“SECOND CHANCE” CONTEST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS The 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, AFSA Second Chance. These national winners were randomly selected from 13,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $1,000 …
Read More »IN MEMORIAM: BILL PHAIR
INDUSTRY VETERAN DEDICATED TO FIRE PROTECTION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn of the passing of William “Bill” R. Phair, of Cornwall, New York, who was an area sales manager for AFSA Associate Member Ferguson Fire & Fabrication and was an active …
Read More »MEET YOUR 2024 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS
REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council held a productive meeting during AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in September 2023 in Orlando, Florida. It was an opportune time to conduct business, network, and reconnect. Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, was …
Read More »IN MEMORIAM: RON COLEMAN
INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF FIRE SAFETY CHAMPION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Chief Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, Chris Coleman …
Read More »MEMBERS ELECT 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BIERNACKI ELECTED AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2023-2024 officer elections during the September 2023 Board meeting. Linda M. Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, was elected as Chair of the Board. Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Londonderry, New Hampshire, was …
Read More »THE MAGIC TOUCH: AFSA42
Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Draw Record Attendance AFSA42 attendees were spellbound this year as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) presented its annual convention, exhibition, and apprentice competition in Orlando, Florida, September 6-9. Nearly 1,300 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry …
Read More »Flashpoint
The topic for this issue is water supplies for water-based fire protection systems. My entire career has been based on my passion for fire protection hydraulics. In the business, I’m known as a hydraulics nerd. While I deserve that nickname, it still amazes me that many designers, engineers, and Authorities …
Read More »Chair’s Message
I am truly saddened and heavy-hearted; one of our long-time friends and associates, Bill Phair, with Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, passed away suddenly in September. Bill was the incoming Chair of the Manufacturers & Suppliers (M/S) Council and will be greatly missed. His support, encouragement, and genuine kindness were one …
Read More »President’s Report
As I think about this column, I must admit we in the home office are still riding the energy of the success of our recent annual convention. For those of you unable to attend, I assure you that you missed what was likely the best all-around convention AFSA has ever …
Read More »HIGHER STANDARDS: NFPA 88A, NFPA 20, NFPA 770, NFPA 200, NFPA 25
Over the last few months, there have been several technical committee meetings for standards that our members use or will use every day. In just one week, AFSA participated in a pre-first draft meeting for the 2027 edition of NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, a second draft meeting for …
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