Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Chapter Members Answer the Call
If you are reading this, chances are you have heard about some of the community projects and exciting opportunities the Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has had the privilege of taking part in. Some have been featured in articles, convention seminars, and events across the nation. Make no mistake, these projects require many hours of labor and extremely generous donations from our manufacturer members to get them over the finish line. Our board and members have gone far beyond any reasonable expectation, and the results make me truly grateful to be part of this chapter.
This past year proved even more meaningful for the work we do. The Virginia Chapter received notice that a home was being built and needed a sprinkler system. This was not your average home, though. It was being built by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), an organization I had not heard of before AFSA national alerted us to the project and its needs. Paulene Norwood, executive director of the Sacramento Valley Chapter, brought us up to speed on the partnership AFSA and HFOT have forged. Of course, we quickly agreed to take part in this opportunity for a veteran in need. Naturally, we then found out the house was already under roof, which meant we needed to move very quickly.
Within only a few days, General Air Products provided its H2hOme residential pump/tank system for the water supply, since the home would be located in a rural area and served by a domestic well. Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. provided the sprinklers and miscellaneous materials, and Spears Manufacturing provided the CPVC pipe and fittings. A quick call to the building official helped get the permit in hand expeditiously, but our challenges continued. A nasty stomach bug found its way to our volunteer install crew. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that every time we have a good plan in place, a hurdle pops up out of nowhere. This project, like so many others, was no different.
We had to bring out our own water for hydrostatic testing. That was not too big a problem, considering the system was only about 15 gallons in capacity, but Mother Nature did not want to participate. Temperatures were hovering right around freezing, so filling the system the day before the inspection meant relying heavily on the forecast, which is never wrong… Despite the challenges, the rough-in and inspections were completed on time. These projects conclude with a Key Ceremony and ribbon-cutting planned months in advance and coordinated with special guests and dignitaries, so any construction delays can have a significant impact.
After the inspections, we had time to breathe. I began to feel just how much of an honor and a privilege it was to be part of this project. When the stomach bug made our installation crew unavailable, there wasn’t time to recruit another crew, so my son and I installed the system. I can’t remember if I asked him whether he wanted to help or told him he had to, but working together on such a meaningful project felt more like a privilege than a responsibility. One evening, while reflecting on all of this, I realized I had not even had a chance to learn what HFOT was, or about the veteran for whom this home was built. A quick internet search led me to their website, where I learned about Staff Sergeant Brian Pearce, his tremendous bravery, and his unimaginable road to recovery after the blast from an improvised explosive device. I encourage you to read his story for yourself, because it is truly inspiring.
A short while later, the home was ready for us to install plates, tie in the pump/tank, and prepare for final inspection. Then, I met Staff Sergeant Pearce, his wife, their son, and daughter-in-law while conducting owner training. I expressed what an honor it was to be part of the project and how much it meant to give back to someone who had given so much. We shook hands, and I welcomed them home. I drove away with a renewed appreciation for our veterans, this industry, HFOT, AFSA, and everyone who helped get this project over the finish line.
A few days later, on May 2, my wife and I attended the Key Ceremony on an abnormally chilly day with misty rain. The Pearce family cut the ribbon and officially took possession of their new home. The event was filled with family, friends, trade partners, media, elected officials, and his unit commander, who told the story of the day Staff Sergeant Pearce began a very difficult path in life. Until then, I did not know that Staff Sergeant Pearce had volunteered to stay back with his unit for the difficult mission that would alter his life. I also did not know he had the choice to go home. He did not want to leave his unit, and as if staying was not enough, he volunteered to man one of the most exposed positions in their mission.
I’m pretty sure there is very little any of us could do in our line of work as fire protection professionals that would even slightly mirror Staff Sergeant Pearce’s sacrifice or his bravery. However, just as he volunteered to do the job, chapter members had an opportunity to volunteer to do a job, and that’s just what we did. As it turned out, we received another call to volunteer. There was another veteran and another opportunity to partner with HFOT, a short distance away in another county. We didn’t hesitate.
On August 1, we celebrated another Key Ceremony, this one for Army Sergeant Duncan Mathis, who fell into a booby-trapped well. Once again, we had the opportunity to watch a disabled veteran take possession of his home, which was sprinklered using the same products, generously donated by the same members, and installed by BJ Breeden of Central Virginia Fire Protection and me.
A special thanks goes to Paulene. She is the AFSA liaison in the partnership with HFOT, and her support was crucial, especially when timing was critical. HFOT builds 20 to 30 of these homes across the country each year, so there is a chance one is being built in your area. I look forward to hearing the stories from others who have had or will have the privilege of participating in the program.
As always, we hope our systems are never called upon, but no one who has suffered as much as these veterans should also have to suffer the impact of a fire in their home. With that in mind, I am not asking anyone reading this to get involved with HFOT; I am challenging you to answer the call. Whether you install a sprinkler system, contribute financially, or participate in a Volunteer Day, there is a way to help. Whatever it is, answer the call. These veterans certainly did.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason Gill is operations manager with Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers, Inc., in Midlothian, Va. He also serves as second vice president of the AFSA Virginia Chapter. His extensive experience in design, management, sales, and training spans over 25 years. Gill is NICET Level IV certified and a member of the NFPA 13 committee for Sprinkler System Installation.