Featured Articles

  • THE IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL FIRE PUMP TESTING

    ENSURING YOUR FIRE PUMP SYSTEM IS READY WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST Fire pumps are critical components of …

  • THE NAC IS A “WIN-WIN”

    NAC’S PHASE I EXAM HELPS EVALUATE, PREPARE, AND SHOWCASE YOUR APPRENTICES AFSA’s Annual National App…

  • TAKING AFSA43 TO A NEW HEIGHT

    CONVENTION, EXHIBITION, AND APPRENTICE COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN THE MILE-HIGH CITY Mark your calend…

  • FLASHPOINT

    With the changes to automobile vehicles over the years and the method in the way parking garages are…

  • PRESIDENT’S REPORT

    Why are standards, not standard?  I mean the very word itself conjures up thoughts of other wor…

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

A Look at AFSA’s Dues Structure  As most of you know, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Board of Directors added new categories to our dues structure in 2022, following a 20-percent increase in 2020. AFSA had only increased dues one time in the prior 20 years, but it was …

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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 …

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