Sprinkler Age

16 AFSA43 RECAP

NOV/DEC 2024

SPRINKLER AGE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 43/06

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FEATURES 12 | WHITAKER WINS NAC

Summit Sprinkler Technician Takes First Place at AFSA’s 31st Annual National Apprentice Competition

16 | MILE-HIGH SUCCESS

AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Draws Record Attendance in Denver

22 | MEMBERS ELECT 2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Directors Added to Better Represent Growing Membership

27 | VIP LEVEL 3 ANNOUNCED

Virtual Instruction Program Serves Apprentices, Contractors

28 | WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Occupancy Classification Challenges

30 | MEET YOUR 2025 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates

33 | SPRINKLERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Online Contests Educate Students

34 | OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS AND PARKING STRUCTURES Fire Protection’s Latest Burning Question

36 | REGIONAL REALIGNMENT

AFSA Membership Regions Expand to Better Serve Members

38 | MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Protecting America’s Heroes from Fire

ON THE COVER: Dylan Whitaker, Summit Fire & Security, is the winner of the 2024 National Apprentice Competition.

6 8 10 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 50 52 54

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

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

C

elebrate good times, we did! The AFSA43 convention was a Mile-High Success! Once again, we broke our record for attendance with nearly 1,500. I must say that this is due to you, our amazing membership, and the engaging relationship with AFSA. Thank you all for coming, and I hope that you got your money’s worth. I sure did!

The convention’s Opening Party, sponsored by NextGen, was a huge hit. Everyone enjoyed a variety of delicious foods— three kinds of chili, including bison, carved elk sausage, empanadas, BBQ burnt ends, shrimp and grits, and a dessert buffet! A great band, Darling Revival, and many outdoor activities like the rock-climbing wall were very popular. My own executive assistant, Ellen Ballard, almost made it to the top. Thank you to the NextGen Chair, Katie Meehan, and her energetic committee for a great event.

I want to share a few of my highlights from the convention. My first, of course, is the Women in the Industry panel. How amazing to have a packed room for that seminar. Over 100 attendees came to hear Taylor Johnson, Lainey Liotta, Katie Meehan, and me tell our stories about working in the fire sprinkler industry. A huge thank you to the ladies on the panel and our moderator, Rhonda Gudger. I think there will be another Women in the Industry panel for 2025.

As always, the apprentice competition is a core part of the convention, and I enjoy watching the apprentices vie for the win. All seven should be very proud of their performance and the skills they showed to make it to the national competition. Congratulations to Dylan Whitaker with Summit Fire & Security for becoming the 31st National Apprentice Competition champion.

The General Session was one for books. I definitely needed Kleenex, and I heard many others did, too. The amazing race was also filled with some very raw emotions that made me feel even more connected to my fellow AFSA members. Brett and the Heinrich family made Joe proud. It was such an honor to have Kathy, Brett, Andrea, and their family accept the award and listen to Brett talk about his father and friend. Thank you, Brett, for sharing your thoughts and memories of Joe with us and representing the Heinrich family.

The convention is not possible without a lot of support and hard work. THANK YOU to our SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, SEMINAR PRESENTERS, REGISTRANTS, STAFF, and everyone in between. It’s another win!

At the conclusion of the convention, two new Directors for AFSA’s Board were sworn in— Hunter Brendle, Brendle Sprinkler Co., and Mindy Buckley, Allsouth Sprinkler Co. I am excited to welcome these NextGeners to the Board. We are all looking forward to a productive 2025.

For next year, we will strive to strengthen the initiatives the Board began in 2024.

One being our goal to add more awareness in high school career centers about career opportunities in the fire sprinkler industry as well as develop educational materials for our elementary-school level. The success of our industry is dependent on this outreach.

We will also provide more resources and mentorship to our NextGen initiative. We have amazing, up-and-coming young professionals in our industry. I want to encourage all 30 AFSA chapters to strengthen and expand their NextGen Committees.

Remember, the AFSA Board and staff are always here to assist/support you.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, healthy, and blessed holiday season. 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

CLARISSA RIOS, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134

crios@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS LINDA M. BIERNACKI, Chair, 318-841-0330

PAUL DELORIE, First Vice Chair, 603-432-8221

JAY STRICKLAND, Second Vice Chair, 301-474-1136 ROD DIBONA, Treasurer, 605-348-2342 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., Immediate Past Chair, 804-222-1381 BROOKS BAYNE, 503-692-9284 HUNTER BRENDLE, 334-270-8571 MINDY BUCKLEY, 770-925-9099 TOMMY CLEMENTS, 804-459-2218 CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-5821-9339

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 804-459-2200 WAYNE WEISZ, 209-334-9119

AFSA LEADERSHIP BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, President, ext. 124 MELISSA ATHENS, Vice President, Finance, ext. 112 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Vice President, Education Services, ext. 130 JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MEDA MERRITT, Vice President, Membership & Chapter Development, ext. 133 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, 1410 East Renner Road, Suite 150, Richardson, TX 75082.

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ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP

LINDA M. BIERNACKI AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

W

ow! What an amazing experience AFSA43 was. The weather in Denver was perfect, which I might note was my job to ensure. I just looked up and thought, “Here comes the sun.” We enjoyed record-setting attendance and events the entire week, starting with the Opening Party on the resort’s back lawn. The food and the activities were awesome, and we estimate around 600 people enjoyed the live band, rock climbing, and axe throwing. Thankfully, no one threw one at me! With more than 50 well-attended seminars, a full-house General Session, and a filled exhibit hall, it is fair to say that AFSA43 was a huge success. We’re already planning next year’s convention, October 14-19, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC. Save the date!

For those of you unable to join us in Denver, I’d like to take a moment to share a few of my remarks from the General Session as sort of a State of the Association update. First, as many of you know, we struggled with our lab a bit, which caused us to relocate a few scheduled classes to other sites. Additionally, we could not use the lab’s full-flow functions during a few other sessions because our sub-floor water storage tank was not holding water. It would seep through the concrete because the original installation contractor didn’t understand that the pool was actually supposed to be waterproof. I know this because they stated this in an email response when we sent them a bill for the work done after the fact to make it waterproof, which it is now. All is well now, so we hope many of you will send your candidates to Dallas for the best hands-on ITM and fire pump testing experience.

We also introduced the rewrite of AFSA’s Applied Sprinkler Technology, a training series for new designers and layout technicians.

This training is being updated by a great industry professional team with Veronica Westfall, AFSA’s technical development specialist. It will be delivered in the form of convenient online lessons to be used in conjunction with on-the-job employer-led training, and a reference manual will be available for those who complete the online training.

Trust me when I tell you this will become the gold standard for training water-based fire protection systems layout technicians. We were able to show snippets of the material completed to date in the AFSA43 booth, and the responses were all encouraging and positive.

With the help of a very generous gift from CAFSA, we are moving forward with the Spanish translation of our Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship books. This is a literal game-changer for many of our members. The books will be available in 2025. While AFSA does not have publishing rights, we are also working toward having these books in electronic versions. We are also entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with a partner in Lima, Peru, to expand the use of our training materials in the Latin American and domestic Spanish-speaking markets.

Overall, we had a great convention at an awesome location, and if you were there, thank you! I have been in this role for four years, and each convention reinforces the feeling that this industry

8 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

is more of a family than anything else. Seeing and catching up with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues is always great. It’s truly heartwarming to see people enjoying each other’s company at the networking meals. If you couldn’t attend, we missed having you and hope to see you next year! Remind your apprentices to apply for the 2025 competition. They will have great experiences and win some great prizes, including cash.

Next on the horizon, other than AFSA44 planning includes expanding our technical training, especially in the inspection and testing arena. I believe that our industry can and should train inspection and testing separately from or in addition to pipe fitting and installation skills. There has been a major emphasis on ITM and recurring revenue streams for fire and life safety companies, and we need to lead the way in developing technicians to meet demand. In early 2025, AFSA will offer a program for inspection and testing of fire alarm systems based on NFPA 72, Chapter 14 requirements. Our lab already offers some hands-on opportunities, and we will add some components. Many of our members do more than water-based systems work in new construction and ITM. We will develop similar programs for inspecting and testing all building fire and life safety systems, including kitchen hoods, fire doors, dampers, e-lights, and fire extinguishers. Our goal is not to compete with other associations that offer these services but rather to become the one-stop shop our members expect of AFSA. AFSA recently submitted a formal apprenticeship program for U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) approval. The program, as submitted, is a two-year training program with similar formatting to our apprenticeship program in that it provides a curriculum for contractors who will be required to register their program with the DOL. This is because apprentices, fitters, or inspectors do not work for AFSA, and their employer conducts their training. That said, as we do now, we will offer classroom and lab training for our 20-month ITM Inspector Development program and administrative assistance for members who prefer to have AFSA track progress with you. Once we have DOL approval, we will approach NICET to discuss new classification for certification, called Fire and Life Safety Inspector, with multiple levels. This would allow inspectors to be granted credit for 100% of their hours worked as opposed to having to split credit between water-based work and fire alarm work throughout the year. As always, these projects are in response to input from members. Thank you for your membership and your commitment to fire protection. Remember, we’d love to hear about your success stories! n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

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FLASHPOINT

I

like my end-of-the-year column to acknowledge what the technical team did well and what we would like to focus on next year. This gives me time to adjust my management style and goals to the needs of our membership while accomplishing our mission. I want AFSA to be the best in sprinkler industry training!

What can I say? What a year! We saw a record number of in-person AFSA chapter and allied organization meetings and training events. The technical staff visited over 75% of AFSA’s chapters. At most of those, we held an eight-hour training session for a packed room of attendees. My staff felt excitement in the room. We attended over 30 allied organizations to build our brand recognition. The AHJ training events we completed have produced outstanding results. Our AHJ membership has increased to over 2,000 AHJs. We have heard from our members that the AHJs who attended our presentations have a better understanding of the installation standards. This understanding leads to more uniform enforcement of the installation standards for our industry. Uniform enforcement leads to less aggravation and saves money for our contractor members.

Our technical review service is on pace to exceed 600 questions this year. We will receive about 50 questions from AHJs. It makes me proud when the AHJs ask us questions. It is my thought that when an AHJs member asks us a question, it indicates that he or she trusts AFSA to give them a clear, concise, factual answer based on the applicable NFPA standards.

Our involvement with the NFPA process is paying dividends.

Our Technical Advisory Council (TAC), consisting of 41 members, started this year and is producing excellent results. We currently have representatives on 45 different NFPA standards, with 55 technical committees and 118 seats, both principal and alternate. Our working relationship with the NFPA staff is in good shape. Our Director of Program Development & Special Projects, Victoria Valentine, is on the NFPA Standards Council, and I’m on the NFPA Research Foundation Board of Trustees. During the annual NFPA standards meeting held during the NFPA Conference & Exposition in Orlando this year, AFSA staff presented and pushed our issues. Most of our Certified Amending Motions (CAMs) were decided in our favor.

AFSA43 was held in Denver this year. While I knew this event would be great, I thought we could not exceed AFSA42 regarding attendance. Face it, AFSA42 was held in Orlando. Orlando is not going to beat Denver. Well, I was totally wrong. AFSA43 was a total success beyond my wildest imagination. The technical presentations were packed, and the comments we received were great. The biggest complaint I heard was that too many good presentations were held simultaneously. The attendees wanted to attend multiple presentations at the same time. Hmm, I’m not sure what to do with those type of comments. Our call for presentations for AFSA44 is currently out. I’m hearing from industry professionals that our conference is the “can’t miss event” of the year. The exhibition hall was sold out and packed with attendees. The apprenticeship competition was a huge

10 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

success. Seeing seven young men perform in the field in front of a crowd and seeing how they did on our written tests makes me feel we are on the right track. Our Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice Training series books were revamped several years ago under the direction of our Vice President of Education Services Leslie Clounts and our Technical Development Specialist Veronica Westfall with a team of volunteer members. What a job! These apprentices studied using those books. Great job, apprenticeship finalists! Your training will continue to pay off.

How can we do better? There is always a need for improvements.

My biggest goal is to utilize our training facility more fully. Due to outside construction issues, we struggled to have our water supply and pumping systems fully operational. As I write this column, these issues are almost behind us. Next year will allow us to fully utilize our training lab. I want to see it used every day possible. Seeing students in the lab helps us fulfill our mission to educate and train the industry while promoting fire protection systems to save lives and property. If you or members in your organization need training, look at AFSA for the training. We can fulfill your needs.

I want to publicly thank my hard-working technical team. Eric, Josh, and Kevin go above and beyond. They do what it takes to get the project done. This includes putting in extra hours and long travel schedules. They all have an attitude I love—do what is needed to the best of my ability for the benefit of our members. I want to welcome and introduce the newest member of my team, Hayden Stoll, who is currently a student at the University of Maryland. He is working on earning his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering.

If all goes as planned, he will graduate in May 2025. At this point, he is working as an intern for us handling various assignments. Hayden did attend AFSA43 as our guest. He did not hesitate and jumped right in. Hayden has a bright future.

And finally, in January, I will reach my five-year work anniversary at AFSA. I cannot believe how quickly the years have gone by.

I have seen this association change positively for our members. It is my pleasure to serve our President Bob Caputo, our Board of Directors, and, most importantly, our members. Thank you for letting me serve you! And, I can not forget to say thanks to God, my wife Donna, and the rest of my family for the ability, inspiration, and tolerance to let me do what I want to do. The thing I do enjoy more than presenting is holding my grandson Zachary! n

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

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WHITAKER WINS NAC SUMMIT SPRINKLER TECHNICIAN TAKES FIRST PLACE AT AFSA'S 31ST ANNUAL NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION CLARISSA RIOS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

T

he 31st Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) was held at AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Denver, Colo., Sept. 18-21, 2024. The event showcased top apprentice talent in the fire sprinkler industry.

Attendees surrounded the scene located in the middle of the sold-out exhibit hall to watch the nation’s seven apprentice finalists build and pressure-test a mini fire sprinkler system.

Dylan Whitaker, fire sprinkler technician for Summit Fire & Security, Sanford, Fla. placed first in the competition and received a $5,000 cash prize!

“Being selected as a competitor for the 31st National Apprentice Competition at the AFSA43 conference was truly a surreal experience, from networking with industry partners to attending seminars,” says Whitaker. “What I’ll never forget is competing with the best apprentices in the nation. The AFSA43 conference was an eye opener of just how big the industry has become.”

“This year’s apprentice competition was very competitive from top to bottom,” says Brett Heinrich, president of Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, Kan., who oversaw the competition this year. “This was as complete of a group as

Dylan Whitaker, Summit Fire & Security, Sanford, Fla., won the 2024 National Apprentice Competition.

12 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

I can recall in recent years and there have been some good ones. Great job to the apprentices and their companies!”

WHITAKER’S INTRODUCTION TO THE INDUSTRY Whitaker has his uncle to thank for introducing him to the fire sprinkler industry. “He’s worked for Summit Fire & Security for almost 20 years now,” Whitaker explains. “He sent me a link, and I applied online and got the job.” This November will mark Whitaker’s four-year anniversary with the company.

The NAC was presented to him through Summit Fire & Security’s Apprentice Program Manager, Michelle HuttoAlejandro. After the special experience Whitaker had at the convention, he would advise anyone to try and become a finalist for next year’s competition. “It’s kind of a no-brainer. You might as well try. It only takes you roughly an hour to do the qualification exam and the worst that happens is you don’t make it to the finals. It’s an opportunity to prove your greatness. Plus, it doesn’t cost you anything.”

WHITAKER’S TAKE ON THE COMPETITION “I was riding the high for a few weeks. It was busy in Colorado with the written exam and the hands-on [fire sprinkler installation]. We had meetings and interviews, but it never felt like work. It was fun!”

When asked how it felt once he won the NAC, Whitaker explains the experience with a smile. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. I have never had my picture taken so many times. I felt like a celebrity!” Whitaker liked the aspect of confidentiality within the convention—how the winner and how well each apprentice was doing was kept internal. “Just how the competition was from start to finish, I like how no one truly knows the winner until it’s time. I try to be humble, and I expected to come up in the middle or average.”

While Whitaker was surprised to hear his name, his team had a gut feeling he was taking first place home. Hutto-Alejandro and Jack Medovich, executive vice president of Summit Companies, and several people from Summit’s office said they knew. “They said when they heard my name wasn’t called for second or third, they already knew. But for me I had no idea!” says Whitaker.

“Dylan’s journey from starting with no experience four years ago to achieving such remarkable success is indeed

Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, Calif., placed second during the competition. inspiring,” states Daniel Buchanan, fire sprinkler operations manager, Summit Fire & Security, Sanford, Fla. “His growth and accomplishments speak volumes about his dedication, passion for the industry, and his unwavering motivation to be the best. Knowing Dylan, it comes as no surprise that he ranked high in the competition and seeing him win was truly awesome. His achievements bring immense pride and motivation to our entire team, serving as a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication to training truly pay off.”

Congratulations to all seven apprentices for their hard work in becoming finalists in the NAC. The AFSA team and all in attendance enjoyed yet another great competition.

Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, Calif., won second place and a $3,000 cash prize. Aron Cook, Coastal Fire Protection Co., Chesapeake, Va., took home third place along with a cash prize of $2,000. Honorable mentions and $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to: Kacey Clark, Titan Fire Protection, Vista, Calif.; James Doss, Allied Fire Protection, LP, Pearland, Texas; Samuel Ohyama, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Timothy Shinn, Aqueduct Fire Protection Systems, Williamstown, N.J. All competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.

WHAT’S THE HYPE AROUND NAC? “The apprentice competition is an annual reminder of how well our training program has been developed and implemented across the country, says Heinrich. “Not to mention how well it is being taught and implemented. The continual updates to content and refinement are paying dividends.”

AFSA’s NAC is celebrating 31 years of showcasing apprentices. The competition is divided into two phases.

Phase 1 consists of a 100-question multiple-choice exam provided by AFSA. The test is proctored online, making it accessible to contestants in all 50 states. The top seven scoring apprentices in the Phase 1 exam received expense-

Aron Cook, Coastal Fire Protection Co., Chesapeake, Va., placed third in the competition. paid trips to compete in Phase 2 of the national competition, held during AFSA’s annual convention.

Whitaker describes how components of the competition promote technical learning from four years of book work. “I feel both the installation and written exam went hand in hand together. The hands-on gave several situations that someone would encounter in the field. I think you can do well if you’re thorough and do things by the book.”

In Phase 2, participants took another, more thorough written examination and installed a steel and CPVC sprinkler system with pendent and sidewall heads. The systems were pressure tested, and participants were graded on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety. The installation portion was held in the middle of the exhibit hall on the convention’s final day.

“After the first 30 minutes or an hour, I forgot I was being judged. I was focused on completing the task at hand. At one point, there were about 30 Summit employees surrounding me, which made me a little nervous,” he laughs.

The National Apprentice Competition was started in 1994 by the late Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Committee and president of Allsouth Sprinkler Company. The company continues to sponsor the competition and AFSA appreciates its continued support.

The competition was created to promote apprentice training and recognize the apprentices actively enrolled in the AFSA apprenticeship program. It continues to bring fire sprinkler apprentices from AFSA local chapters and member training programs from all corners of the United States together in the association’s foremost showcase of excellence in training among future industry leaders.

THANK YOU ALL! AFSA continues to express its gratitude to all involved in making the NAC happen each year. “The apprentice competition is a true team effort and could not be accomplished SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

13

Honorable Mention Winner Kacey Clark, Titan Fire Protection, Vista, Calif.

Honorable Mention Winner James Doss, Allied Fire Protection, LP, Pearland, Texas.

without the help from ALL involved... and there are many,” says Heinrich.

Tools, materials and support for this year’s competition were provided by Allsouth Sprinkler Company; Alwest Fire Protection; AFSA Florida Chapter; Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co.; Core & Main Fire Protection; Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina, Inc.; Driven Fire Consultants; Eastern Fire & Safety; Ferguson Fire & Fabrication; Fire Tech Systems, Inc.; Foothill Fire Protection, Inc.; Fortis Fire & Safety; JFV Engineering, LLC; Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; RIGID Tools; Sammy/ITW; Spears Manufacturing Co.; Victaulic; Viper Tradeshow Services; Viking Group, Inc.; VSC Fire & Security, Inc.; and Winsupply, Inc. AFSA is grateful to NAC Chair Brett Heinrich for spearheading this year’s competition. In addition, the association is grateful for this year’s judges: Brooks Bayne, AFP Systems; Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, A Fortis Brand; Gene Taylor, Brendle Sprinkler Company, Inc.; David Koopman, VSC Fire & Security, Inc. and Bernie Parsons, Wayne Automat-

ic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, and Heinrich served as alternate judges. Bill Norwood, Alwest Fire Protection, LLC, performed the hydro testing on the systems and was instrumental in the set-up, teardown, maintenance, and repairs of the structures.

Honorable Mention Winner Samuel Ohyama, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Salt Lake City, Utah.

14 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

YOU COULD BE THE NEXT CHAMPION! Whitaker encourages green apprentices to take a chance on themselves with the NAC. “I’d encourage any new and potential fitters to join the AFSA apprentice program and take the exam. The next champion could be you!” Got what it takes to become the 32nd NAC winner? Entry forms for next year’s event at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14-19, 2025, will be available soon. Bookmark the official NAC website at www. firesprinkler.org/afsa-national-apprentice-competition/ to learn more details in early 2025! n

Honorable Mention Winner Timothy Shinn, Aqueduct Fire Protection Systems, Williamstown, N.J.

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MILE-HIGH SUCCESS AFSA43: CONVENTION, EXHIBITION, AND APPRENTICE COMPETITION DRAWS RECORD ATTENDANCE IN DENVER

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D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

his year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was thrilled to welcome attendees to AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in Denver, Colo., September 18-21.

Nearly 1,500 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, facility managers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry professionals met at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center to attend seminars, view the sold-out exhibit hall, and cheer on their favorite apprentice in the 31st Annual National Apprentice Competition.

“AFSA43 exceeded all of our expectations,” comments AFSA Region 3 Director and Convention Committee Chair Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, N.M. “I want to thank the committee, Board, staff, and volunteers for organizing an amazing event. To have incredible seminars, a busy exhibit hall, and an exciting apprentice competition with the Rockies as a backdrop was fantastic!”

In addition to choosing from 54 technical and managerial seminars, attendees explored AFSA’s sold-out exhibit hall with booths featuring the products and services of 109 exhibiting companies.

AFSA also offered local AHJs a morning of free seminars, lunch, and a chance to explore the industry’s largest exhibition.

“AFSA43 was an amazing success and exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance as well as the number of visitors to the exhibits, technical sessions, and two great parties. Our registered attendees broke previous records, and the hotel and the weather were great all around!” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo.

“Thank you to all who attended, along with our incredible AFSA staff, the Gaylord Rockies staff, and especially Tara Wilson and Kristin Webster of Advensia Group for their work in making this event such a great success.”

DENVER DETAILS The convention began on Wednesday, September 18, with afternoon seminars, including a “Women in the Industry” panel and networking mixer, featuring several women thriving in the fire sprinkler industry speaking about their distinctive journeys in a male-dominated industry. That evening, a mixer was also held for new AFSA members and first-time convention attendees. The day wrapped up with an outdoor Opening Party held on the Gaylord Rockies’ lawn, featuring a live band,

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AFSA Convention Chair Don Kaufman (right) presented a donation to Kristen Hayes (left), president of the Colorado Risk Reduction Network on behalf of AFSA convention attendees. local delicacies, and outdoor activities like cornhole, axe throwing, and a rock wall to climb.

Thursday was a day full of learning and earning education credits at AFSA43 seminars, and an open night for contractors and manufacturers/suppliers to network and enjoy the resort and nightlife of Denver.

Friday offered more seminars followed by the general session, led by AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., presented the 2024 Henry S. Parmelee Award posthumously to Joe Heinrich, past president of Bamford Fire Sprinkler, who was dedicated to the fire protection industry for over 50 years and created AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NGI). Heinrich’s son, Brett, accepted the award on behalf of Joe, Joe’s widow Kathy, and the entire Heinrich family. In addition, 2024 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year David Lowrey, division chief/ fire marshal for Boulder, Colo. Fire-Rescue, was honored for his commitment to residential sprinklers and the fire sprinkler industry. Finally, Holly Gray-Salmon, vice president of finance for Foothill Fire Protection, Inc., Loomis, Calif., received AFSA's 2024 Young Professional of the Year award for her service to the next generation of industry leaders on local and national levels.

From left to right: AFSA President Bob Caputo, Benjamin Heinrich, Reese Heinrich, Trina Heinrich, Brett Heinrich, Kathy Heinrich, Andrea Van Meter, and AFSA Chair Linda Biernacki posthumously honored Past AFSA Chair Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Salina, Kan., with the 2024 Henry S. Parmelee Award.

In addition, AFSA presented a $5,000 donation to the Colorado Risk Reduction Network on behalf of convention registrants, in lieu of a convention souvenir. The Colorado Risk Reduction Network works to improve public education efforts in injury and fire prevention in Colorado. Accepting the donation was Kristen Hayes, president of the organization.

After the general session, attendees were invited to the exhibit hall for the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception with a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies along with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

On Saturday, the seminars concluded that morning, and exhibits opened in the afternoon to great success. Exhibitors from 109 exhibiting companies took over the hall, and attendees enjoyed learning about new products and services for the fire sprinkler industry and networking with fellow

industry professionals. During the afternoon exhibition, the nation's top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices, from over 250 apprentices who entered this year's contest, installed mini-sprinkler systems before a packed crowd. That evening, the annual Awards Party took place at the Gaylord Rockies’ brand-new Mountain View Pavilion. Guests enjoyed dinner and whiskey tastings, music, dancing, cigars, and the crowning of AFSA’s newest apprentice champion!

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of apprentice competition winners. Dylan Whitaker, Summit Fire & Security, Sanford, Fla., won first place at this year's Competition as well as a cash prize of $5,000. Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, Calif., won second place and a $3,000 cash prize. Aron Cook, Coastal Fire Protection Co., Chesapeake, Va., took home third place along with a cash prize of

David Lowrey, deputy chief/ fire marshal for Boulder, Colo. Fire-Rescue (left), received the 2024 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award from Legislative Chair Chris Johnson.

Holly Gray-Salmon, vice president of finance for Foothill Fire Protection (left), was presented with the 2024 Young Professional of the Year award by AFSA NextGen Initiative Chair Katie Meehan.

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$2,000. Honorable mentions and $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to: Kacey Clark, Titan Fire Protection, Vista, Calif.; James Doss, Allied Fire Protection, LP, Pearland, Texas; Samuel Ohyama, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Timothy Shinn, Aqueduct Fire Protection Systems, Williamstown, N.J. All competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.

“The Gaylord Rockies in the Mile-High City did not disappoint, with record attendance and incredible seminars it was electrified full of positive energy and excitement for our industry’s future,” states AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. in Shreveport, La. “I felt like I was at a big family reunion!”

To see more photos of this year’s event, visit AFSA’s Flickr page, flickr.com/afsa/ and AFSA’s social media channels— Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

AFSA GOES TO WASHINGTON Don’t miss out on the All-American celebration at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held October 14-19, 2025, at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. Mark your calendars now! Stay up-todate on next year’s event and the 32nd National Apprentice Competition through AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/. We hope to see you there! n

AFSA43 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver, Colo. offered education, networking, the fire sprinkler industry’s largest exhibition, and the 31st National Apprentice Competition.

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AFSA43 was a mile-high success with an Opening Party amid the Colorado Rockies, expert seminars, networking meals mixers, and an Awards Party in the Gaylord’s brand-new Mountain View Pavilion.

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The AFSA43 exhibit hall was sold out and featured 109 companies. Attendees connected with manufacturers and suppliers during exhibit hall hours and during networking events held throughout the convention.

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Connecting with industry colleagues, visiting with friends, and seeing new faces is always a highlight of AFSA43. With a record attendance at this year’s convention, networking was an easy task and new friendships were bound to be made!

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The members of the 2024-2025 Executive Committee are (l to r): Chair Linda M. Biernacki; First Vice Chair Paul DeLorie; Second Vice Chair Jay Strickland; Secretary Jeff Phifer; Treasurer Rod DiBona; and Immediate Past Chair Jack Medovich, P.E.

MEMBERS ELECT 2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS ADDED TO BETTER REPRESENT GROWING MEMBERSHIP

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D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2024-2025 officer elections during the September 2024 Board meeting. Linda M. Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., was re-elected as Chair of the Board. Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Londonderry, N.H., was re-elected First Vice Chair; and Jay Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Forestville, Md., was re-elected Second Vice Chair. Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Lugoff, S.C., was re-elected Secretary; and Rod DiBona, Pye-Barker Fire and Safety, Rapid City, S.D., was re-elected Treasurer.

Biernacki, DiBona, and Strickland were all re-elected for another three-year term.

Newly elected to the Board were Hunter Brendle, Brendle Sprinkler Co., Inc., Montgomery, Ala. and Mindy Buckley, Allsouth Sprinkler Co., Buford, Ga.

BIERNACKI RE-ELECTED CHAIR Serving as Chair of the Board and Region 5 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., with three offices—its main location in Shreveport, La., and branch

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offices in Monroe, La., and Oxford, Miss.—is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 34 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair and current member of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) board of directors, past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), and is past AFSA40 Convention Committee and Membership & Chapter Development Chair. She represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records. Biernacki is certified in NICET Level III Fire Protection Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast. She is a member of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (ASCET), Louisiana Automatic Fire Alarm Association (LAFAA), and Louisiana Associated General Contractors (LAGC).

“What a year!” states Biernacki. “In the Board of Directors’ article in the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of Sprinkler Age, I mentioned that the Board and I would allow the mission and vision statement of AFSA guide us. There were key goals/initiatives that would be our focus: Training and Education, Recruiting the Next Generation, and Build Strong Relationships with Industry Partners. I am elated to say that many goals are being accomplished.”

“As Bob mentioned in his column, two great things are happening. We are moving forward with the Spanish translation of the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship books with my gratitude to CAFSA for the generous donation that made this possible, and we are expanding the use of our training materials in Latin American and domestic Spanish-speaking markets.

Excelente logro, Ole!” These additions will reinforce AFSA as the training and education hub for our industry.”

Biernacki continues, “We continue to focus on training and education regarding our industry for the next generation. A key component to that is reaching the youth of today, making them the lifesaver for tomorrow. To do this, we must strengthen our ability to engage ourselves in the

alternative education system for career choice options, and within the elementary level to create awareness of our industry.

We need to engage all ages in the fire sprinkler industry. AFSA is creating tools to begin working with alternative schools, counselors, school boards, and non-profits to recruit for our industry as a career path.

It is our goal to share the passion we have with those who are best served working with their hands and becoming a lifesaver.”

Biernacki notes that another tool in the AFSA toolbox to make this happen is its NextGen group. “I mentioned in my article the value of this group and we should utilize its members to its utmost value. We must strengthen our NextGen committees at chapter levels to promote AFSA programs. The national NextGen Committee will be a key tool for the success of growing our industry training and recruitment initiatives.”

As Chair of the Board, Biernacki leads the AFSA Board of Directors, which is now comprised of 10 Regional Directors (one for each of the 10 membership regions), AtLarge Directors, and the Immediate Past Chair. The Board has a wide array of expertise, experience, and education that provides strong support to both the Chair and the association as a whole. (See the related article on page 36 of this issue.)

“To better serve our members and chapters, we have reorganized AFSA’s regional map to add Directors to increase local support. There are now 10 Regional Directors and four At-Large Directors. We are at your service,” comments Biernacki. “Our purpose in expanding the regions to 10 is to have Board of Directors reach out and touch you, our chapters. It’s important for us to hear all the exciting projects you are working on; the more we know the more we can help.”

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region 1 Director Brooks Bayne is co-owner and vice president of operations at AFP Systems, Inc. in Tualatin, Ore. He started in the fabrication shop working for his uncle, AFP Systems founder Jim Bayne, after graduating from McQueen High School. After earning his journeyman license through the AFSA apprenticeship

program, Bayne worked in the field as a foreman before becoming superintendent in 2007.

Bayne was inspired to go further in the BAYNE industry, learning sprinkler system design, estimating, and project management. In 2017, he stepped into the roles of co-owner and vice president of operations after working 20 years alongside his uncle. AFP Systems has been an AFSA Contractor member since 2012.

The company has provided service throughout the Pacific Northwest for over 36 years and is a proud member of ABC’s Pacific Northwest Chapter and ABC Inland Pacific Chapter, Inc. Region 2 Director Wayne Weisz started his career in the fire sprinkler industry in 1979. He started as an apprentice and quickly worked his way through the ranks as a WEISZ foreman and then general superintendent with American Fire Systems in Lodi, Calif. In 1986, Weisz, along with his brother Byron, founded Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., also in Lodi. In 1997, the brothers established D-M Fabrication, which ran as an independent pipe fabrication facility supplying fire sprinkler piping throughout the western United States. Cen-Cal Fire became a member of AFSA in 1987. In 2021, Cen-Cal Fire Systems became a part of the Sciens family of companies.

Weisz became a member of the AFSA Board of Directors in 2005. He has chaired multiple AFSA national committees over the years and in 2017-2018 served as AFSA Chair of the Board. In 2018, he was appointed by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office to serve on the State Automatic Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee. Weisz is active in California apprenticeship issues and sat on the CAFSA apprenticeship board of directors for over 21 years. He is a founding member of and active

in the AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter.

Region 3 Director is Don Kaufman, president of Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, N.M. With over 49 years in the KAUFMAN sprinkler business, Kaufman was instrumental in starting AFSA’s New Mexico Chapter and is a past president of the chapter. On the national level, Kaufman served as the Chair of the Board and has chaired several committees. He also served as chair of the New Mexico State Board for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, three terms as chair of the New Mexico State Apprentice Council, and served on the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission. He is an active member of ABC, past president of ABC’s New Mexico Chapter, member of the American Society of Professional Estimators, and past charter president of Albuquerque Rotary Del Sol. Region 4 Director and Treasurer Rod DiBona is the executive vice president for Pye-Barker Fire and Safety, with branches throughout the United States. He lives in Rapid City, S.D. DiBona entered the fire protection industry in 1990 and started in the AFSA apprenticeship program in 1991. In October of 1993, he was asked

by Marty Hammon to join him, his son, and his son-in-law to create Rapid Fire Protection. In 1995, DiBona was a Top 7 finalist in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition. In July of 2021, Rapid Fire joined the Pye-Barker Fire and Safety family. DiBona is a NICET Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout.

Jay Strickland serves as Region 6 Director. He is the president of Strickland Fire Protection, and partnered with Pye-Barker and Rapid Fire Group in 2021.

Strickland Fire Protection is in Forestville, Md., and was established in 1983. Strickland has been involved in the fire protection industry for 41 years. He is certified in NICET Level II, Fire Protection, WaterBased System Layout. He is a past chair of the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter. He also serves on the board of Anne Arundel

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Community College (AACC) Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation. The organization’s mission is to secure and steward private funds to enhance the educational endeavors of the college. This includes creating a new pathway to earn a college degree that many skilled craftsmen and women may have never considered as an option. A new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program at AACC will enable students who have completed apprenticeship programs to earn credits for their hard work. This will include pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The degree will be part of the school programming to ensure that students have the resources to pursue lifelong careers and that local businesses have a pipeline of employees ready for roles from entry-level through upper management.

Region 7 Director Chris Johnson is president and co-founder of Piper Fire Protection, a Fortis Brand in Clearwater, Fla. He has led Piper since 2002. Johnson is a JOHNSON NICET-certified fire protection Engineering Technician, holding a level III certification in fire sprinkler design. He has served AFSA’s Florida Chapter since 2011 as Education and Legislative Committee chair as well as vice chair, chair, and immediate past chair of the chapter. Johnson has served on the board of ABC for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter since 2015, and is a past chapter chair. He has also served on the ABC Florida State board as well as the ABC National board. Johnson was elected and sworn into office as Largo City Commissioner in November 2022.

His mission is to utilize his time, treasure, and talents to advocate for the fire sprinkler industry throughout Florida. He holds a Florida Fire Protection Contractor I License and Fire Equipment Dealers’ Licenses Class A and D. Chris is our AFSA National Committee Chair of the Legislative Committee.

Region 8 Director and Secretary of the Board Jeff Phifer is president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South

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Carolina, based in Lugoff, S.C., one of the oldest family-owned and continuously operated fire sprinkler contractors in the nation. Crawford celebrated its 100th year in 2020. Phifer has been at Crawford for 45 years, working as a fitter, service technician, and in administration. In 1999, he became the third generation to be president and chairman of the board at Crawford Sprinkler Company.

Region 9 Director Tommy Clements is the president and CEO of VSC Fire & Security based in Richmond, Va. He joined the company in 2017 following VSC’s acquisition of Arkansas CLEMENTS Automatic Sprinklers/ United Fire Suppression, where he had served as the CEO since leading a sponsorbacked acquisition in 2009. Following Markel’s acquisition of VSC, Clements relocated to Richmond to assume the role of COO and was promoted to president in 2022. He took on the additional role of CEO in 2023.

Clements is a former Nuclear Submarine Officer for the US Navy, having served onboard the USS Alabama ballistic missile submarine and in Navy Recruiting as head of enlisted recruiting in the Southeast United States. After his military service, Clements worked as a program manager on satellite defense and space shuttle programs before entering the construction industry as a development consultant to owners of casinos, resort hotels, and residential properties.

Clements has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the Stetson School of Business and Economics at Mercer University.

Region 10 Director and Second Vice Chair of the Board Paul DeLorie is senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, N.H. Hampshire Fire Protection is one of the largest merit shop fire sprinkler companies in New England. DeLorie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and has over 39 years of

experience in sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management, and senior management.

Serving as Ex-Officio (non-voting) members of the Board: • Dwight E. Bateman, Southeast Fire Protection, L.P. , Houston, Texas; • Don Becker, AFSA Life Member, Dallas Center, Iowa; • Bob Rees, API, High Point, N.C.; • Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, Md.; • Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Fort Worth, Texas; • Larry Thibodeau, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., LLC, Londonderry, N.H.; • Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Mass.; and • Ted Wills, Anchor Fire Protection/Sciens Building Solutions, Perkiomenville, Pa.

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS The Board has retained four At-Large Director positions, held by Jack A. Medovich, P.E., Mike Meehan, and newly elected Directors Hunter Brendle and Mindy Buckley.

At-Large Director and Immediate Past Chair Jack A. Medovich, P.E., is with Summit Companies out of Mendota Heights, Minn. A 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering, Medovich served three years as fire marshal of Fairfax County, Virginia, before joining the fire sprinkler industry 38 years ago. He has been active in AFSA since 1991, is a past chair of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter, and served the Virginia Chapter as chair and as a member of the board of directors for many years. He represents AFSA on the Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems, encompassing NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 24, and 291. In the past, he has served as a member of the following NFPA committees: NFPA 14, 20, 25, 101, 750, and 5000.

At-Large Director Michael F. Meehan is chairman of VSC Fire & Security, headquartered in Richmond, Va. A 1981 graduate from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Meehan began his fire sprinkler career working summers as a pipefitter apprentice. He is a NICET Level IV Certified

Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout and has more than 45 years of experience in sprinkler design engineering, estimating, project manageMEEHAN ment, and senior management. Meehan is a past AFSA Chair of the Board and represents installing contractors and AFSA on the NFPA 13 committee.

NEW DIRECTORS ELECTED AFSA members have elected Hunter Brendle, president of Brendle Sprinkler Company, Inc., based in Montgomery, Ala., as a new At-Large Director for the association.

Brendle Sprinkler was founded in 1960 by Hunter’s grandfather and uncle and was then led for over 40 years by Hunter’s father F.C. (Kit) Brendle, Jr. Hunter began working in the shop as a teenager, to working in the field as a helper and apprentice, to later transitioning into the office. Brendle strives to protect the company’s legacy and reputation and is a

proud third-generation in fire protection.

“When I was asked if I was willing to serve on the Board, I was at a loss for words. I was so humbled and BRENDLE grateful that not only our company’s history and legacy would be recognized, but my family and our employees were recognized as well,” comments Brendle.

“Being elected as an AFSA Board Member is a huge honor and privilege and I can’t wait to serve this incredible industry. I love being part of an organization that’s mission is to educate the industry and to help save lives and property.”

Brendle is past president and current board member of the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association, board member for the Tony Bice Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised over a million dollars for Alabama burn care facilities and serves on AFSA’s National Convention, Membership, NextGen, and Public Education & Aware-

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ness committees. He holds a NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout, Florida Fire Protection Contractor II, and is a graduate of AFSA’s ApprenticeBUCKLEY ship Training Series.

Members have also elected Mindy Buckley, CFO and co-owner at Allsouth Sprinkler Company, Burford, Ga., as an At-Large Director. Her passion for the fire sprinkler industry began at a very young age, inspired by the involvement and dedication of her father, uncle, and grandfather. With over 18 years of professional experience, Buckley has developed a comprehensive understanding of fire sprinkler systems and their importance. Buckley’s education is in business administration and accounting. She began interning at Allsouth Sprinkler Company in 2005 and took on various roles over the years, gradually gaining more responsibilities and expertise until she became CFO and co-owner.

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Lyle Hall (left), retiring from the AFSA Board of Directors, was recognized by AFSA Chair Linda Biernacki for his service to the association and its members during the AFSA43 General Session.

“I am excited and honored to join the Board of Directors,” comments Buckley. “Fire safety and education is something I’m deeply passionate about and I’m eager to contribute. As a new Director, I hope to bring fresh ideas, strengthen our membership, and continue advancing education through our training programs. I look forward to working with this incredible team to make an even greater impact on our industry and communities.”

Buckley has been active with the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association since 2016 and currently serves as treasurer on its board of directors. She is also a member of AFSA’s Next Generation workgroup, Public Education & Awareness committee, and Membership & Chapter Development committee.

Buckley regularly participates in industry conferences and seminars. She also works closely with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire Public Education Department to educate children on fire prevention.

RETIRING DIRECTOR HONORED Region 1 Director Lyle Hall is retiring from the Board this year. He is president and co-owner of Western Fire Protection in Poway, Calif., has been in

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the fire sprinkler industry for 45 years, with the last 29 years at Western Fire.

Prior to that, he was a helicopter-based wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He has a degree in fire science with continuing education at the University of California San Diego.

Hall was recognized by AFSA Chair Linda Biernacki during the AFSA43 General Session. “Over many years of friendship with Lyle, I can say being the one to present this very deserving recognition to him meant the world to me. It is an honor to call him a friend and mentor,” says Biernacki. “Lyle has been an advocate for the fire sprinkler industry with his incredible knowledge and input with the apprenticeship competition. His apprentices have been in the top seven multiple times at the apprenticeship competitions, and I thank him for his dedication. Lyle and Birdy have both been great supporters of the Board and our association. Thank you for your service to AFSA.” Hall started in the fire sprinkler industry as an apprentice pipefitter and worked his way into design, project management, sales, and eventually, management. His past accomplishments include serving as a past director on the San Diego Fire Protection Association board; past chair of the San Diego

Chapter of the AFSA; past chair of the California American Fire Sprinkler Association—Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee; and past chair of the California Fire Training Alliance. Hall currently serves on the California American Fire Sprinkler Association— Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee and was the Chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Subcommittee to develop its ITM program. He also serves on the board of directors for AFSA’s San Diego Chapter.

“I have known Lyle for more than 45 years… we were fitters and designers in the same office, literally! We were young once if anyone could believe that!” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “Sadly, Lyle has decided that his contributions as a member of AFSA’s Board of Directors have run their course, and it’s time to pass the baton. Lyle is one of the most supportive people I know, and he’s been a positive influence and industry friend for many years. His impact on the AFSA nationally and his contribution of time and support of the San Diego Chapter and CAFSA have been generous and beneficial to our industry. While I am sad to see Lyle rotate off the Board, we know his decision is selfless and made in the best interest of this association, and I look forward to his continued involvement in our committees.”

CALL UPON THE BOARD AFSA’s Board of Directors is strongly committed to the continuance of the merit shop philosophy, the promotion of property and life safety through the use of automatic fire protection, and the continued development of training for fire sprinkler fitters, layout technicians, inspectors, and management.

AFSA members are encouraged to ask questions or voice suggestions with any Board member or staff. If you have a question or comment, please see the list of Board members and key staff on page 6 of every issue of Sprinkler Age or visit the Board of Directors’ webpage on the AFSA website at www.firesprinkler.org/ board-of-directors/ or the staff webpage at www.firesprinkler.org/afsa-staff/. n

VIP LEVEL 3 ANNOUNCED VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM SERVES APPRENTICES, CONTRACTORS

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VICTORIA B. VALENTINE, P.E., FSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

as your team participated in the Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) yet? This program has completed two years of related technical instruction for apprentices and is about to kick off its third year with Level 3 coming aboard! There are currently over 100 students in our ongoing VIP courses. New Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses will launch in the first quarter of 2025. Registration deadlines and the first lesson date are listed in Table 1 below. If you still need to know more about the program, keep reading.

The sprinkler fitting VIP course provides the required technical instruction (RTI) for apprenticeship. It can be used to support those in a registered apprentice program or expand their knowledge of sprinkler fitting. If you are in the process of setting up a registered program, AFSA is here to help.

Starting in 2025, AFSA will offer Levels 1 through 3. Level 4 is in the planning phase, so look for updates later in 2025.

Each level provides 10 months of education to accompany the employer’s On-The-Job Learning (OJL). The education includes the newly updated Sprinkler Fitting textbooks, two live sessions each month, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, and assessments.

AFSA staff and subject matter experts instruct the lessons. Each session runs two hours and includes discussion time. Lessons are offered twice daily to accommodate time zones and schedules. A calendar is provided with registration that contains specific dates and times for all the lessons in the 10-month course. Participants are required to attend the live sessions.

Performance tasks are the execution of items that correspond to the lesson. This reinforcement increases participants’

learning and retention. The tasks are performed by the apprentice and verified by the supervisor (employer), designated during VIP registration.

During the self-study portion, the apprentice is expected to read the accompanying sections supporting the lesson and review any add-on resources, such as videos or articles, provided. The text provides questions with each module to help guide the apprentice and ensure key concepts are absorbed.

AFSA’s mission is to educate and train the industry, and this VIP offering can benefit your team. The virtual setting means no travel costs associated with the program. In addition, the flexibility of two sessions on class day provides the opportunity for participation while still prioritizing other projects that may fall on the same day. Leaving the classroom component up to us also relieves your senior staff from instruction responsibilities.

NATIONAL GUIDELINE STANDARDS (NGS) Are you looking to start an apprenticeship program for sprinkler fitting? AFSA has a National Guideline Standard (NGS) registered with the Department of Labor (DOL). This can serve as the basis for your own apprenticeship program. Contact your regional DOL representative and tell them you want to use the AFSA NGS. For details, see “Starting an Apprenticeship Program” on AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/.

Course

First Lesson Date

Scan this QR code to learn more about VIP.

Appendix A of AFSA’s National Guideline Standards for apprenticeship of sprinkler fitters was revised almost a year ago.

This section of the standards details the Work Process Schedule and Related Instruction Outline. The main purpose of this update was to revise the Related Instruction Outline to correspond to the updated AFSA/NCCER Sprinkler Fitting series (4th edition) now that all four levels are published and available.

In summary, AFSA continues to develop its training to support our members’ needs. The VIP offering is growing! Let AFSA help you create the next generation of field personnel. Scan the QR code above, visit www.firesprinkler.org/vip/, or email training@firesprinkler.org to learn more and enroll. n Early-Bird Registration By

Regular Registration By

Level 1

January 15, 2025

December 1, 2024

January 5, 2025

Level 2

March 6, 2025

January 20, 2025

February 24, 2025

Level 3

February 5, 2025

December 22, 2024

January 26, 2025

Table 1. National Guideline Standards for AFSA’s Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) for fire sprinkler apprentices.

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27

WHAT'S IN THE BOX? OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION CHALLENGES

Y

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

ou can only adequately protect a box from fire once you know what is in the box or what is happening in the box—the building or room is the box in this instance. The design basis, sprinkler type, sprinkler spacing, density, temperature rating, sprinkler response, and K-factor are all a guess until the occupancy classification is accurately confirmed, which can all be similarly stated for commodity classification in storage occupancies. As the building codes designate occupancy (A-Assembly to S-Storage), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a broader designation for sprinkler protection (Light Hazard to Special Occupancies) within a facility. The building code occupancies are generalized, whereas the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, occupancy classification is the basis of the fire sprinkler design.

Many layout technicians can intuitively classify occupancies; however, it is ultimately the responsibility of the fire protection engineer to analyze the combustibility and quantity of combustibles in the area.

Appropriate classification is imperative to provide the best protection for the space. An inappropriate classification has the potential for the loss of property or life and will cost more, whether in too much extra material or litigation for improper protection.

The occupancy classifications are based on the combustibility and the quantity of combustible contents in the area. The occupancy classification is not intended, nor should it be intended for the entire building in question. Take an expected “Light Hazard (LH)” occupancy of an office building. Though the LH designation of office buildings makes sense

28 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

for the offices, it does not apply to all other areas that may be more hazardous than the office. There are mechanical spaces, storage areas, and even labs in typical office spaces.

Though some of the variables included in the occupancy classifications are subjective, there are some objective limitations to help deduce the correct occupancy that gets misused at times. The prescriptive guidance and recommendations provided by NFPA 13 can be problematic if the hazard is forced into fitting the examples provided.

The guidance for occupancy classification is provided in NFPA 13 Chapter 4, “General Requirements,” and examples are listed in the respective annexes. A light hazard occupancy is a space with a low quantity of combustible contents and low combustibility of the contents. Some examples provided are churches, educational spaces, libraries (except large stack rooms), restaurant seating areas, and unused attics.

At face value, these examples are straightforward until you look at the overall use of the building. A church is provided with a low quantity of combustibles and a low combustibility of the contents. Suppose the task at hand is to protect a megachurch with a functional kitchen, an auditorium with a concert stage, living quarters, and a donation distribution area. In that case, many spaces will no longer meet the guidance of a Light Hazard occupancy.

There are still many Light Hazard spaces; however, the higher hazard occupancy spaces need to be protected as such and classified individually.

Ordinary Hazard (OH) occupancies are broken into two subcategories: Ordinary Hazard Group 1 (OH1) and Ordinary Hazard Group 2 (OH2). OH1 occupancies are areas with a moderate quantity of combustible contents and low combustibility of contents, as well as

stockpiles (storage) of contents with low combustibility that do not exceed 8 ft in height. A typical storage closet or area in any of the Light Hazard occupancies mentioned above would be an OH1 space.

Some examples provided are beverage manufacturing, mechanical rooms, restaurant service areas, and laundries.

OH2 occupancies are where there is a shift in the combustibility of contents and quantity of combustibles. The spaces provide moderate to high quantity and combustibility of combustible contents.

The spaces are permitted to provide storage with moderate combustibility at 12 ft, and those with high combustibility are limited to 8 ft. The adjectives for the combustibility are somewhat subjective (though a comparison to the items found in lower or higher heat release rates can provide good baselines), and the storage height limitations of OH occupancies are objective. If the storage in the area is 13 ft, it cannot meet the requirement of an OH occupancy and is considered as a storage space. Some examples of OH2 occupancies include automotive parking garages, distilleries, dry cleaners, mercantile, stages, and wood product assembly.

Extra Hazard (EH) occupancies include high quantities and combustibility of contents. It is also subcategorized into Extra Hazard Group 1 (EH1) or Extra Hazard Group 2 (EH2). EH1 occupancies include spaces where dust, lint, or other materials that increase the risk of deflagration are present.

Some examples of EH1 occupancies are sawmills, upholstering with plastic foams, plywood and particle board manufacturing, and combustible hydraulic fluid use areas.

EH2 includes spaces with substantial amounts of ignitable liquids or places where there is extensive shielding. The hazard requires a higher density of water. Some

The goal is always the same with occupancy classification challenges: tailor the fire protection system to the actual risks. examples of EH2 occupancies are flammable liquids spraying, flow coating, car stackers and car lift systems with two cars stacked, and diesel fire pump houses and rooms.

NFPA 13 does not detail all the protection needed for all hazards. Other codes and standards may be needed to supplement protection. NFPA 13 provides direction toward the proper protection standard in the “Special Occupancy” chapter. Some of the common ones are listed below: • Ignitable (Flammable and Combustible) Liquids: NFPA 30 • Aerosol Products: NFPA 30B • Drycleaning Facilities: NFPA 32 • Spray Applications Using Flammable or Combustible Materials: NFPA 33 • Laboratories Using Chemicals: NFPA 45 • Information Technology Equipment: NFPA 75 • Ovens and Furnaces: NFPA 86 • Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Solids: NFPA 91 • Class A Hyperbaric Chambers: NFPA 99 • Coal Mines: NFPA 120 • Metal/Nonmetal Mining and Processing Facilities: NFPA 122 • Animal Housing Facilities: NFPA 150 • Water Cooling Towers: NFPA 214 • Hazardous Materials: NFPA 400 • Aircraft Hangars: NFPA 409 Other special situations correspond to specific commodity classifications. Some examples of these situations requiring unique protection schemes are tire, rolled paper, and baled fibers. Other commodi-

ties require a performance-based design as they are not prescribed in NFPA 13, such as lithium-ion battery storage, automated storage and retrieval systems, and boat storage. For more information on these hazards, reference “Think Outside of the Box with Hazards Outside the Scope” on page 36 of the Jul/Aug 2022 Sprinkler Age (www.issuu.com/sprinklerage/docs/ 220708sprinklerage).

Overall, the hazard, water supply, and pipe size increase from LH-EH2. The demand rises to control more hazardous fires. If the hazard does not fit in one of the occupancy classifications, it is either a special occupancy, low-piled storage, miscellaneous storage, or outside the scope of NFPA 13. The owner is required to provide the plan of the building and any pertinent information to determine the occupancy classification. In scenarios where the occupancy classification does not fit one of the categories specifically laid out, hazard analysis is required to protect the area appropriately. Ultimately this information needs to be classified by a design professional. They may need to provide a classification by heat release rate comparison, provide testing and data, analyze the hazard to see if sprinklers are the best fire protection, provide a customized performance-based design, or include multiple fire protection systems to protect the hazard properly.

Getting the occupancy classification right is the key to an effective fire protection plan. By accurately identifying the hazards in each space—whether it’s

the combustibility of materials or the activities taking place—fire protection engineers can provide the proper design specification for a sprinkler system that offers the right level of protection. When spaces don’t fit neatly into standard categories, further hazard analysis or a custom design may be needed. The fire protection engineer plays a vital role in evaluating these situations and making the right adjustments.

Whether it’s a simple office or a complex facility with varying hazards, the goal is always the same: tailor the fire protection system to the actual risks. In the end, getting the classification right allows contractors and engineers to provide the best possible fire protection for people and property for the building owner. It is imperative for all of this to be sorted out before the protection scheme. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joshua McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM, is the director of training and operations for AFSA. He is responsible for developing, updating, and delivering technical content. He has experience in training for fire protection industry professionals, including web-based and hands-on learning. As a manufacturer, McDonald has been involved in the research, development, and technical services of fire protection products and has experience with risk engineering applied to the fire protection analysis and the ITM of fire protection systems. He is a member of NFPA technical committees responsible for developing the model codes and standards. He also represents AFSA on UL standard technical panels, responsible for revising and maintaining the product standards used in the sprinkler industry. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology and a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in fire safety and explosion protection. McDonald is a member of NFPA.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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MEET YOUR 2025 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES

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he votes are in and tallied for the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2025 Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council. The results: Phil Schechinger, Viking Group, Inc., will continue to serve as chair of the council and Andy L. Kaempfer, Safe Signal, will serve as vice chair.

“It’s an honor to serve an industry association that works hard to save people’s lives and property,” says Kaempfer. “I can speak for the other manufacturers and suppliers when I say we are all committed to advancing the science of fire sprinkler safety and application.”

ELECTION RESULTS Tate Hitzeman, Potter Electric Signal, and Terry Pickvet, Atlanta Winsupply, are the two candidates that have been elected to a three-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2025 and expiring on Dec. 31, 2027. “I

would like to formally welcome the newest elected members to the M/S Council,” comments Schechinger. “Tate and Terry, I look forward to working with you to support the initiatives of AFSA.” Hitzeman is honored to have been elected to the M/S Council and states he, “looks forward to working side by side with such a spectacular group of people. I am anxious to learn and eager to help.”

“I am concluding my first year on the Council and have really enjoyed my time,” Pickvet recalls. “Having the chance to peek behind the curtain of the council and be part of discussions that drive AFSA initiatives has been enlightening, I’ve really enjoyed it. Winsupply continues to grow within our industry; it’s an honor to be our representative.”

During the Quarter 4 2024 Council Meeting, the Executive Committee unanimously appointed James Yost of

TALCO Fire Systems to fill Schechinger’s open vacant seat. The seat has a one-year remaining on the term. “I’ve only been around this industry for a short time YOST compared to most, but I love the work, and I love the people,” Yost declares. “We’re all trying to make this industry better for generations to come and I’m very excited to for the opportunity to do my part by serving this great industry on the M/S Council.”

CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO FIRE SAFETY IN 2025 “As we look towards 2025, I am encouraged by the energy within the organization and the leadership provid-

The members of the 2025 Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council met during AFSA43. They welcome comments, questions, and feedback from AFSA Associate members.

30 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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Council election results are in! From left to right: Travis Hitzeman, elected to a three-year term; Andy Kaempfer, elected Vice Chair; Phil Schechinger, elected Chair; and Terry Pickvet, elected to a three-year term. ed by the Board, Chair Biernacki, and President Caputo’s leadership,” states Schechinger. As M/C Council Chair, he’s happy to continue to “support increased participation and work towards a common goal of training the contracting community and increasing the awareness for the need of protected structures with fire sprinklers.”

The Council, established in 1983, represents member companies that produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. It was created to represent the interests of all Associate members who make and supply products in the industry and assist AFSA’s Board in meeting the goals of the association.

Members of the 2024-2025 M/S Council are as follows: • Andy Kaempfer, Safe Signal; • Derek Allen, Core & Main; • Dave English, General Air Products; • Tate Hitzeman, Potter Electric Signal Company; • Scott Howser, Victaulic; • Jeff Key, Ferguson Fire and Fabrication; • Lainey Liotta, Lubrizol Advanced Materials; • Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing; • Terry Pickvet, Winsupply; • George Rabideau, Wheatland Tube;

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• Melisa Rodriguez, Johnson Controls; • Phil Schechinger, Viking Group; • Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; and • James Yost, Talco Fire Systems.

M/S COUNCIL MAKE-UP The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at category 15 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company, and two appointed seats on the Council are reserved for distributors/fabricators in dues-paying category 15 or above with a national scope. In addition, there is one domestic pipe manufacturer seat for category 15 and above. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing.

REPRESENTING ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AFSA members are encouraged to contact Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested

in becoming more involved with AFSA, consider investing in the future of your industry. Please also consider the time and financial commitment required to attend meetings and work on AFSA programs. The first M/S Council meeting for 2025 will be held during the Quarter 1 Board and Committee meetings, to be held Feb. 3-5 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

All companies represented on the M/S Council, whether the position is appointed or elected, must maintain their status as an AFSA member in good standing. Currently, to run for an elected seat on the M/S Council, nominees must attend at least one AFSA Quarterly meeting, M/S Council meeting, and exhibit at the AFSA convention within the prior year.

Members interested in serving should contact AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services and M/S Council Staff Liaison John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE via email at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org. n

SPRINKLERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS ONLINE CONTESTS EDUCATE STUDENTS

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the five college students nationwide who have won a scholarship through the association’s online scholarship program, www.afsascholarship.org/ secondchance/. These national winners were randomly selected from over 25,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $1,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. This online scholarship contest runs January 1 through August 31 each year and awards five $1,000 prizes. The five national winners for 2024 are Marina Alberto, Bay Shore, N.Y.; Amaya Hewitt, Memphis, Tenn.; Aalycia Roseburgh, Las Vegas, Nev.; Evan Schmidtendorff, Osceola, Ind.; and DaLeah Wilson, Stonecrest, Ga. To be eligible, an applicant must be a current student enrolled at a college, university, or trade school. Applicants are required to read a passage about fire sprinklers, which describes their history, how they operate to save lives and property, and the types of careers that are available in the industry. Entrants also learn about legislation related to the industry and common factors in college/ university-related fire fatalities.

Throughout the test, students answer eight questions to ensure their comprehension. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

The 2025 Second Chance Contest will open January 1 through August 31,

2025. For more details, visit www. afsascholarship.org/secondchance/.

visit www.afsascholarship.org/highschool-contest/.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS

DEDICATION TO EDUCATION

AFSA also sponsors a scholarship contest for high school seniors. To enter, an applicant must be a current senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school in the fall. Students are required to complete the same online contest as the Second Chance entrants. The contest runs from September 1 through December 31 of each year. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

While the contest took a year’s break for the 2022-2023 school year, the contest was restarted for 2023-2024 high school seniors and garnered over 5,000 entries. The ten national winners randomly chosen are Tanbrance Berry, Lawrenceville, Ga.; Issac Case, Arvada, Colo.; Ethan Kim, Walnut Creek, Calif.; Abigail Palus, Hulett, Wyo.; and Samuel Sunna, Murphy, Texas.

The 2024-2025 High School Senior Contest is currently open through December 31, 2024. For more details,

As an association founded on education and training, AFSA is proud of the success of its online scholarship contests. Since the program’s creation in 1996, members of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee have sought to promote the scholarship contests outside of the fire sprinkler industry in the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection. These students have no doubt learned the life- and propertysaving benefits of automatic fire sprinkler systems. The hope is that they will carry this education with them throughout their lives and share the message with others.

AFSA scholarships are open to U.S. citizens and legal residents and are not based on financial need or grade point average (GPA). For details or to apply for either scholarship, visit the contest website at afsascholarship.org/. n

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS AND PARKING STRUCTURES FIRE PROTECTION'S LATEST BURNING QUESTION MELISA RODRIGUEZ, P.E., SET | JOHNSON CONTROLS

H

istorically, traditional parking garages have been considered by the fire sprinkler industry to be an Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) occupancy (OH1) based on the potential fire that could develop from burning vehicles. In recent editions of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, this has been upgraded to an Ordinary Hazard (Group 2) occupancy (OH2), with the basis of the change coming from speculation that cars have significantly more plastic today than they did 30 years ago and thus would most likely burn hotter. There have been some concerns that this change is not backed by enough technical justification or full-scale fire testing and that the number chosen is arbitrary. Some think it should have remained at OH1, while others might suggest OH2 was not enough and we should be looking at Extra Hazard classifications for these occupancies.

In addition to this, certain automobile arrangements have thus far not been covered prescriptively in the NFPA 13 standard. Specifically, vehicle stackers and automatic parking systems have not had criteria for sprinkler systems included in the standards. NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, has pointed to NFPA 13 for protection of these, but NFPA 13 has not had guidance beyond a small inclusion in recent editions with some direction for two-car stackers. There have been attempts to include design criteria for larger automatic parking systems, but they have been rejected thus far due to a lack of supporting technical justification. There simply have not been enough full-scale fire tests on modern automobiles and these types of systems for committee members to feel comfortable assigning a specific hazard classification or design density to these systems that were outside of the scope of NFPA 13.

That being said, there may be a way to utilize the laws of thermodynamics of water and the known Heat Release Rates (HRR) from the fire testing that we do have data from to calculate an estimate of the amount of water needed to provide control of a vehicle fire. These calculations can then be validated and/or adjusted as more real-world testing is completed moving forward.

We aren’t completely without data to work with. The NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation has published two phases

34 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

of a report to date on the hazards of modern parking structures and it has compiled a database of information from various fire tests around the world. The peak heat release rate (HRR) during a car fire can hit as much as 9 megawatts (MW). This could be considered a worst-case scenario. On average, a more typical vehicle fire has a peak HRR between 4 and 5 MW. Furthermore, this number is the peak HRR and is not a constant value during the full course of the fire or the expected HRR when sprinklers first activate. We will only see that output for a short period of time as the HRR peaks and then drops back down. So, it’s not going to be a steady state burn of 9 MW for the duration of the fire or even a steady state at 4 or 5 MW and, throughout the course of a car fire, the average HRR is more like 2-4 MW. Watts is a time-based unit and translates to Joules per second, just to line things up for the rest of our calculations. And, to be somewhat conservative, we’ll assume a steady state of 4 MW over the course of the fire.

The next step is to demonstrate through calculations that we can control fires of various sizes by dispensing enough water to absorb the energy being generated and released by the fire. We know that water is excellent as a firefighting tool because of the large amount of energy it can absorb before changing temperature or changing from a liquid to a vapor. It takes 4.186 kilojoules (kJ) of energy to raise the temperature of one kilogram (kg) of water by 1°C (the specific heat capacity of water you might recall from any physics classes you’ve taken). There is also a large amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to vapor (latent heat of vaporization), 2260 kJ for one kg to be specific. One gallon of water is 3.785 kg, and by using these known formulas, we can calculate that it takes 9,821 kJ, or 9.82 MJ of energy, to convert one gallon of room temperature water (20°C) to steam (>100°C).

From here, you can establish how much energy you would like to have the water absorb to control a fire. If your intent is to match exactly the rate of energy produced by the fire with enough water to absorb all of it, this would result in total extinguishment, as removing the heat portion of the fire triangle takes away the ability for the fire to continue to burn. However, we are not typically striving towards extinguishment with

sprinkler systems. We instead generally seek to control and not suppress or fully extinguish. A general rule of thumb to achieve control is to compensate for around 65 percent of the energy produced by the fire. It is possible to use this to then calculate a basic guideline of a flow rate in gallons per minute capable of absorbing a specific amount of energy produced in a fire. For a fire producing a steady HRR of 250 kW or 0.25 MW, 15,000 kJ of energy would be generated over the course of one minute.

65% of that is 9,750 kJ, or 9.75 MJ. From our earlier calculations, we know that one gallon of water can absorb slightly more than this amount (9.82 MJ) before it becomes a vapor. Therefore, we can establish the rule of thumb that 1 gpm for every 0.25 MW of heat will provide control of a fire.

Back to our care fire, at a steady state of 4 MW, you would need 4/0.25 or 16 gpm to achieve control. Spread over the footprint of an average vehicle, we can use 100 ft2 partly because this makes it easy to convert to a typical design density. A mid-size SUV has, on average, a footprint of 93 to 107 ft2, and a full-size SUV is 107 to 126 ft2. This puts the amount of water needed to control an average car fire and, more importantly, keep it from spreading to adjacent vehicles at around 0.16 gpm/ft2. OH1 could conceivably still be appropriate, but OH2 would certainly provide a good level of confidence in this prediction of control.

From there, we can use what we know about the efficacy of intermediate-level sprinklers in rack storage occupancies to things like multi-level car stackers and other large, automated parking

systems. Even if we are considering a two-car stacker where you potentially have two vehicles both producing this HRR but sitting on the same footprint, doubling that density to 0.32 gpm/ft2 also seems appropriate if you are protecting this arrangement with ceiling sprinklers only.

In conclusion, even though we know there will be more real-world testing that will help us validate and adjust our predictions, we aren’t relegated to continue to shrug our shoulders when asked if we are using the appropriate design densities for vehicles or if there is a way to protect parking occupancies with stackers or automated parking systems. We can use some basic physics to establish a reasonable level of confidence in design densities for these systems. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melisa Rodriguez, P.E., SET, is the vertical business development leader for Storage with Johnson Controls. She is a licensed fire protection engineer with 20 years of experience in the industry and has held various roles including project manager, designer, lead fire protection engineer, and senior business development manager. Rodriguez is also NICET certified Level IV in Water Based Systems Layout. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Minnesota. Rodriguez serves as chair on the Minnesota board of licensure (AELSLAGID), vice chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council for Fire Prevention and Control, NFSA Future Leadership Committee vice chair, SFPE Virtual Learning Subcommittee chair, and president of the Minnesota Chapter Society of Fire Protection Engineers. She is also a principal member on the technical committees for NFPA 14, NFPA 13D/R, NFPA 88A and is an alternate member of the NFPA 13 Discharge Criteria committee.

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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REGIONAL REALIGNMENT AFSA MEMBERSHIP REGIONS EXPAND TO BETTER SERVE MEMBERS

K

eeping the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) focus on local chapters and events is critical to its mission and vision. Over the past months, the AFSA Board of Directors has been discussing ways to serve our communities better and be more in touch with our members.

With this in mind, the Board recently decided to reorganize the AFSA regional map, which has grown from seven to ten regions. Each region will have a dedicated Regional Director (member of the Board) who will help to support the chapter leadership within each region, along with AFSA staff. This change is intended to increase communication between the Board, the staff, and the members in each chapter. The realignment was based partly on geography, but the number of chapters

and members in each geographical area was also considered.

“We can all agree that as a national association, it’s easy to focus on broadbased national issues while local matters of concern go unnoticed. AFSA leadership wants to be national but act locally wherever and whenever possible. When you have a problem, we have a problem… we’re in this together,” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “With 10 Regional Directors plus four At-Large Directors, our Board is fully committed to hearing about the needs of each chapter. It is dedicated to understanding your needs and hearing your suggestions. This reorganization ensures that your Board is better equipped to address these needs and suggestions, making AFSA a more responsive and supportive organization.”

NEW REGIONAL ALIGNMENT Figure 1 shows the reorganized chapter layout and the following is a list of the current Regional Directors: • Region 1 – Brooks Bayne, AFP Systems, Tualatin, Ore., covering Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington state; • Region 2 – Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire/Sciens Building Solutions, Lodi, Calif., covering California, Hawaii, and Nevada; • Region 3 – Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, N.M., covering New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming; • Region 4 – Rod DiBona, Pye Barker Fire & Safety, Rapid City, S.D., covering Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin;

Region 1

Region 10

Region 4 Region 2

Region 3

Region 8 Region 5

Figure 1. AFSA's membership regions are increasing from seven to ten.

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Region 9

Region 6

Region 7

• Region 5 – Linda Biernacki, FireTech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas; • Region 6 – Jay Strickland, Pye Barker Fire & Safety, Forestville, Md., covering states Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; • Region 7 – Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Fla., covering Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; • Region 8 – Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina, Lugoff, S.C., covering the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia; • Region 9 – Tommy Clements, VSC Fire & Security, Richmond, Va., covering states Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania • Region 10 – Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Londonderry, N.H., covering Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

At-Large Members: • Jack Medovich, Summit Companies, Minneapolis, Minn.; • Michael Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, Richmond, Va.; • Mindy Buckley, Allsouth Fire Sprinkler Co., Buford, Ga.; and • Hunter Brendle, Brendle Sprinkler Co., Montgomery, Ala. Along with this realignment, AFSA plans to have a member of AFSA’s technical services staff visit each chapter occasionally to present updates to NFPA standards and other significant matters. Please submit your requests early to ensure that your chapter gets on the schedule for a visit. With 30-plus chapters and affiliates and only 12 months in the year, they may be unable to visit as often as they’d like, but AFSA is committed to supporting all its chapters.

Some AFSA committee members have asked if 10 regions will increase the number of apprentices AFSA may have competing at the National Apprentice Competition at future conventions.

“Unfortunately, not in the immediate future because we book our convention sites many years in advance and are limited in space and the number of structures we

currently have,” comments AFSA Vice President of Education Services Leslie Clounts. “In addition, finalists are not solely selected by region, and we’ve often had two finalists from the same region.”

HERE TO SERVE AFSA is the voice of the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor. It is dedicated to educating and training the industry, promoting fire protection systems to save lives and property, and serving its members. For comments or questions, please see the list of Board members and

key staff on page 6 of every issue of Sprinkler Age or visit the Board of Directors’ webpage at www.firesprinkler. org/board-of-directors/ or the staff webpage at www.firesprinkler.org/ afsa-staff/.

“I want to assure our members that this association continues to grow and prosper while finding the best ways to serve your needs to help strengthen your companies and our industry,” says Caputo.

“Please reach out to any of the Board or myself with questions. Thank you for your membership!” n

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

37

MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE PROTECTING AMERICA’S HEROES FROM FIRE

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D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to partner with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post9/11 veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these veterans have sustained injuries, including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). To date, HFOT has provided or is currently building nearly 500 specially adapted homes. AFSA is HFOT’s exclusive residential fire sprinkler provider.

“It is a very rewarding experience to oversee this program and work with these veterans,” says AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood, HFOT coordinator for AFSA. “If anyone deserves to be safe in their home, it’s our veterans and their families.”

EDUCATING VETERANS Norwood and John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, AFSA vice president of engineering and technical services, traveled to HFOT’s summer 2024 conference and met with nine veterans who were beginning their home building process.

In addition to learning more about HFOT and their home, veterans select finishes for their new home at this conference. AFSA was honored to attend and educate the veterans about the benefits of installing a residential fire sprinkler systems.

38 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

AFSA’s HFOT Coordinator Paulene Norwood and Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, were honored to attend HFOT’s “Meet and Commitment” event.

“For the first time, my wife, Donna, and I attended for an HFOT ‘Meet and Commitment’ event. I was blown away by the respect these individuals have for their military brothers and sisters, family, love of the USA, and God. These people have sacrificed so much but they are not regretful or bitter. They would do it all over again. HFOT gives these wounded individuals a chance to live a more ‘normal’ life and to take some of the burden off them,” says Denhardt.

HFOT holds its conferences at regular intervals in Foxboro, Mass., which allows for personalized attention with a small group of veterans. AFSA realizes the value of attending these conferences in person to speak one-onone with the veterans and plans to attend more gatherings in 2025.

The AFSA booth had information about residential sprinkler systems, a side-by-side burn demonstration video playing, and materials from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC). AFSA is a founding partner of HFSC, created to inform the public about the life-saving value of home fire sprinkler protection. The coalition educates public, Authorities Having Jurisdiction, home builders, developers, city officials, and others through a wealth of printed information, videos, and an indepth website, www.homefiresprinkler.org/.

“We dispel the myths associated with sprinkler systems and answer any questions they have,” says Norwood.

“Once the veterans and their families learn about them, they all want to install them and are grateful to our members for donating these systems.”

A PROLIFIC PARTNERSHIP In 2017, AFSA became the official provider of fire sprinkler systems in HFOT homes. AFSA members came together to donate materials, time, and talent for veterans’ new homes when a residential sprinkler system is requested or required. Many of AFSA’s members understand the sacrifice that these veterans have made, and they are eager to donate their valuable resources to the cause.

The homes that HFOT builds restore some of the freedom and independence veterans sacrificed while defending the country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to HFOT’s program services for veterans.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please assist AFSA with HFOT residential fire sprinkler projects!

Everything is needed, from materials to manpower. Can you install labor;

provide design services; offer inspection, testing, and maintenance services; or donate to offset expenses and fees (i.e., permitting costs)? Can you donate materials and supplies: sprinklers (heads, escutcheons, etc.), flexible drops, sprinkler pipe and connectors, sprinkler valves, residential riser and/or FDC, couplings, hangers, pipe cement, tape, etc.? Some projects require additional special equipment such as a pump, tank, or backflow preventer.

We couldn’t do this without our AFSA members stepping up to volunteer their materials, time, and expertise for these deserving veterans. To sign up, scan the QR code to complete the AFSA/HFOT Google form.

“After attending this event, Donna and I talked about what we felt and saw.

We will be adding HFOT to our donation list,” comments Denhardt.

“This is a great cause and it needs our support. If possible, please consider donating your materials or time for a home installation or a donation to

HFOT. The money will be put to a great cause and will be used wisely.”

For more information about AFSA’s partnership with HFOT, email Norwood at paulenesacvalleyafsa@gmail.com or call (916) 296-0635. Members can also reach out to AFSA’s Public Relations Manager D’Arcy Montalvo via email at dmontalvo@ firesprinkler.org or via phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 115. To find out more about HFOT or to make a donation, visit hfotusa.org/. n

IN

JO EW

EN

/R

LET US GIVE YOU A HAND WITH BUSINESS DEDUCTIONS

Scan this QR code to donate. Help protect America’s heroes!

!

W

NO AFSA member dues are deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.

To qualify for 2024, join or renew by DECEMBER 31 @ firesprinkler.org/join

JOIN or RENEW AND GET AN IMMEDIATE TAX REDUCTION. SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

39

HIGHER STANDARDS

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eptember and October have been very busy and productive months. In addition to AFSA43 in Denver, AFSA staff and representatives appointed by the Technical Advisory Council attended several NFPA technical committee meetings. Two meetings of note were the second draft meeting for the 2026 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and the first draft meeting for the 2027 edition of NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures.

NFPA 25 SECOND DRAFT MEETING For NFPA 25, there is one significant revision to note. Based on the second draft meeting, there is new language that will require sprinklers installed in dwelling units to be tested once they have been installed for 50 years. At that time, the representative sample of sprinklers must achieve an RTI of 65 or less (fast response) or be replaced with fast response sprinklers. While it is important to have a higher standard of care in dwelling units, NFPA 25 needs to be careful about creating requirements that conflict with the installation standards as well as create testing criteria that are impossible to meet. Currently NFPA 13 permits standard response sprinklers to be replaced with standard response sprinklers when making modifications to existing light hazard occupancies (dwelling units). It would not be appropriate for the installation standard to permit one product and then have it become immediately deficient when reviewing under the lens of NFPA 25. It would also be an exercise in futility to try and achieve an RTI of 65 for a standard response sprinkler. If the intent of the committee is to replace all standard response sprinklers in dwelling units with fast response sprinklers, then the requirements should state that clearly and not be vaild in an unattainable test criterion. It should be noted that the final ballots have not been counted for this proposed second revision, and that there is still the NFPA Technical Meeting in June where affected parties—specifically the healthcare section and facility managers—might express their opposition. Stay tuned for future updates.

NFPA 88A FIRST DRAFT MEETING The previous edition of NFPA 88A added a requirement to install sprinklers in all parking structures. With the new requirement, it becomes even more important to know what the discharge criteria needs to be to protect these structures. While NFPA 13 lists parking structures as an example of an Ordinary Hazard (Group 2) occupancy and car stackers up to two cars in height as an example of an Extra Hazard (Group 2) occupancy, NFPA 88A should be the leading document to determine specific protection schemes.

NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation is currently working on a multi-phase project to gather enough data to technically substantiate a design scheme, but to date the first two phases only provided literature reviews and identified knowledge gaps. One of those knowledge gaps highlighted the “dearth” of technical data regarding discharge criteria and hopes to establish a technical basis for protection schemes with fire testing in later phases. Until that data is available, see Melisa Rodriguez’s article on page 34 which substantiates the current occupancy classifications of the technical committees. n

AFSA TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL E. Parks Moore, P.E., Chair (National Scope) S&S Sprinkler Co. (Pye-Barker) Alternate: Phillip Clemen Chris Campion (Region 6) Eastern Fire and Safety Alternate: Thomas Carlock Christopher Caputo (Region 2) Metro Fire Equipment Alternate: Bret Evans Jason Gill (Region 6) Crews and Gregory Fire Sprinkler, Inc. Alternate: Bob Beckwith Matthew Heidler (National Scope) Johnson Controls Fire Protection Alternate: Kevin Galligan Chris Johnson (Region 5) Piper Fire Protection Alternate: Steven Helkin Chris Kachura (National Scope) VSC Fire and Security Alternate: Andrew Hafner Adam Levine (Region 6) Capitol Fire Sprinkler Alternate: Chris Ribando Jeff Lewis (Region 6) VSC Fire and Security Alternate: David Victor Dale Lindh (National Scope) Summit Companies Alternate: Paul Szafranski Eric Rieve (Region 7) Rieve Fire Protection Alternate: Connor Rieve

2

Steven Scandaliato (Region 4) SDG, LLC John Schotz (National Scope) Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Co. (APi Group) Alternate: Steve Ulmer Taylor Schumacher (Region 3) Security Fire Sprinkler Alternate: Calen Schumacher Byron Weisz (Region 1) Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. Alternate: Erik Weisz KEVIN HALL, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE Staff Liaison American Fire Sprinkler Association

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AFSA Manufacturers/Supplier Council Chair Phil Schechinger, ASC Engineered Solutions Alternate: AFSA Manufacturers/Supplier Council Vice Chair Andy Kaempfer, Safe Signal

3

UL Solutions Kerry Bell, Alternate: Jeff Hebenstreit Victaulic Kevin Kelly, Alternate: Alaina Schwall Johnson Controls Melisa Rodriguez Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Cary Webber, Alternate: Brandon Telford Victaulic Kevin Kelly, Alternate: Alaina Schwall Viking Corporation Martin Workman, Alternate: Katie Teunessen

ABOUT THE TAC

KEVIN HALL,M.ENG, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE AFSA DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

40 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

TAC meetings are open to all AFSA members in good standing.

Contact your regional representative to discuss any issues that the TAC should hear. While the number of voting members on the TAC is currently restricted to 15 contractor companies, there are other opportunities for interested AFSA members. If you are interested in serving on an NFPA or UL technical committee, email technical@ firesprinkler.org. All technical committee appointments are made by the TAC.

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges here for you and your co-workers.

These exercises are also excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. Answers to this issue’s questions will be presented in the next issue.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER QUESTIONS The following questions are based on hazard classification.

1. What is the occupancy classification of a typical office space that does not contain machines or storage, and in which the quantity and combustibility of contents is low?

A. Light hazard occupancy B. Ordinary hazard occupancy C. Residential occupancy D. Extra hazard occupancy 2. An elementary school classroom is a typical example of a(n) __________ hazard classification.

A. Residential hazard occupancy B. Light hazard occupancy C. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy D. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy 3. A typical hotel room in a 16-story building is classified as a(n) __________ hazard classification.

A. Residential hazard occupancy B. Light hazard occupancy C. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy D. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy 4. A fire pump room containing a diesel driven fire pump is classified as a(n) __________ hazard classification.

A. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy B. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy C. Extra hazard Group 1 occupancy D. Extra hazard Group 2 occupancy.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ANSWERS With these questions, we challenged your knowledge of NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R standards.

1. True or False? NFPA 13D requires a local alarm anytime a sprinkler operates if working smoke alarms are not installed in accordance with NFPA 72. NFPA 13D-2025 7.6* Alarms.

Local waterflow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems in homes not equipped with smoke alarms or smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72.

A. True B. False

2. A sprinkler system in a four-story apartment building is typically installed per the requirements of which standard?

NFPA 13R-2025 1.1 - Scope. This standard shall cover the design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems for protection against fire hazards in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height that are located in buildings not exceeding 60 ft in height above grade plane.

A. NFPA 11 B. NFPA 13D C. NFPA 13R D. NFPA 15 3. For a sprinkler system designed in accordance with NFPA 13R, 2025 edition, which statement is true regarding water supplies?

NFPA 13R-2025 All of Chapter 9, Water Supplies A. Any water supply that meets NFPA 13-2025 edition is acceptable. This means if a fire pump system is needed, the fire pump systems must fully comply with NFPA 20-2023 edition. Outside hose allowance or domestic demand must be added as required.

B. Any water supply that meets NFPA 13-2025 edition is acceptable. However, if a fire pump system is needed, the fire pump systems must be listed only as a NFPA 13R fire pump system.

C. Water supplies must have a minimum duration of 90 minutes.

D. The minimum static pressure is 50 psi and the minimum water flow rate is 250 gpm at 25 psi residual.

4. For a sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, 2025 edition, which statement is correct? NFPA 13D-2025 5.1.2 Except as permitted by 5.1.2.1, devices and materials used in sprinkler systems shall be listed. 5.1.2.1 The following devices and components shall not be required to be listed: (1) Water supply pipe and fittings. (2) Tanks. (3) Expansion tanks and expansion chambers. (4) Connections up to 5 ft (1.5 m) between a tank and pump. (5) Pumps. (6) Valves. (7) Gauges. (8) Waterflow detection and notification devices. (9) Hangers. (10) Backflow prevention devices approved by the water authority. (11) Water meters.

A. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed.

B. Pumps, gauges, valves, tanks, and hangers do not have to be listed.

C. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed except backflow prevention devices approved by the water authority.

D. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed except water supply pipe and fittings, water meters, and tanks.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

41

#MEMBERSMATTER!

H

ave you ever signed up for a service or subscription for one benefit only to discover a treasure trove of additional perks? Being a member of AFSA is a lot like that. Many join us primarily for our extraordinary training (no bias here, only the truth—okay, maybe just a smidge of bias). But the truth is, AFSA offers so much more than just training.

So, how can you maximize your membership and unlock even greater value? First, it’s crucial to remember that while companies join AFSA, they often forget to add their employees to their company profile. As a contractor, design firm, or associate member, your company’s membership extends to your employees. Each team member can create their own personal profile and log in—there’s no limit to the number of employees you can add. It’s like that classic Oprah moment: “You get benefits… you get benefits… everyone gets benefits!” By adding your employees, you spread the value of AFSA throughout the organization, allowing everyone to access AFSA’s free webinars. Did you say free? Yes, FREE! This not only enhances your team’s skills but also helps your company see a solid return on its investment.

Have you heard the saying, “You get more than you asked for”? As an AFSA member, that statement couldn’t be truer.

We partner with a variety of companies to provide exclusive discounts on essential services for your business. This includes 401k retirement plans (The Strange Group), payment processing (Service First Processing), time-tracking apps (BusyBusy), driver tracking (Fleetr), health insurance (Mass Marketing), and discounts on travel, among others.

Ever encountered a technical issue or needed technical advice? AFSA has that covered too. Our technical services team is here to provide answers to submitted Technical Reviews.

Not only do we provide guidance on issues, but we also keep you informed through our Sprinkler Age magazine, which features in-depth technical articles.

Exploring these additional AFSA offerings is a fantastic way to truly Make the Most of Your Membership. Recently, AFSA hosted our annual convention in Denver, Colo. AFSA43 was not just packed with electrifying training and memorable parties; we also celebrated record-breaking attendance.

Attending our annual convention is a great opportunity to rack up CEUs, but more importantly, it’s a prime networking event. Members from around the globe gather, creating a vibrant atmosphere for connection. Our sold-out exhibit hall allowed for face-to-face interactions with leading manufacturers and suppliers in the industry.

In addition to AFSA’s annual convention, members can stay connected through one of 28 AFSA chapters. Getting

42 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

Make the most of your membership! AFSA's membership and chapter development team is here to assist you.

involved with your local chapter fosters engagement at the local level, keeping you informed about legislative issues that affect your geographical area. AFSA chapters provide opportunities for additional training and hosts events such as golf tournaments, clay shoots, casino nights, and more. Moreover, participating in local chapters is a fantastic way to educate the community about the fire sprinkler industry. Members can engage with local schools through career fairs and fire safety days, raising awareness and promoting the importance of our field. Local chapters are always looking for members to help promote the industry and contribute to the chapter’s growth.

Getting involved not only enhances your own experiences but also strengthens the collective voice of AFSA in advocating for the fire sprinkler industry.

Don’t let your AFSA membership become just another subscription. Dive into the benefits, engage with your community, and make the most of the opportunities available. Your membership isn’t just a fee; it’s an investment in your professional growth and your company’s success.

Ready to explore all that AFSA has to offer? Start maximizing your membership today! n

MEDA MERRITT, CAE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP & CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT

Develop a Workforce Ready to Grow Your Business

“

I’ve never seen a better program. The students’ confidence and their skill level has gone way up which makes the quality of the work they perform superior. Many of the people who have gone through the program have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend.”

Jeff Lewis, CET, CFPS - VSC Fire & Security, Inc.

“

It goes beyond how just to do an inspection. They teach the students how to relate to customers and represent their company, leading to better service for our customers.”

Jimmy Snowden - Former Student, ITM Program

“

It helps alleviate a lot of your liability. You know they have been trained to do it the right way. They know what they’re doing, what to look for, and the proper way to inspect a system.”

Tracy Hadwin - Fire Tech Systems, Inc.

Our 20-month program guides your novice inspector technicians as they gain knowledge and practical skills while learning code-compliant inspections. In fact, AFSA’s ITM Program graduates achieve a 92% pass rate on NICET Level I & II exams*, exceeding the 60% national average. All material is updated to align with current NICET exams. Gain a more professional and knowledgeable staff to grow your business.

ITM

INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

*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.

ENROLL FOR SPRING 2025 | firesprinkler.org/ITM

AFSA NEWS FOUR AMAZING ADDITIONS TO THE AFSA TEAM The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is excited to welcome four new team members: Rotunda (Ro) Morgan, senior accountant; Bianca Storts, education programs coordinator; Hannah Tran, training coordinator; and Nate Williams as meeting and events coordinator.

As senior accountant, Morgan is responsible for preparing monthly reconciliation reports, processing check requests, invoices to be paid, and assisting in bi-monthly check and ACH processing. She also manages fixed assets, depreciation schedules, prepares 1099, files quarterly taxes, ensures financial accuracy in accordance with GAAP and compliance to MORGAN internal policies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Storts has joined the AFSA team in the education programs coordinator position.

She oversees ITM registration and inquiries in addition to managing all AFSA webinars, produced to educate and further train within the industry. Storts is vital to this component and works with live webinar registrations, inquiries, STORTS logins, links, evaluations, and CEUs. She graduated from New York University and has experience in education, business, non-profit, and events.

In Tran’s training coordinator, role she supports the engineering and technical services department in the logistics of running courses offered by the department and other select courses that are held at AFSA headquarters. She works behind the scenes to create a seamless registration process and monitors student enrollment. Additionally, Tran produces course evaluations that provide TRAN constructive feedback on the quality of instruction at AFSA. She also develops and maintains relationships with supply vendors, hotels, and caterers to ensure a high-quality educational experience for every course. Tran has an educational background in psychology and counseling and has previously worked as a public school teacher in Texas and Beijing.

Williams serves as the meetings and events coordinator for AFSA, bringing his extensive experience from organizing major events like the Korn Ferry Tour, College Football Championship, and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. On top of that, he works closely with AFSA’s convention team, the NextGen Initiative, and the National Apprentice WILLIAMS Competition, while also overseeing the issuance

44 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

of CEUs to members. Williams’ passion for AFSA’s mission drives his dedication to delivering exceptional events and supporting the future of the industry.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

AFSA’s High School Senior Scholarship Contest educates the public about automatic fire sprinklers and the fire sprinkler industry and awards scholarships! From now until January 1, 2025, eligible high school stents (class of 2024-2025) can visit afsascholarship.org/ to apply for one of five $1,000 scholarships. Applicants visit the website, read a short passage on fire sprinklers and the industry, 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.

AFSA44 CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Want to be part of the excitement for AFSA44? Become an AFSA44 presenter! AFSA44 will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14-19, 2025.

Submit your seminar proposal(s) by Jan. 10, 2025. The AFSA’s Education and Technical Services teams and the AFSA Convention Committee will review all submissions. To submit your proposal, visit https://fs8.formsite.com/AFSA/jayx0wul2n/index.

CAFSA GRANT FUNDS SPANISH-LANGUAGE TRAINING AFSA is pleased to announce that the California Fire Sprinkler Association (CAFSA), has given the association a grant of up to $50,000 to support the translation and rewriting of AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting Curriculum Level 1- Level 4 into Spanish. The books will be available in 2025.

“We recognize the growing need for accessible resources that cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds within our industry.

This initiative aims to bridge the language gap, ensuring that all fire protection professionals have the tools and knowledge necessary to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance, regardless of their primary language,” comments Bill Gray, CAFSA Trust Chair. “We believe that this translation project will not only enhance the accessibility of critical information but also contribute to the broader mission of both CAFSA and AFSA in promoting fire safety education across all communities.”

AFSA ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

AFSA’s online learning platform offers 24/7 access to CEUs and/ or CPDs from its educational events, including live webinars. AFSA On-Demand offers fire sprinkler contractors and other professionals access to the best in specialty education anytime. These courses are presented by experts in the fire protection industry and are carefully developed to offer convenience and flexibility. For details, visit www.firesprinkler.org/ondemand for details. n

CHAPTER NEWS

Chesapeake Bay had two dynamic presenters at their September chapter meeting, discussed the golf tournament, and enjoyed a delicious lunch.

CHESAPEAKE BAY AFSA’s Chesapeake Chapter hosted a chapter meeting in September.

They discussed the golf tournament and had two dynamic speakers join the event. Twenty attendees were served lunch to top off a great event.

Visit AFSAChesapeakeChapter.org/.

LOUISIANA The Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association is asking everyone to “hold the dates” for its 2025 events. Meetings will be held January 21 and April 22 in Baton Rouge. The Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit is scheduled for July 22-25 at the Hilton Pensacola in Florida. The annual golf tournament is tentatively set for October 27 or 28. Visit lafiresprinkler.org/ to stay up-to-date.

PR O

DUCT VIDEO

TENNESSEE David Pullium, executive director for AFSA’s Tennessee Chapter reports that 28 people attended the chapter’s training event on Oct. 29 in Germantown.

The morning session covered fire pump testing, commissioning, controllers, and installation taught by Chris Dilday with SPP Pumps and Cole Rigney with Tornatech Controllers. The afternoon session covered NFPA 13 updates, concealed combustible spaces, and cloud protection taught by Karl Wiegand with Victaulic. Visit AFSATN.org/. n

The AGF FLOODELIMINATOR is a fail-safe that stops the flood of water caused by auxiliary drains that freeze and break, are maintained improperly, vandalized, or broken by accidents.

They enable facilities to recover faster with less clean-up and expense.

Why would you ever replace another auxiliary drain without one?

The Tennessee Chapter held a training event offering CEUs and CPDs. SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

45

AFSA CHAPTERS ALABAMA

Lee Seewald – Pres.

202-252-5101 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair 480-421-8411 Denniece Cooper - Exec. Dir. 480-282-5393

ARKANSAS

Randy Gilliam – Chair 479-646-8934 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CHESAPEAKE BAY

Jason Martin – Chair 240-848-2710 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-972-1122

COLORADO

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

DALLASFORT WORTH

ILLINOIS-INDIANA

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

CJ Bonczyk – Chair 817-529-1693

FLORIDA

Bob DiModica - Chair 239-514-7155 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

LOUISIANA

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

GEORGIA

Allen Cagle – Chair 770-554-5285 Tracy Williams – Exec. Dir. 770-355-0774

GREATER BAY AREA Dave Karrick – Chair 925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick – Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

GREATER KANSAS CITY

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

MICHIGAN

Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

Marc Huag – Chair 701-232-7008 Tina Hoff – Exec. Dir. 701-709-1899

NEW ENGLAND

Lisa DiRienzo – Chair 508-298-2134 Cheryl Tsetsilas – Exec. Dir. 603-890-3331

NEW JERSEY

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

NEW MEXICO

Paul Chavez – Chair 505-898-9197 Renee Nix - ED/Treasurer 505-690-0913

NORTH CAROLINA Mark Williams – Chair 704-425-4342 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

TENNESSEE

Holly Gray Salmon – Chair 916-296-9913 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

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

SAN DIEGO

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN

SCHUYLKILL

VIRGINIA

Mark Scott – Chair 619-778-2377 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600 Dan Hinkle - Chair 215-778-5484 Meaghen Wills – Exec. Dir. 610-754-7836

OHIO

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

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

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

SOUTH CAROLINA

Chris Russell – Chair 360-734-4940 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

Tyler Blume – Chair 864-909-2643 Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-4088

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Vahe Zohrabian – Chair 818-822-1797

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS OKLAHOMA AFFILIATE ofsa.info Tim Hollon – Pres.

918-851-2416

TEXAS AFFILIATE fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

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

Region 1

Region 10

Region 4 Region 2

Region 3

Region 8 Region 5

46 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

Region 9

Region 6

Region 7

AFSA NEW MEMBERS New members as of October 28, 2024

CONTRACTORS

ALT Company Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL

DESIGNERS

Derek Lazar, Chilliwack, BC, Canada Elite Fire Protection, Helena, MT Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque, NM Topout Fire Design, Inola, OK ZenTrades, New York, NY

FACILITY MANAGERS

John Ferrugia, Bravo Fire Protection Services, LLC, Cumming, GA Cody Little, Ramboll, Forney, TX Guillermo Ornelas, TCU, Fort Worth, TX Ronnie Pelton, TCU, Fort Worth, TX Evelio Rodriguez, ER Fire Protection Engineering, Inc., Miami, FL

AHJS

Jodi Aldridge, Charlotte, NC Maos Baldwin, Charlotte, NC Tim Basham, Charlotte, NC Andy Bennett, Charlotte, NC Holly-Anne, Blevins,Charlotte, NC Mark Brown, Charlotte, NC Patrick Bueker, Charlotte, NC Mike Cervik, Valparaiso, IN Brandon Chaney, Charlotte, NC Adam Cloninger, Charlotte, NC David Cobb, Charlotte, NC Jeremy Collins, Charleston, WV David Conrad, Albemarle, NC David Conrad, Charlotte, NC Carlos Correa, Miramar, FL Josh Cunningham, Charlotte, NC Brian Davenport, Charlotte, NC Dolph Davis, Charlotte, NC Steve Dolschenko, Charlotte, NC Sean Donohue, Neptune Township, NJ Joseph Ehnes, Cheektowaga, NY Nadar Fahami, Charlotte, NC Cody Foutty, Charleston, WV Chad Furr, Charlotte, NC Mary Garay, Temecula, CA Brandon Gill, Charlotte, NC Wesley Graham, Charlotte, NC Jacob Green, Charlotte, NC Thomas Green, Charlotte, NC Patrick Harrington, Charlotte, NC Ayesha Hayman, Charlotte, NC Karrie Heller, Charlotte, NC Sean Herte, Charlotte, NC Brittany Hobday, Charlotte, NC Kristin Holden, Poway, CA Lamar Hood, Charlotte, NC Matthew Hopkins, Charlotte, NC Dillon Houser, Charlotte, NC Tanner Inman, Charlotte, NC Heather James, Texarkana, TX DJ Jaworski, Saint Cloud, FL Todd Johnson, Collierville, TN Jaymie Jones, Yuma, AZ William Jones, Maysville, NC Nevin Kilmer, Charleston Connor Klengson, Charlotte, NC Robert Laiweneek, Charlotte, NC Caleb Leibee, Round Rock, TX

Marvin Lewis, Austin, TX Tom Link, Charlotte, NC Naveen Kumar Mada Setty, McKinney, TX Maciej Mazur, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Steven McDonald, College Station, TX Jesse H. McNatt II, Bartlett, TN Keith McPhaul, Charlotte, NC Eric Meccariello, Charlotte, NC James Meyers, Charlotte, NC Kevin Miller, Charlotte, NC Alejandrino Morales , San Juan, TX Thomas Morgan, Charlotte, NC Keith Rabinowitz, Westbury, NY Denise Reynolds, Charlotte, NC Patricia Rock, Hesperia, CA Ashley Short, Charlotte, NC Zach Siegrist, Charlotte, NC Troy Sloop, Charlotte, NC Cathy Stashak, Chicago, IL Alejo Sztybel, Los Alamos, NM Rodney Thompson, Charlotte, NC Brian Tirico, Charlotte, NC John Vanatta, Rogers, AR Jennifer Verhulst, Austin, TX Martin Whitson, Charlotte, NC Tyler Wilkinson, Charlotte, NC Brian Williams, Fridley, MN Shaun Wilson, Charlotte, NC Jeff Wright, Charlotte, NC

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

47

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS RICK CONLEY JOINS GENERAL AIR PRODUCTS

General Air Products is thrilled to announce the recent hiring of Rick Conley to the fire protection sales team.

As the new regional sales manager — South, Conley will work with contractors, distributors, and fire protection associations from the corners of west Texas over to the top of North Carolina, and everywhere in between, to build relationships, provide product expertise and technical assistance, and focus on the sale of General Air Products’ full line of dry pipe sprinkler system filling solutions.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Conley joins the company with over 10 years of experience in sales territory manager and outside sales representative roles within the Industrial and metal manufacturing and distribution space, where he both developed new business accounts and successfully grew existing ones. In his new role, Conley will also be involved in industry events and training throughout the southern region.

Visit GeneralAirProducts.com/.

NFPA APPOINTS IBARLUCEA AS COUNTRY MANAGER

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has announced the appointment of Eurídice Ibarlucea J. as the new country manager for International Business Development in Mexico. With 19 years of experience in the Mexican security and fire protection field, Ibarlucea will lead NFPA’s efforts in developing key partnerships and advancing the application of NFPA codes and standards throughout the country. Ibarlucea will represent NFPA at conferences and events with media, government, and industry leaders. She will also work to identify opportunities for product development and emphasize the importance of a fully functioning Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem in the region.

Ibarlucea holds a degree in architecture and engineering from Instituto Politécnico Nacional and a master’s degree in engineering from Universidad Panamericana. She has also completed specialized training in fire protection systems and customer-focused sales. Visit nfpa.org/. n

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

48 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

2025 Training Schedule WEBINARS 1/8

Anchorage and Support of Fire Pumps (Fitter Zone)

2/5

Signage Requirements in NFPA 13

2/19

Basics of Plan Review for Sprinkler Systems (AHJ)

3/5

Updates to NFPA 200

4/2

Impairment Procedures (Fitter Zone)

5/7

Updates to NFPA 25

5/21

Enforcing NFPA 25 (AHJ)

6/11

ITM of Standpipe Systems (AHJ)

7/2

Updates to NFPA 14

7/16

Acceptance Testing for Standpipe Systems

8/6

Calculating Supplemental Sprinklers

9/3

Updates to NFPA 420

9/17

Third Party Compliance Engines (AHJ)

10/1

ITM of Variable Speed Pumps

11/5

Design Area Adjustments in NFPA 13

12/3

Neglected Chapters in NFPA 25

AFSA44 October 14-19

PROGRAMS Feb 11 - Mar 7* Apr 21 - May 9* Jul 29 - Aug 22* Oct 28 - Nov 21*

Beginning Design School

Mar 17-28* Sep 3-12*

Intermediate Design School

Feb 17-19 Jul 9-11

Sprinkler Hydraulics Workshop

Apr 7-9 Aug 25-27

Advanced Hydraulics Workshop

Feb 24 May 16 Aug 1 Oct 27

EE

FR

Introduction to the Fire Sprinkler Industry

Feb 25-26 Apr 7-8 Aug 25-26 Nov 18-19

Beginning ITM Workshop

Apr 9-11 Sep 29 - Oct 1

Intermediate ITM Workshop

Feb 27-28 Aug 27-28 Oct 2-3 Nov 20-21

Fire Pump ITM Workshop

* Hybrid Course

Gaylord National Washington, D.C.

For More Details Visit:

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Dates subject to change

PRODUCT NEWS TYCO LAUNCHES ESFR-25 DRY-TYPE PENDENT SPRINKLER

Johnson Controls has launched the new Tyco® ESFR-25 Dry-Type Pendent Sprinkler offering efficient, FM Approved fire protection for commercial refrigerated and frozen storage areas. The dry-type sprinkler is used in applications where the water is supplied from a wet system in an adjacent conditioned space. It is designed for dependable operation in cold storage areas up to 50 ft (15.2 m) in height with temperatures as low as minus 60° F (-51° C). The ceiling-only, lower-pressure sprinkler provides flexibility and efficiency by reducing the need for a fire pump and eliminating the need for in-rack sprinklers when protecting high-piled storage within these box-in-box applications.

While an effective solution, traditional in-rack sprinkler systems can be complex and expensive.

Obstructions and tight clearances can make installation difficult while daily operations such as shelving and retrieving products can damage in-rack sprinklers, resulting in potential downtime.

Innovative ceiling-only cold storage protection, like the Tyco ESFR-25 Dry-Type Sprinkler, operate without the need for in-rack sprinklers for an overall simpler and more affordable solution. And as box-in-box freezer storage facilities become taller to accommodate more product, reliable performance at ceiling heights of up to 50 ft offers greater peace of mind. This new Tyco cold storage sprinkler is also designed to operate at lower-end head pressures, reducing or even eliminating the need for a fire pump. Visit JohnsonControls.com/.

MMIC GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE

The Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC) has group health insurance options to consider for the fourth quarter of 2024. There are two types of health plans offered. The first is traditional fully insured Group PPO, HMO, and high-deductible health plan with HSA options.

Group health coverage is guaranteed to your employees (pre-existing conditions are covered) and benefits payable are unlimited. A company can start or transfer a group health insurance plan at any time throughout the year since the open enrollment period does not apply to group health insurance plans. A national network of providers is available.

Secondly, a level-funded group health insurance program reduces monthly premium between 20-25 percent. This group plan, available to employer groups with 2-50 employees, behaves like a traditional, fully insured health benefit plan. The employer provides a flat monthly premium payment determined upfront and guaranteed not to increase for a full year as long as there are no changes to your group benefits or enrollment. The monthly premium is used to run the administration of a plan, pay you stop–loss insurance premium (protects your plan from larger than expected claims), and build your claims account (when claims are lower than expected, a portion of the difference is credited back to you).

To obtain a free, no-obligation quote email quotes@mmicinsurance. com, or call toll-free 1-800-349-1039.

50 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

RIDGID® INTRODUCES COMPACT PRESS TOOL

RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces the latest innovative tool in the RIDGID compact press tool family that delivers powerhouse performance with total access. The RP 251 Press Tool delivers more in every press, working harder to help professionals work smarter and perform better on residential and commercial jobs with less fatigue and more efficiency.

Featuring endless 360-degree head swivel, the RP 251 reaches tight spaces from practically every angle and has an ergonomic design with forward-positioned trigger and in-line SlimGrip™ handle for easy, overhead one-handed use. It also comes equipped with a brushless motor capable of over 60,000 press cycles requiring no scheduled maintenance for maximized jobsite performance. An improved 360-degree LED light ring provides bright visibility in dark conditions for enhanced execution. Visit RIGID.com/.

NFPA LAUNCHES GLOBAL EDUCATION NETWORK

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has announced the launch of its Authorized Education Network (AEN), a global initiative designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality safety training.

Through the AEN, NFPA-approved instructors will deliver NFPA training courses via a network of authorized training providers, offering unparalleled access to the expertise that professionals worldwide rely on to address evolving safety challenges.

“With the NFPA Authorized Education Network, we’re taking a major step forward in expanding access to the world-class training that NFPA is known for,” said NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley. “This initiative helps meet the huge global demand for authentic NFPA instructor-led training, ensuring that safety professionals everywhere have the knowledge, information, and skills they need to protect lives and property.”

Visit NFPA.org/. n

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INDUSTRY NEWS BLAZEMASTER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems recently marked its 40th anniversary with a gathering of industry leaders in Cleveland, where the company is headquartered. Founded in 1984 as a subsidiary of the Lubrizol Corporation, BlazeMaster CPVC has transformed fire protection for both residential and commercial applications over the past four decades through its innovative pipe and fittings technology that remains the industry benchmark.

Attendees enjoyed a blend of entertainment and education, featuring overviews of fire protection innovations, informative presentations and tours of Cleveland attractions, including a special event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Visit BlazeMaster.com/.

NFPA LAUNCHES NEW CERTIFICATION FOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has launched its Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification for electrical inspectors interested in enhancing their understanding of key electrical safety principles and skills.

Electrical inspection is crucial for enhancing community safety and ensuring compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®. The new CEI certification aims to equip electrical industry professionals with the essential skills to conduct safe and effective inspections of electrical installations during construction, modification, and repair, and ensure compliance with relevant code requirements. The certification is available to electrical inspectors in the Americas, Middle East, and North Africa. Visit NFPA.org/.

CAPITOL FIRE SPRINKLER PROJECTS

AFSA Contractor Member Capitol Fire Sprinkler, an established leader in fire protection in New York City, announces the successful completion of a comprehensive sprinkler system installation on the sixth floor of 330 West 34th Street. The project encompassed the replacement and installation of 519 upright sprinklers equipped with Victaulic brand fittings across a spacious 34,500-ft2 full floor. The space was divided by landlord Vornado Realty Trust into four pre-built office suites, along with bathrooms and corridors. The project includes a new

52 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

Partners and leaders from the fire sprinkler industry gathered in Cleveland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lubrizol Corporation’s BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems.

7,776-ft2 office suite for Structure Tone, a leading multinational construction firm. Serving as the general contractor, Structure Tone drew on its extensive familiarity with the building, where the firm has had its New York headquarters on the 11th and 12th floors since 2016.

Capitol Fire Sprinkler also announces the successful installation of a specialized fire sprinkler system at Fresh Direct’s Bronx warehouse, located at 2 St. Anne Avenue. The project involved designing and installing 208 sprinklers for a 1,500-ft2 section of the facility, which features 35-ft-high ceilings and an advanced, two-level product storage configuration using an automated automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The ASRS technology, which employs automated guided robots to efficiently retrieve products from densely packed storage areas, has been widely adopted to meet the growing demand for rapid product delivery to end-use consumers. While ASRS enhances operational efficiency, it also presents significant fire protection challenges due to the use of plastic, open-top containers. Moreover, the reduction or elimination of aisles in ASRS configurations can hinder fire department access, making effective fire suppression and containment a top priority.

To address these challenges, Capitol Fire Sprinkler designed a fire sprinkler system combining both in-rack and ceiling sprinklers tailored, specifically, to the unique storage layout. The project required meticulous planning and execution within a narrow work area, while Fresh Direct continued 24/7 operations without disruption. Visit CapitolFire.com/.

FIRE CHIEFS ENDORSE POSITION PAPERS Fire chiefs from Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Europe,

and the U.S. participated in the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Urban Fire Forum (UFF) at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Mass., endorsing four important documents that address some of the most complex challenges facing the modern fire service. The documents, considered official UFF-Metropolitan Fire Chiefs (Metro Chiefs) position papers, take account of a wide range of topics, including enhancing firefighting safety, improving operational effectiveness, and promoting ethical decision-making in the face of emerging technologies and environmental concerns.

Following are the four position papers: Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence; Statement in Support of Considering Enhanced Decontamination; Methodologies of PPE Following Exposure to Lithium-Ion Battery Fires; Statement in Support of Further Research on Non-PFAS-Based PPE and In-Service Training Considerations; Climate Change Position Statement. Visit NFPA.org/.

INCREASE IN USE OF DIGITAL TOOLS AMONG SKILLED TRADES WORKERS

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has released survey results collected from over 170 industry professionals at the NFPA 2024 Conference & Expo®, the premier conference for fire, electrical, and life safety. The research findings reveal insights into trends and attitudes around digital tools, training and development, and AI implementation within the skilled trades industry.

Twenty-five percent of respondents believe AI should be used to help skilled trade workers streamline tasks during ongoing labor shortages.

In fact, 19% of respondents indicated that either themselves or their organizations have begun ex-

perimenting with AI-powered solutions to simplify menial tasks. Additionally, one-third (31%) of respondents believe AI can spur industry growth by making the trades more attractive to a younger generation of workers.

On the other hand, nearly one-half (47%) of respondents revealed they are not currently leveraging AI in their day-to-day work and are skeptical of it. Additionally, only 8% of respondents believe AI implementation won’t benefit the fire and life safe industry at all.

Visit NFPA.org/.

TELGIAN CELEBRATES THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH NEW AWARDS

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, partnerships have increasingly become essential drivers of growth and innovation. So, in 2024 Telgian Fire Safety created a special program to annually recognize and showcase its top performing vendor-partners.

The Partners of the Year Awards acknowledge top vendor-partners for excellence in service delivery, communication and commitment to building strong relationships with Telgian.

The awards also recognize companies who best exemplify the company’s core values. Together, with its valued vendor-partners, Telgian is creating a seamless network to better serve our customers across the country. Honored Partners of the Year include: Automatic Fire Protection, Southern Cross Fire Protection LLC, Foos Fire, and Eastern Fire & Safety. Visit Telgian.com/.

SFPE AWARDS GRANT ON ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM HAZARDS

The SFPE Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the scientific understanding of fire and its interaction with the social, natural, and built environments, proudly announces the funding of research into Energy Storage System Hazards in alignment with its commitment to the Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI) research agenda, specifically the priorities outlined in the GCI Energy & Infrastructure white paper.

Project team: Noah L. Ryder, PhD, PE, Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC, Chief Operating Officer; Prof.

Grunde Jomaas, ERA Chair Holder and Head of

Department for Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment at ZAG; Jim Milke PhD, PE, FSFPE, Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC, Senior Principal Engineer; Bishoy N. Award, Ph.D., PMSFPE, PMP®, ITC, BCIN, Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC, Senior Fire Protection Engineer; Karli Steranka, P.E., Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC, Senior Fire Protection Engineer; Lauren Gagnon, PhD, Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC, Fire Protection Consultant; Ulises Rojas-Alva, PhD, Department for Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment at the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Research Associate.

The main objective of this research is to review existing data, research studies, and his-

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

ARMSTRONG CONTRIBUTES TO EXPANSION OF DLWC SYSTEM

Armstrong Fluid Technology recently participated in the expansion of the Enwave Energy Corporation Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) system that provides clean energy services to buildings in downtown Toronto via an innovative district cooling network. Recognized by the United Nations’ United 4 Sustainable Smart Cities initiative, the DLWC system draws water at 4C through pipes deep in Lake Ontario to a facility downtown where heat exchangers chill the water that flows to downtown buildings.

Expanding the existing DLWC system by adding a fourth pipe will save 220 million gallons of water annually, reduce peak electricity demand by 60 megawatts, reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by 33,000 tons and boost the cooling capacity of the network by 60%. Visit ArmstrongFluidTechnology.com/.

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

53

INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. torical failure events to identify fire and explosion hazards associated with BESS technology.

Upon project completion, the information will be dispersed to the fire protection design, fire engineering, and fire service communities to provide more accurate guidance on fire protection design. Comprehensive information on BESS hazards will also be used to compare the effects of BESS fire and explosion events to other industrial fires. The research team will collaboratively work with the SFPE Foundation and its technical review panel throughout the entire project. Visit SFPE.org/.

Tennessee lost the most construction jobs from August to September (-1,600 jobs or -1.0%), followed by Louisiana (-1,500 jobs, -1.1%), Oregon (-1,500 jobs, -1.3%), and Illinois (-1,300 jobs, -0.6%). North Dakota lost the highest percentage of jobs for the month (-2.1%, -600 jobs), followed by Oregon, West Virginia (-1.2%, -400 jobs), and Louisiana.

Association officials urged Congress to increase funding for construction workforce training and education programs to help address workforce shortages that are likely holding back employment growth in the sector. Visit agc.org/.

CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT INCREASES IN 40 STATES

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ADDS 8,000 JOBS IN OCTOBER

Construction employment increased in 40 states in September from a year earlier, while 24 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between August and September, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said even more states would have added workers if contractors could find enough qualified applicants.

Between September 2023 and September 2024, 40 states added construction jobs, while 10 states and D.C. shed jobs. Texas added the most construction employees (42,300 jobs or 5.1%), followed by Florida (37,100 jobs, 5.9%), Ohio (16,400 jobs, 6.9%), and Michigan (12,600 jobs, 6.6%).

Alaska had the largest percentage gain over 12 months (21.1%, 3,700 jobs), followed by Hawaii (11.8%, 4,500 jobs), Oklahoma (9.4%, 7,800 jobs), and Nevada (8.8%, 10,000 jobs).

New York lost the most construction jobs during the past 12 months (-6,900 jobs, -1.8), followed

by Oregon (-4,800 jobs, -4.1%), Maryland (-4,600 jobs, -2.9%), Pennsylvania (-2,900 jobs, -1.1%), and Maine (-900 jobs, -2.6%). The largest percentage loss was in Oregon, followed by Maryland, Maine, Vermont (-1.9%, -300 jobs), and New York.

For the month, industry employment increased in 24 states and D.C., it declined in 23 states, and was unchanged in Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Texas added the most jobs (8,100 jobs or 0.9%), followed by Ohio (6,700 jobs, 2.7%), Florida (3,600 jobs, 0.5%), and South Carolina (2,900 jobs, 2.4%). Ohio had the largest percentage gain, followed by South Carolina, Nebraska (1.9%, 1,200 jobs), and Alaska (1.9%, 400 jobs).

54 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

Construction sector employment rose by 8,000 jobs in October following a small increase in spending in September as the industry hiked hourly wages at a faster rate than other industries, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has released. Association officials said employment gains for the month were likely impacted by hurricanes hitting fast growing regions and the ongoing impacts of construction labor shortages.

Construction employment in October totaled 8,310,000, seasonally adjusted, an increase of 8,000 from September. The sector has added 223,000 jobs or 2.8% during the past 12 months, double the 1.4% increase for total nonfarm employment. Over the past 12 months, nonresidential contractors added 178,400 employees (3.7%), while residential construction firms added 44,500 workers (1.3%).

A separate government report showed construction spending totaled $2.15 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September. That was an increase of 0.1% from the August rate and 4.6% from September 2023.

Spending rose for data centers and most infrastructure segments, Simonson noted. Data center construction increased 0.6% for the month and 48% over 12 months. Highway and street construction climbed 0.4% and 1.5%, respectively, and investment in transportation projects such as airports and rail rose 0.8% and 7.2%, respectively.

But spending on multifamily housing and most private nonresidential segments other than data centers declined in September.

Average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees in construction—covering most onsite craft workers as well as many office workers—climbed by 4.5% over the year to $36.23 per hour. The increase topped the gain in overall private sector pay for production workers, which rose 4.1% over 12 months to $30.48 per hour. That difference in hourly pay meant that construction workers earned a wage “premium” of 18.9% compared to the overall private sector.

Association officials said construction employment should continue to grow, especially as parts of the country rebuild from hurricane damages. But they said the industry would continue to struggle to find enough workers until federal officials boost funding for construction education and training programs. And they continued to urge Congress and the administration to expand the number of visas available to skilled people willing to work in needed construction jobs. Visit agc.org/. n

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Get Hands-on ITM Training Taught using AFSA’s New Fire Sprinkler Training Lab If you’re a FACILITY MANAGER, CONTRACTOR, or AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AHJs) whose responsibilities include inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, then these courses are for you.

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