaafsa.org • AFSA Florida Golf Tournament Davenport, FL afsafl.org

15-19 • AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition Las Vegas, NV firesprinkler.org/register-for-afsa41 25 • AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program Kick-off Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org 25 - 11/19 • Beginning Fire Sprinkler Systen Planning School Online & Orlando, FL firesprinkler.org 31 - 11/11 • Intermediate Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Online & Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times.

For more events and details, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Events” and “Events List.”

42 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to welcome Sydney Richardson as its Communications Specialist. In this role, she will support the Communications Department and Marketing Department in written communications, advertising, marketing campaigns, publication production, and social media management.

Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree in journalRICHARDSON ism with a focus on advertising and public relations from the University of Arkansas. Contact her at srichardson@firesprinkler.org or at 214-349-5965 ext. 134.

DENHARDT NAMED TO NFPA’S AEBO BOARD

Congratulations to AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, who has been elected to serve a two-year term as an NFPA Architects Engineers and Building Officials (AEBO) board member.

The objectives of the NFPA Architects, Engineers, and Building Officials Section are to: • Encourage a greater understanding of the DENHARDT many aspects of safety to life and property from fire, structural collapse, and natural perils, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, among architects and engineers responsible for designing buildings and building officials who administer and enforce legal regulations applying thereto.

• Create opportunities in an environment where mutual understanding and cooperation among architects, engineers, and building officials may be developed and enhanced.

• Create opportunities for leaders to emerge and attain recognition from their peers through elective office and to provide direction and vision for this section.

This section is active and sees an important role for itself in the ongoing development of NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, as the members constitute major stakeholders in the design, permitting, and construction inspection and control process.

AFSA’S SECOND CHANCE SCHOLARSHIP CLOSING SOON

From now until August 30, 2022, eligible high school graduates enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or trade school can visit afsascholarship.org to apply for one of AFSA’s second chance scholarships. The contest offers a total of five $1,000 scholarships. Applicants visit the website, read a short passage on fire protection and fire sprinklers, and answer questions about the reading. Each correct answer offers one entry into the scholarship contest, with a total of eight entries possible per applicant!

Winners are randomly selected to receive a one-time $1,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. Visit afsascholarship.org. n

CHAPTER NEWS

Connecticut Chapter

CONNECTICUT

The AFSA Connecticut Chapter continues to promote the industry through career day activities. Working with the local Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter, 15 burn demonstrations were completed over a period of four hours reaching approximately 150-plus high school students in Connecticut. Despite the rain they had a great turn out with great interest in the fire protection industry. Conversations took place with guidance directors for follow up career day events at individual high schools.

Brad Viola of Fire Service Group, and a host of industry contractor and supplier volunteers, are credited for putting this event together to make this the success that it was. This chapter is making their presence known at the state level.

GEORGIA

Through the support of its members, the AFSA Georgia Chapter was able to donate $1,500 to Brenda White and Jewell White, Jr. who lost their home, vehicle, and belongings due to a fire in Gainesville. Responders said that the cause was likely an electrical fire that started in the wall. Since the initial donation was given to the Whites, Leonhardt Pipe & Supply and Doherty Pump and Equipment have sent matching donations to the family.

The chapter has continued its efforts to help the family by asking the community for clothing donations as well as monetary donations.

In Fall 2021, the chapter was also able to help a local foster mom and firefighter after both families lost their homes to fires.

Historically, the chapter has created funds to assist local families displaced by fire, but typically has needed to wait for victims to contact them first in order to aid them. The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Chief Fire Marshal of Dekalb County are aware of this fund and have been able to help get several families in touch with the chapter directly. If you would like to help, contact Mindy McCullough Buckley at mindy@allsouthsprinkler.com.

LOUISIANA

Forty-plus LFSA members, AHJs, and special guests spent the day training and networking on April 19 at Drusilla’s Seafood Restaurant. AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John Denhardt, P.E, FSFPE, presented two seminars. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s (LSFM) Office staff attended the chapter’s lunch and membership meeting to network, review, and discuss electronic tagging, codes, and what’s happening at the LSFM office.

LFSA The chapter would like to congratulate H. “Butch” Browning who has been selected as the new executive director for the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM). Members appreciate his exemplary service and dedication during his tenure as the Louisiana State Chief Fire Marshal.

His dedication to the safety of Louisianians and the fire and life safety industry has been impeccable. LFSA looks forward to working together in his new position. Since 2008, Browning and the LSFM Office have been a partner of LFSA, working together to ensure that the citizens have had the best protection through education, training, code enforcement, and regulations.

LFSA would also like to congratulate Dan Wallis, who has been named the new Louisiana State Chief Fire Marshal. LFSA is excited to continue its partnership with the LSFM and work with Chief Wallace, which will continue to provide and promote education, training, fire and life safety, along with codes and enforcement to improve the safety of our businesses and residents.

The 2022 Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit was such a success that the 2023 event has already been planned for June 13-16 at The Lodge in Gulf State Park in Orange Beach, Florida. Stay tuned for more details on next year’s summit, hosted by the Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Louisiana AFSA chapters.

Schuylkill Chapter SCHUYLKILL On June 16, the AFSA Schuylkill Chapter met for an outing at Topgolf. The event included food and an open bar where industry professionals could network while enjoying golf together. JCI generously donated six Phillies tickets in the Diamond Club that was raffled off at the end of the night. There were eight sponsors for this event, which included AGF, Ferguson, General Air Products, JCI, Reliable, Victaulic , Viking, and Zurn. n SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 43

#MEMBERSMATTER!

O

ne of the many great benefits of belonging to a trade association is the camaraderie of meeting people with similar interests, sharing information about your business, the challenges of your trade, and the successes that you have enjoyed along the way. Chapters are also the place to learn about changes in technology that improve and promote your success on the jobsite. AFSA chapters offer that opportunity for our members throughout 30 regions across the United States. While I did not agree entirely with a friend’s attitude at a chapter meeting one evening many years ago, he inelegantly told us all that, “If my competitors weren’t smart enough to join our chapter and attend and share information and learn what was going on, I’m not going to waste time on them.” As far as he was concerned, the chapter was an important tool in his toolbox that benefited his company and put him ahead of the competition. The meetings were too important, and he did not want to share his little secret.

I am a little more forgiving and less selfish, but my friend did make a great point. Chapter meetings are an important place to learn what is going on in your state and region. It is the place to learn what is happening with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) regarding changes in regulations or the processes for submitting plans, getting

them processed, and reserving time slots for inspections. Many states have committees that initiate new regulations at the State Fire Marshal’s Office and chapters are often invited to be included in that process.

Chapters are where state officials go to seek members who wish to be involved in creating positive, timely changes to state codes and regulations. Our chapter members are the boots on the ground who know what needs to be done to make that happen, while at the same time, protecting the industry. Chapters are where national legislation affecting your business models is discussed and addressed in support or opposition when needed. The chapters in our regions are who we depend on for feedback and assistance for such national legislation.

Chapter meetings are a great place to create and support NexGen programs and training opportunities geared for current or future apprentices to address the need to maintain our current fitter’s education and to recruit more fitters to meet the future needs of our industry. Chapters are currently hosting NexGen and apprentice events such as barbecues, Topgolf nights, apprenticeship competitions, and many other creative outings that are geared at recruiting and maintaining those who may not know that this is an amazing industry with a solid future that includes great benefits and career opportunities.

Chapters also provide outreach that is so important for increasing public awareness of fire sprinklers and their contributions to the quality of life and safety at home, in the community, and to protect our local economy from fire. This is done through chapter support of local events, and through hosting golf tournaments and fundraisers for those affected by the effects of fire. Not only are these events great fun, but they are a valuable resource toward creating relationships and contacts that will likely benefit you down the road.

The Membership team is excited for the opportunity to serve your chapter needs. With the valuable contributions of our chapter executive directors and board members, our chapters are growing and expanding across the nation. We can’t thank our chapter leaders enough for their commitment and dedication to their chapters and AFSA. Meda Merritt (ext. 133) is the director of chapter membership and chapter relations. Along with Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership and chapter support (ext. 135), and myself (ext. 139), we look forward to helping you expand your outreach, promoting your chapter and helping you whenever and wherever we can. You can reach us anytime at membership@firesprinkler.com or at (214) 349-5965 and dialing the extensions noted above.

Have a wonderful summer! n

BRUCE LECAIR AFSA SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & CHAPTER SUPPORT

44 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

AFSA NEW MEMBERS New members as of June 30, 2022.

CONTRACTORS

AHJS

Steve Abbott Atlanta, GA

Lisa Cunningham San Diego, CA

Robert Upson Greensboro, NC

Cityco Fire Protection Torrance, CA

Patrick Banks Springfield, VT

Mark Lomen Starkville, MS

Sanoj Warrier Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Great Lakes Building Systems, Inc. Buffalo, NY

Randall Benevage Covington, LA

Jacob Maseman Titusville, FL

Ryan Young Fargo, ND

Thorpe Fire Sprinkler Systems, Inc. Boise, ID

Brett Bergh Fargo, ND

Constantino Mendoza Austin, TX

Josh Zimmerman Rochester, NY

ASSOCIATES

Bill Beumer Maple Grove, MN

Michael Mesco King of Prussia, PA

Art Black Carmel, CA

Thomas Moore Williston, VT

Mark Buschman Fort Meade, MD

Alicia Musselwhite Mississippi State, MS

Mario Castro Cuidad del Este, Alto Parana

Mark Mykins Gansevoort, NY

Lorenzo Chavez Irving, TX

John Neeb West Fargo, ND

Humphrey Chen San Francisco, CA

Ahsley Payton Wetumpka, AL

Kenton Chromey Fargo, ND

Jeff Quick Tallmadge, OH

Lisa Cunningham San Diego, CA

Brian Robertson Spotsylvania, VA

Zane Daily San Diego, CA

Matthew Robinson Spotsylvania, VA

MaryKay DiMaggio Roseville, CA

Wade Schoenborn Clifton Park, NY

Cesar Flores San Diego, CA

Mike Schulte Chester, CT

James Garvey Fargo, ND

Patrick Sellers San Diego, CA

Austin Halford Mississippi State, MS

Edward Spooner South Burlington, VT

Richard Harrod Henrietta, NY

Riley Stanchina Milford, NH

Douglas Hylkema South Bend, IN

Logan Stanley Ruther Glen, VA

William Ince Freeport, TX

Robert Stone Williston, VT

Brandon Kagez Vestal, NY

Tammy Swaton Austin, TX

Steven Kropacek Greenfield, IN

Stephen Thomas Greensboro, NC

Action Fire Protection Ventura, CA

IPV Vancouver, WA

DESIGNERS

Edward Cyzewski Consulting Egg Harbor Township, NJ

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 45

AFSA CHAPTERS ALABAMA

alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres.

334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair 480-421-8411 Makenna Leathers – Exec Dir. 804-222-1381

ARKANSAS

David Nabors – Chair 501-225-4910 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CAROLINAS

afsacarolinaschapter.com Carl Jackson – Chair 910-443-0626 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

CHESAPEAKE BAY

afsachesapeakechapter.org Jason Martin – Chair 410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-972-1122

COLORADO

GREATER BAY AREA

afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair 719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368

afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair 925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick - Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

CONNECTICUT

afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair 817-529-1693

Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair 908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

ILLINOIS-INDIANA

Sklyer Bilbo – Chair 217-342-2242 Mitch Bortner – Vice Chair 206-348-0078

FLORIDA

afsafl.org Suzanne Saults – Chair 727-556-2790 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

LOUISIANA

lfsa.wildapricot.org Randy Laguna – Chair 504-464-6236 ext 224 Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800

GEORGIA

georgiafiresprinkler.org Allen Cagle – Chair 770-554-5285 Taylor Johnson – Exec. Dir. 770-484-1112

MICHIGAN

afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644

sacvalleyafsa.org Jordan Hopkins – Chair 916-672-8415 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

NEW JERSEY

Mark McKenzie – Chair 913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich – Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

DALLASFORT WORTH

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Marc Huag – Chair 701-232-7008 Tina Hoff – Exec. Dir. 701-799-1899

GREATER KANSAS CITY

afsact.org Rick Russo, Jr. – Chair 203-877-7983

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

SAN DIEGO

Scott Uren – Chair 858-722-1470 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

NEW MEXICO

Paul Chavez – Chair 505-898-9197 Jeriod Towery – Vice Chair 505-410-4007

SCHUYLKILL

afsamac.org Christopher Campion, Jr. – Chair 732-798-0911 Meaghen Wills – Exec. Dir. 610-754-7836

OHIO

afsaoh.org Bill Hausmann – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

SOUTH CAROLINA

scfsa.org Nikki Ray – Chair 864-207-8545 Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-408

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair 360-794-8621 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

OKLAHOMA AFFILIATE

ofsa.info Tim Hollon – Pres.

918-851-2416

afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair 615-349-5278 David Pulliam– Exec. Dir. 901-484-0605

UPSTATE NEW YORK afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN

afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair 385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

VIRGINIA

virginiaafsa.com Bob Beckwith – Chair 540-659-4675 Steve McGee – Exec. Dir. 757-544-0520

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

socalafsa.com Jeff Bridges – Chair 941-413-0526 Daniel Venecia – Exec. Dir. 818-730-6283

PATRIOT

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

TENNESSEE

afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair 508-431-9938

TEXAS AFFILIATE

fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Sarah Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-844-6632

Pacific

Northw

est

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Michigan

Utah

Southern California

San Diego

d n er lan rth ng Upstate No w E e New York N Patriot Connecticut New Jersey Schuylkill

Minnesota-Dakotas

Arizona

Colorado

New Mexico

Indiana-Illinois

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

Alabama Louisiana

Chesapeake Bay Virginia Carolinas

South Carolina Georgia gia

id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Tennessee

Ohio

a

46 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS TOTAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS INCREASE IN MAY

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS INCH HIGHER IN APRIL

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

Total construction starts rose four percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $979.5 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network.

Nonresidential building starts rose 20 percent, while residential starts fell by four percent and nonbuilding lost two percent during the month.

Year-to-date, total construction was six percent higher in the first five months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresidential building starts rose 17 percent and residential starts gained three percent, while nonbuilding starts were five percent lower. For the 12 months ending May 2022, total construction starts were 10 percent above the 12 months ending May 2021. Nonresidential starts were 20 percent higher, residential starts gained eight percent and nonbuilding starts were down three percent.

“The construction sector has become increasingly bifurcated over the past several months,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “Nonresidential building construction is clearly trending higher with broad-based resilience across the commercial, institutional, and manufacturing spaces. However, growth in the residential market has been choked off by higher mortgage rates and rapidly falling demand for single-family housing. Nonbuilding starts, meanwhile, have yet to fully realize the dollars authorized by the infrastructure act.” n

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions May 2022 Apr. 2022 Nonresidential Building $355,139 $296,132 Residential Building $442,159 $461,622 Nonbuilding Construction $182,175 $186,268 Total Construction $979,473 $944,022

% Change 20 -4 -2 4

Total construction starts rose three percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $945.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose six percent and residential starts increased by four percent, while nonbuilding starts fell four percent.

Year-to-date, total construction was six percent higher in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresidential building starts rose 19 percent, residential starts gained three percent, while nonbuilding starts were two percent lower. For the 12 months ending April 2022, total construction starts were 12 percent above the 12 months ending April 2021. Nonresidential starts were 24 percent higher, residential starts gained 11 percent and nonbuilding starts were down one percent.

“The construction sector is seemingly shrugging off the fear of higher interest rates and a potential recession,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “Many building sectors have made the turn from weakness to recovery as underlying economic growth and hiring are solid. With the pipeline of projects in planning continuing to expand, this trend should continue in the months to come. However, the concern that the Federal Reserve will force the U.S. into recession later this year may thwart the momentum in construction starts. While recession is not our baseline forecast, it cannot be fully discounted.”n

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

Nonresidential Building Residential Building Nonbuilding Construction Total Construction

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) May 2022....................207 April 2022...................200

Nonresidential Building Residential Building Nonbuilding Construction Total Construction

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 5 Mos. 2022 5 Mos. 2021 $128,287 $109,637 $187,722 $176,974 $78,166 $82,041 $389,175 $368,653

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION STARTS Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Apr. 2022 Mar. 2022 $295,884 $279,693 $462,865 $443,865 $187,054 $195,483 $945,803 $919,041

% Change 6 4 -4 3

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) April 2022.............................200 March 2022.........................194

% Change 17 3 -5 6

Nonresidential Building Residential Building Nonbuilding Construction Total Construction

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 4 Mos. 2022 4 Mos.2021 $97,060 $81,419 $144,704 $140,722 $61,227 $62,627 $302,991 $284,768

% Change 19 3 -2 6

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES (CONT. FROM PAGE 41) 4. What is the required occupancy classification for Class A and B laboratories using chemicals?

A. Ordinary hazard (Group 1) B. Ordinary hazard (Group 2) C. Extra hazard (Group 1) D. Extra hazard (Group 2)

5. What is the minimum required density and remote area for sprinkler systems protecting stationary combustion engines and gas turbines?

A. 0.2 gpm/ft2 over 2000 ft2 B. 0.3 gpm/ft2 over 2000 ft2 C. 0.3 gpm/ft2 over 2500 ft2 D. 0.4 gpm/ft2 over 2500 ft2 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 47

PRODUCT NEWS VIEGA FITTINGS MEET HIGHEST SEISMIC STANDARDS

Viega fittings met the highest standards for seismic durability in recent testing at an earthquake simulation facility. The fittings were tested at 200 psi with compressed gas and at 300 psi with water at the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL) at the University at Buffalo in December 2021. The fitting assemblies withstood acceleration factors up to SDs 2.0 for at least 30 seconds. The United States Geological Survey considers a 2.0 certification to be the highest level required in the most seismically active areas of North America.

That makes Viega the only fitting manufacturer whose press fittings have met the highest U.S. seismic standards at both 200 psi for gas and 300 psi for water. The lab tested two different assemblies using 7-m x 7-m shake tables, which moved the assemblies through six degrees of freedom. The first assembly consisted of 3⁄4-in. ProPress copper, MegaPress (with EPDM, FKM and HNBR sealing elements), and a mix of MegaPress stainless, ProPress stainless and 4-in.

ProPress copper. The second was 4-in. MegaPress FKM, MegaPressG, and MegaPress Stainless transitioning to ProPress Stainless. The Viega fittings were tested in conjunction with: • International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) AC156, the most widely recognized testing procedure referenced in American Society of Civil Engineers 7 • International Building Code • California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development After previous seismic testing in 2016, Viega fittings met the requirements for Special Seismic Certification according to the California Building Code Section 1705.12 and the International Building Code Section 1705.12 for nonstructural components.

For more information, visit viega.us or youtube.com/watch?v=JebmJvEpNWM to see a video of seismic testing.

2021 FIRE & LIFE SAFETY ECOSYSTEM™ REPORT ISSUED

The NFPA Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute has released the 2021 Fire & Life Safety Eco-

48 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

system™: Year in Review report. This latest edition looks at the tragedies, losses, and successes of the past year and highlights where attention and resources are needed to improve safety across the globe. The report is also available in Spanish and now offered for the first time in Arabic.

According to the report, 2021 was a year of modest improvements and tragic setbacks around the world. The installation of fire sprinklers in public housing slowed because of a lack of funds; significant resources, which became available to mitigate catastrophic wildfires, was still not enough to save the thousands of homes lost to wildfires; and officials in Taiwan called for fire safety inspections for all older apartment buildings but only after 46 people died in a horrible fire.

Fire and life safety deaths, injuries, and losses may be unexpected, says the report, but they do not happen by chance; they are the product of weaknesses in a community’s Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework NFPA developed in 2018 that identifies the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, life, electrical, and other hazards. The Ecosystem is a key to understanding how decisions made over time can either exacerbate or control threats to safety. For details, visit nfpa.org/freeaccess.

WINSUPPLY ACQUIRES ROMAR SUPPLY

Winsupply, Inc. has completed the purchase of both Romar Supply locations. Since 1983, Romar Supply has been a wholesale distributor of mechanical and industrial PVF and steel fabrications. They have nearly 100 employees and a 116,000-ft2 facility, complete with a state-ofthe-art fabrication shop in Irving, Texas with a secondary location in San Antonio.

“Winsupply is excited to welcome the Romar Supply & Fabrication Company to the Winsupply Family of Companies. This allows us to strategically expand in Texas with companies that align with Winsupply’s culture,” says Greg Holbrock, Winsupply’s Vice President of Due Diligence and Financial Integration. “This partnership will also help complement and highlight the fabrication services

Winsupply Local Companies are offering to customers across the country.”

The locations will continue doing business as Romar Supply & Fabrication. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

RELIABLE INTRODUCES GROOVED COUPLINGS AND FITTINGS

Reliable has introduced a full range of rigid, flexible, and reducing couplings and fittings for fire sprinkler systems. Reliable grooved products are used to join roll- or cutgrooved pipe and are available in painted or galvanized finishes.

Reliable couplings and fittings are cULus Listed and FM Approved for use in systems with pressures up to 300 psi. Products include rigid and flexible couplings, reducing couplings, mechanical tees, and fittings. Duallubricated EPDM gaskets are available in both standard and flush gap, suitable for use in wet, dry, preaction and deluge systems. Visit reliablesprinkler.com/grooved. n

INDUSTRY NEWS As the biggest annual campaign at NFPA, Fire Prevention Week works to educate people about the leading risks to home fires and ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.

Local fire departments play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages. Visit nfpa.org/fpw.

NFPA ANNOUNCES 2022 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK THEME

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has announced “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape™” as the theme for Fire Prevention WeekTM, October 9-15, reinforcing the critical importance of developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly. In addition, this October represents the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest-running public health observance on record.

According to NFPA data, home—the place people feel safest from fire—is actually where

they are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (74 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it’s more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.

The Fire Prevention Week 2022 theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” promotes potentially life-saving messages that can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely.

WINSUPPLY OPENS REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER

Winsupply has opened its sixth regional distribution center (RDC), located just south of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On June 8, Winsupply held its grand opening for the nearly 320,000-ft2 center, located at 9440 S I-35 Service Rd. Moore, OK 73160. The Oklahoma City RDC will join the other five Winsupply RDCs located in Dayton (OH), Denver (CO), Middletown (CT), Richmond (VA), and Jacksonville (FL). Visit winsupplyinc.com.

SFPE TO HOST IN-PERSON EVENTS

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) invites fire protection engineering pro-

The REPAIR PARTS Experts Fire Pumps

Fast Quotes

Backflow Preventers

Largest Inventory in the Nation

Automatic Control Valves

1 - 2 Day Delivery

CONTACT US (800) 575-9618 www.backflowparts.com SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 49

fessionals to learn about and register for two upcoming in-person events. The “SFPE Forum on Fire Protection Engineering: Challenges in Storage” will be held September 8-9, in Chicago/Wheeling, Illinois; the “SFPE Seminar on Protecting Flammable and Combustible Liquids” will be held November 1011 in San Antonio.

The two-day, in-person forum highlights the design challenges of storage facilities that interfere with fire suppression and fire alarm systems. It will feature a large-scale fire test at Underwriters Laboratories in Northbrook, Illinois. The two-day, in-person seminar will address a broad range of issues related to safe handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids. Led by David Nugent, manager of Code & Project Services, Global Risk Consultants, and hosted at Southwest Research Institute, the course will include a review of certain large fire losses; fundamental risk determinants; fire testing and defining the risk; strategic planning for safe operations and storage; navigating and understanding the relevant fire codes, regulations, and standards; and using passive and active features for specific occupancies. Learn more and register at sfpe.org.

INCLUSIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION

Associated Builders and Contractors and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) have announced a collaborative partnership to work together to ensure construction jobsites are inclusive for every construction professional, promote careers in construction to the LGBTQ+ community and collaborate to pass legislation and policies that advance fair and open competition.

This announcement coincides with ABC’s 2022 Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Summit, “Building Bridges: Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in a Changing Construction Landscape.” Held today in downtown Washington, D.C., ABC’s IDE Summit is covering meaningful, thought-provoking discussions and solutions-based recommendations for building diverse workplaces and supplier networks. Visit abc.org.

RIDGID® HOSTS “WE LOVE STEM DAY”

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, hosted its second annual “We Love STEM Day” in June for 38 students in grades three through eight. The event was designed to support local schools and engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It also helped RIDGID

RIDGID “We Love STEM” Day demonstrate the role these vital subjects play in manufacturing.

Students participated in a variety of handson activities that strengthened their problemsolving skills, including building a flashlight and testing different methods of creating a strong and lightweight pasta tower.

RIDGID is a proud supporter of local programs and education-based initiatives throughout Lorain County, including Elyria school makerspaces that reinforce STEM learning. The company also partners with current and future trade professionals and regularly invests and donates products. For years, its leaders have served on industry boards to help strengthen the trades. Visit emerson. com/professionaltools. n

INDUSTRY LEADING TR AINING FIRE SPRINKLER FITTER APPRENTICE TRAINING Levels I-IV Recognized curriculum in all 50 states Customizable to fit your company’s needs Nearly 600 training hours Streamlined online testing with 24/7 access Online access to student history and grades

AFSA members save over 30% per course

www.firesprinkler.org/fittertraining 50 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS TOMES NAMED TO 2022 PHOENIX TITAN 100

Fire protection, life safety and security industry leader Telgian is pleased to announce that the company’s President and CEO James Tomes has been named to TOMES the 2022 Phoenix Titan 100. The program, which recognizes Phoenix’s Top 100 CEO’s and C-level executives, honors the most accomplished business leaders in their respective industries. The list is compiled using criteria including the demonstration of exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.

Telgian has been keeping people and facilities safe from fire and other disasters since 1985. The company is trusted around the globe as a single-source solution for fire protection, life safety and security services.

Collectively the 2022 Phoenix Titan 100 and their companies employ upwards of 90,000 individuals and generate over $32 billion dollars in annual revenues. The leaders and industries selected are proof that the Phoenix Titan 100 are positively impacting the entire Arizona market.

Tomes and the 2022 honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. In addition, the group will be honored at the Phoenix Titan 100 awards ceremony on September 29, 2022, held at the Chateau Luxe. Visit telgian.com.

NFPA COMPLETES BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ ELECTION

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its board of directors at its Annual Meeting on June 6, 2022, which includes three new members: “Butch” Browning, Adrián Gallardo Landeros, and Mark Ghilarducci. Patrick Morrison was re-elected for his second three-year term.

Butch Browning served as the Louisiana State Fire Marshal for 14 years and on the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) board of directors for the last 12

years. He has more than 35 years in the fire service. He assumed the role of NASFM executive director July 1.

Adrián Gallardo Landeros has served as the general director of Servicios de Información Estratégica, S.C. for the last 20 years. He has provided professional advice and consulting services to 12 Mexican state governors, legislative bodies, and several federal ministries. He has also coordinated or co-authored more than 20 books on Mexican economic and political issues.

Mark Ghilarducci, serves as the director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Prior to his appointments at Cal OES and FEMA, Ghilarducci served as deputy state fire chief at Cal OES. He has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and government management at the local, state, and federal levels.

Patrick Morrison, the assistant to the general president for Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine at International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), was elected to his second three-year term.

Previously, the board elected a slate of officers that includes Russell Leavitt as chair, R. David Paulison as first vice chair, John Bonney as second vice chair, Roger Montembeault as secretary, Donald Cook as assistant secretary, Michael Wallace as treasurer, Stacy Welch as assistant treasurer, and Amy Acton as immediate past chair.

Visit nfpa.org.

safety advocate who diligently promotes the importance of home fire sprinklers. It honors members of the fire service and other fire sprinkler advocates in North America who use HFSC educational material, NFPA data, and Fire Sprinkler Initiative resources to educate decision-makers about the importance of home fire sprinklers.

Wos, who is also a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Oshkosh, chairs the Wisconsin Fire Sprinkler Coalition and has been a champion for the lifesaving benefits of fire sprinklers for many years. He was nominated by City of Madison Fire Department Fire Marshal Ed Ruckriegel, also an active member of the Coalition. Specifically, Wos is recognized for his efforts educating state agencies responsible for the development of building codes and increasing agency personnel interest in learning more about fire sprinklers.

As the Bringing Safety Home Award recipient, Wos was awarded a $1,000 grant to further fire sprinkler advocacy and educational efforts throughout Wisconsin. Visit homefiresprinkler.org or nfpa.org.

WOS REEIVES BRINGING SAFETY HOME AWARD

SFPE EUROPE ELECTS MCNAMEE AND WĘGRZYŃSKI TO BOARD

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) announce that they have awarded Michael Wos WOS with the 2022 Bringing Safety Home Award. Wos is the executive director of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation. This award recognizes outstanding efforts by a

MCNAMEE

WEGRZYNSKI

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced that Robert McNamee, PhD, and Wojciech Węgrzyński, PhD, have joined the SFPE Europe board of directors.

McNamee and Węgrzyński were unanimously elected at the SFPE Europe General Assembly Meeting in London, U.K., on May 16, 2022. They join David Grossmann, chair; Kees Both, immediate past chair; and Beth Tubbs, SFPE 2022 president, on the SFPE Europe board of directors. Under the expanded leadership, SFPE Europe seeks to increase its collaboration with SFPE chapSPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 51

Introducing the Next Level of Design INTERMEDIATE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PLANNING SCHOOL 1/2 hour orientation via live webinar t Two 3-hour live online classes t 5 days of in-person instruction t Hardware and software provided for class t

Aug 22 - Sept 2 | Oct 31 - Nov 11 The school will prepare the student to: • Use computer modeling of a sprinkler system to illustrate and confirm installation requirements for storage sprinklers (CMDA, CMSA, ESFR).

• Determine the appropriate component, installation, and design requirements for a standpipe system.

• Recognize the components of and prepare shop drawings where seismic protection is required.

• Select appropriate fire pump based on available supply and system demand and verify using computer model.

• Classify commodities and storage arrangements.

• Compare installation requirements for storage sprinklers (CMDA, CMSA, and ESFR).

For more information visit:

firesprinkler.org/nextlevel

BOTH

GROSSMAN

ters, to represent the voice of the fire safety engineer on European technical committees, to explore additional programs and partnerships, and to better meet the needs of engineers throughout Europe. Learn more about SFPE Europe and its chapters at sfpe.org/Europe. Learn more about SFPE’s global community and becoming a member at sfpe.org.

NFPA PRESENTS AWARDS

At its 2022 Conference & Expo®, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) presented a series of awards recognizing outstanding achievements in the industry.

The Paul C. Lamb Award was given to Keith Williams, the retired president and CEO of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and UL LLC, roles he held from 2005 to 2020. Prior to UL, his career included 23 years at GE Healthcare and eight years with Medtronic.

James D. Ford, Jr., retired deputy chief and current director of community risk reduction (CRR) for Cave Creek, Arizona, is the winner of the 2022 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal. Ford has been awarded this year’s medal for his dedication and careerlong commitment to fire safety.

Michael Johnston, the executive director of codes, standards, and safety at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), has received the Richard G. Biermann Award.

Johnston is responsible for managing the codes, standards, and safety functions for

JOHNSTON

DUGGINS

TUBBS

FORD

NECA and is secretary of the NECA Codes and Standards Committee.

Brené Duggins, fire prevention coordinator/training captain at Holly Grove Fire Department in Lexington, North Carolina, is the winner of the 2022 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award. During her 20 years as a volunteer in the fire service, Duggins has shared her passion for technology and education not only in the state of North Carolina, but across the U.S. and Canada, teaching the public as well as fire service personnel how to enhance their own programs through the integration of technology.

The Harry C. Bigglestone Award is granted annually to a paper appearing in Fire Technology that best represents excellence in the communication of fire protection concepts. The 2022 Harry C. Bigglestone Award winner, Dr. M. Z. Naser, is a tenuretrack assistant professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and is a member of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute for Science and Engineering (AIRISE) at Clemson University. He also serves on several international editorial boards as well as code building committees, including ASCE, ACI, PCI, and fib. Naser received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and holds M.S. and B.S. degrees from American University of Sharjah, UAE. The Standards Medal is the most distinguished award given by the NFPA Stan-

NASER

BELL SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022 53

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CONT. dards Council, recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to fire safety.

The 2022 recipient of the Standards Medal is Kerry M. Bell, a corporate fellow and principal engineer for fire sprinkler and pump equipment at UL. Since 1976, Bell has been involved in UL’s testing and certification activities related to a variety of fire suppression products, including portable fire extinguishers, special hazard extinguishing systems, as well as fire sprinkler and pump system equipment. He has au-

thored dozens of technical articles/papers related to these products and has served as a speaker for numerous seminars and events sponsored by organizations such as NFPA, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), and other industry associations.

Bell obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University.

He was one of the key technical contrib-

OCT 16-19

B

E

L

A

G

I

O

2022

LAS VEGAS 4 DAYS 60 SEMINARS 75 CEU CREDITS 2 DAYS OF EXHIBITS 2 FANTASTIC PARTIES

!

T E B E R U S A SAVE $ Regular Rate Deadline August 26, 2022 www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA41

54 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2022

utors in the design of UL’s award-winning large-scale fire test facility, which opened in 1996, and he has been a primary technical contributor on more than 50 UL standards, both new and revised. Finally, Bell was a member of NFPA’s Standards Council from 2004 to 2019, serving as chair for six years.

All NFPA 2022 award honorees received recognition at the NFPA Stars at Night gala, celebrating the brightest stars in fire and life safety. Visit nfpa.org. n

ADVERTISERS AFSA41

54

AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.

15

AMERICAN BACKFLOW

49

ARGCO EASYFLEX FERGUSON FIRE & FABRICATION, INC.

27, 44 IBC 7

FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTOR

33

GAST MANUFACTURING

BC

GECCO, INC.

53

HOME FIRE SPRINKLER COALITION

35

HOSE MONSTER COMPANY

3

LOCKED IN FIRE & ENGINEERING

38

METRAFLEX

31

REED MANUFACTURING CO.

39

RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. IFC, 28, 29 U.S. TOOL

37

VIKING CORPORATION

4

WATTS WATER

9

RISE ABOVE THE REST