Featured Articles

Focusing on CTE and Workforce Development I’m excited to introduce myself as the new workforce development coordinator for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). I am stepping into this role with enthusiasm and a clear mission: to help build a strong, skilled pipeline of professionals for the fire sprinkler industry …

Recognizing the Top Students It’s time to celebrate the best of the best in fire sprinkler training! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) started the National Apprentice Honor Roll in 2012 and has continued the annual tradition of spotlighting the top students. This roll showcases the brightest trainees who have …

I was recently asked if honesty is always the best policy. My initial reaction was to answer that it is always best to be honest. However, as I reflected on my response, I determined that it depends on the context of the situation and my reason for being honest. I …

I woke up this morning to see a story on my newsfeed about a paper shredding comping that caught on fire. I recalled retrofitting the fire pump in that building many years ago, and luckily, the post stated, “[The fire] was placed under control within 20 minutes. All facility employees …

On the news nearly every day, one can hear a report about a vehicle fire. These fires occur in residential garages, commercial garages, and open parking lots, among other places. Fires in automobiles are not new. However, the attention and severity of the fires have increased the attention these fires …

On behalf of the American Fire Sprinkler Association, I am honored to express pride in our partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). This remarkable organization demonstrates unwavering dedication to building and donating mortgage-free, specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post 9/11veterans to empower them to regain some …

So, you think you know what your inspectors are doing…. Perhaps one of the most interesting and dynamic changes in our industry during my 48-year career has been the shift by many companies away from new construction toward recurring revenue streams through inspections and testing. While a lot of this …

Past Board Member Continues to Contribute to the Industry The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) North Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association’s  Summer Beach Bashes are a great example of industry professionals coming together for education, networking, and fun!  Attendees from across the region come together each May for seminars, a trade show, and …

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. …

As Chair of AFSA, I am proud to reflect on the tremendous success of our recent national convention in Washington, D.C. It was a celebration of our industry. This event brought together passionate professionals from across the country, all dedicated to advancing fire protection and life safety. There were many …