Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Hiller Companies’ Apprentice Wins 32nd Annual National Apprentice Competition
When Raul Larios first stepped onto a construction site, he had no idea he was about to discover a career that would change his life. Today, he stands as the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 32nd National Apprentice Competition (NAC) winner. Larios represented Hiller Companies on the national stage in Washington, D.C. at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, Oct. 15–18, 2025.
Seven of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentices competed for a $10,000 cash prize and national bragging rights, showcasing their skills before an industry-wide audience. Larios won first place, bringing the grand prize back to his team in Orange County, Calif.
For Larios, this was a first. “I’ve never really won something this big; it made me feel really proud of myself.” Although a humble man, he took pride in his accomplishment and was excited to be a part of the AFSA44 atmosphere. “Aside from the competition, seeing all the other companies and sprinkler stuff that’s coming out, it’s just an amazing experience.”
FROM GREEN TO GOLD
Larios entered the fire sprinkler trade with no prior construction experience, coming instead from a background in automotive sales and marketing. Initially uninterested in construction, a longtime friend whose family had been in the trade for many years encouraged him for years to join. Larios was content with his job and lifestyle until life unexpectedly intervened, and change was
inevitable.
“I came into the trade, totally green with no experience whatsoever. I didn’t want to do construction at all,” he explains. “But then COVID happened, and I lost my job. My fiancée was pregnant with my first daughter, and I knew I needed a career.”
Through his friend’s uncle, Carlos Cortez—his superintendent and mentor who later accompanied him to the NAC—Larios was given his first opportunity in the field. From day one, he felt an immediate connection to the trade and knew he had found his career path. “From the very first day, it was like everything clicked for me. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I can do this the rest of my life.’ I really enjoy it.”
DISCOVERING THE NAC
Larios learned about the competition during the first year of his apprenticeship program, with the California American Fire Sprinkler Association (CASFA). During the beginning of his career, he was encouraged to test for AFSA’s NAC. However, it doesn’t take much to motivate Larios to push himself to the next level. As someone always trying to better himself in all aspects of his life, he started taking the placement test in year one and gradually improved each year.
“I always want to better myself with what I do. I figured I would just try it out. It’s kind of tough for a first-year student to take it, because it’s four years’ worth of training and knowledge of books.” Any knowledge Larios didn’t have from the fourth book, he picked up in the field. By the end of his third year, with a combination of his determination and the support of his mentors and peers, he earned the opportunity to compete at AFSA44.
Larios was initially unsure what to expect when facing other apprentices from across the country. Many may assume that competition fosters tension, but he found the opposite to be true.
“It surprised me because I feel like we all got along really well. We were all helping each other out, asking each other questions, and helping with one thing or another. They’re all really good people, and I really enjoyed competing with them.” The announcement of Larios’ victory only proved his point further when the other apprentices were the first to congratulate him.
His victory was made even more meaningful by the presence of his fiancée and colleagues. “Having people that I care about be extremely proud of me, for sure, made me feel good about myself. I care about what I do, and it’s paying off.” Back at work, the recognition continued, earning praise throughout his company and inspiring fellow apprentices.
When asked if Larios would recommend the NAC to other apprentices, his stance was clear. “I don’t think there’s a reason why not. I think they should. If you really enjoy the trade and you want to better yourself, it’s for sure something that will better you. If you really care about the trade, you have to try your hardest to be a part of it.”
COMPETITION DETAILS
AFSA’s NAC is celebrating 32 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-paid trips to compete in Phase 2 of the national competition, held during AFSA44.
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.
For Larios, the install was another workday … with some extra eyes on him. “The install is what we do every day. It’s like we’re at work. But the hardest part is all the people watching you. But if you’re being taught well, and you’re being taught right, then just apply that to the install, and you should be good.”
Competition results for the other competitors were Leona Ball, Piper Fire Protection, Fla., second place and $7,500; and Christopher Redman, J.G. Tate Fire Protection Systems, Poway, Calif., third and $5,000. Honorable mentions and $2,500 were awarded to Stephen Dolan, Rieve Fire Protection, Conn.; Corbin Rogers, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., S.D.; Kyle Strickland, Marmic Fire & Safety, Ark.; David Walencewicz, Impact Fire Services, Conn. All competition finalists received a commemorative award, tools, and an experience of a lifetime.
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 each year.
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!
AFSA extends its sincere thanks to NAC Chair Brett Heinrich for leading the 2025 competition, as well as to the many companies and volunteers who helped make it a success. “There are many ‘thank yous’ that are deserved, and not enough room to list everyone individually. This could never have happened without the support of so many dedicated companies and individuals,” says Heinrich. “This year’s turnout was incredible. I’m humbled to be a small part of a competition that highlights the very best of our industry and proudly reflects our commitment to training and education. I can’t thank everyone involved enough for their participation.”
For the 32nd Annual NAC, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication was the main supplier, and Milwaukee Tools donated many cordless and hand tools for the event and apprentices. Other tools, materials, donations, and support were provided by AFSA Florida Chapter; AGF Manufacturing, Inc.; Allsouth Sprinkler Company; Alwest Fire Protection, LLC; ARGCO; Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co.; Core & Main Fire Protection, Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Inc.; Driven Fire Consultants; Eastern Fire & Safety; Fayette Pipe Company; Fire Tech Systems, Inc.; Foothill Fire Protection, Inc.; JFV Engineering, LLC; NICET; Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.; RIDGID Tools; Victualic; Viking Group, Inc.; VSC Fire & Security, Inc.; Viper Tradeshow Services; and Winsupply.
Judges for this year’s event were Brooks Bayne, AFP Systems; David Koopman, VSC Fire & Security, Inc.; John Lane, Queen Anne’s County, Md. Fire Marshal’s Office; Bernie Parsons, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc.; and Gene Taylor, Brendle Sprinkler Company. Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Inc., and Heinrich served as alternate judges. Bill Norwood, Alwest Fire Protection, LLC, performed the hydro testing on the systems and was instrumental in the setup, teardown, maintenance, and repairs of the structures.
ARE YOU NEXT?
“It’s about continuing to grow, continuing to learn, and continuing to inspire others, especially the next generation of apprentices,” Larios concludes.
Catch the 33rd NAC in the Lone Star State! AFSA45 will be in San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 27-30, 2026. Entry forms will be available soon. For more information and future updates, see page 60 of this issue or visit firesprinkler.org/competition.