Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Ask not what you can do for AFSA, ask “What can AFSA do for you?” (a little play on words from JFK). Convention is here, and we are so excited to have over 1,200 attending AFSA44 in Washington, D.C. I would like to thank all the sponsors who support this endeavor, and for whom we would not be able to provide such a FIRST-CLASS convention without. Diamond Sponsors include ASC, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Reliable, Victaulic, and Viking.
The second Women in the Industry panel is on Wednesday, October 15, from 3:30-4:30 pm, with a short mixer after. The panelists include me, Lisa DiRienzo with Impact Fire Services, Meaghen Wills with Anchor Fire Protection, Jacqueline Wilmot, P.E. with Brooks Safety Solutions, and our moderator will be our very own Meda Merritt, AFSA’s Vice President of Membership and Chapter Development. Panelists will share their hard-fought stories and experiences that have shaped them into the successful women they have become in a male-dominated field. Last year, it was standing-room only. Don’t be shy, gentlemen—this panel is for men and women. See you all there!
The National Apprentice Competition is always the highlight of the convention. Congratulations to the finalists and their companies. I want to point out that a female apprentice is in the competition this year. I wish for all the finalists to do their best, but I must say I have a little extra “show them how it’s done” for Leona Ball with Piper Fire Protection from Region 5. Good Luck to ALL!!! You have earned your way here, and each of you has the opportunity to become the AFSA44 Apprentice 2025 Champion!
As I write my last Chair’s Message, I am traveling to the AFSA Florida Chapter for its Legislative Conference. This is an exciting opportunity to experience firsthand the work sessions that formulate important legislation for fire sprinkler contractors for the upcoming state legislative session. Accolades to the Florida Chapter board of directors, especially AFSA At-Large Director and Chapter Board Member Chris Johnson, and Chapter Executive Director Jessica Cox, for working tirelessly to obtain legislation regarding our apprentice training.
In September, I will attend the AFSA Virginia Chapter’s 32nd Annual Burn Survivors’ Golf Tournament. Last year set a record with over $100,000 raised for the Burn Survivors Foundation! Then, it is off to convention at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. At the AFSA44 General Session on October 17, I will turn the gavel over to our 2026-2027 Board Chair, Paul DeLorie. Paul will be an excellent Board Chair and serve the association and its members well. Post convention, I will squeeze in the AFSA Georgia Chapter Golf Tournament on October 24, and then I’m off to my AFSA Louisiana Chapter Social and Golf Tournament, October 27-28, in Baton Rouge. No time for work!
In closing, I want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to support my goals for AFSA, the Board, committee chairs and members, AFSA team, and my Fire Tech Systems’ team. None of this would have been possible to achieve without your support and desire to move AFSA forward for the betterment of its members. See you all at convention to celebrate all the great things that are happening at AFSA for its members. It has been an honor to serve you as Board Chair these last two years!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Serving as Chair of the Board and Region 5 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) board of directors, past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records and is past AFSA40 Convention Committee and Membership & Chapter Development Chair. Biernacki is certified in NICET Level III Fire Protection Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.