Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

THE K-FACTOR PODCAST DEBUTS When we first started The K-Factor Podcast, my co-hosts AFSA Director of Training & Operations Josh McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM; AFSA Technical Training Specialist Eric Andresen, WBITM; and I had one simple goal: to create a space where everyone in the fire protection industry could …

Presenting at the International Fire Operations Conference and Expo in Saudi Arabia The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was founded in 1981 for the purpose of educating and training the U.S.-based merit shop fire sprinkler industry. As its current president, I had the honor of being invited to participate in …

A good friend asked me the other day if I liked my position with AFSA. I thought about it for a minute or so before responding, “Absolutely, I’m living my dream job!” I started as an employee with AFSA in 2020. However, I started as a volunteer with AFSA in …

APPRENTICES, INSPECTORS, FACILITY MANAGERS, AND DESIGNERSCAN ELEVATE THEIR SKILLS The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has released its 2025 course offerings and schedules. Are you looking to grow your fire sprinkler business or opportunities to advance your career? AFSA will have the right option for you! With its popular educational …

Optimism Continues for a Third Year As the sprinkler industry heads into 2025, expectations appear to be positive. Dodge Construction and FMI Corp. both predict another year of growth in construction starts and construction put-in-place. Members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) also report feeling optimistic. Read member reports …

As I review my first four years as the American President… that is to say, the president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (thank God for us all)—I want to start my first column of 2025 by saying that I have heard the message clearly from several members: you’d rather …

A new year always brings excitement for new opportunities and setting our goals for the year ahead. 2025 has already brought in a new, business-friendly president. The opportunity for my daughter, Nikki, and I to be in Washington for the inauguration was an exciting time for us. The city was …

Some time ago, I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman who has been a member of our association since its inception. He is a past Chair of our Board of Directors, and still a very active fire sprinkler contractor. Like many of the calls I receive from our members, …

Directors Added to Better Represent Growing Membership The 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 …

Summit Sprinkler Technician Takes First Place at AFSA’S 31st Annual National Apprentice Competition The 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 …