People

A Look Into the Industry’s Past and Future Attending AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in Denver, Colo., in the fall of 2024 as a NextGen Scholarship recipient was an experience that exceeded every expectation I had walking into the convention. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that …

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 …

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. …

DEDICATED INDUSTRY VETERAN SUPPORTED THE NEXT GENERATION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Past AFSA Chair of the Board, Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kan., passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 23, 2023, after a private battle …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Quality Contractor Recognition Program What sets apart “good contractors” and “great contractors” is distinguishing your company from the competition. That’s why the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) created the Quality Contractor (QC) Recognition Program, which allows contractor members to be recognized for their effort in growing companies that produce quality …

Virginia Chapter Engages Local Students The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Virginia Chapter board was meeting for the first time this year in February, and we were trying to come up with something unique we could do to help our members and possibly increase membership in the state chapter. We …