Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Welcome to AFSA45 in San Antonio! On behalf of the AFSA Board of Directors, our Convention Committee, staff, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers, I am pleased to welcome you to this year’s convention, exhibition, and apprentice competition in the heart of Texas.
This gathering is always one of the most important times of the year for our association and our industry. It is where fire sprinkler professionals come together to learn, share ideas, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the essential work we do every day to protect lives and property.
This year’s convention offers an outstanding mix of technical education, business management sessions, product innovation, networking opportunities, and memorable events. Whether you are here to earn continuing education, explore the exhibit hall, connect with manufacturers and suppliers, support the National Apprentice Competition finalists, or simply reconnect with friends and colleagues, I encourage you to take full advantage of everything AFSA45 has to offer.
The National Apprentice Competition is one of AFSA’s signature traditions and one of the most exciting events of the convention. This year, seven outstanding apprentices from across the country will compete in San Antonio, demonstrating the knowledge, craftsmanship, and safety practices that define excellence in our trade. Their live installation competition under the eyes of many people in the exhibit hall is more than a contest—it is a powerful reminder of the talent entering our industry and the importance of developing the next generation of sprinkler fitters.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the companies sponsoring and supporting these apprentices. By investing in training, mentoring, and encouraging their employees to compete on a national stage, these companies demonstrate a true commitment to workforce development and to the long-term future of the fire sprinkler industry. The success of each apprentice reflects not only individual dedication, but also the leadership and support of the employer, instructors, supervisors, colleagues, and family who helped them reach this level.
Our convention also gives us the opportunity to honor those whose leadership, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on fire sprinkler protection. During AFSA45, we will recognize the recipients of the association’s most meaningful honors, including the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award, AFSA’s highest honor for long-term dedication to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry; the Fire Sprinklers Save Lives recognition, celebrating individuals whose advocacy has helped advance fire sprinkler awareness and public safety; and the Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year Award, which highlights a rising leader who represents the future of our profession. These awards remind us that progress in our industry is built by people who lead, serve, mentor, advocate, and inspire others to carry the mission forward.
AFSA’s strength has always come from its members. Contractors, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction, educators, and industry partners all play a vital role in advancing fire sprinkler protection. When we come together, we do more than attend a convention—we invest in the future of our trade and the safety of the communities we serve.
I want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible, including our Convention Committee, National Apprentice Competition Committee, AFSA staff, seminar presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and the many volunteers whose commitment makes this convention such a valuable experience. Your work reflects the professionalism and dedication that define AFSA.
Our sponsors do much more than make financial contributions at convention. They support our association’s programs and initiatives year-round financially, provide in-kind donations for charities such as Homes for Our Troops, host membership events, provide program instructors, and supply labor for the National Apprentice Competition. Donation fatigue comes to mind, but they are gracious. We are fortunate for their support.
Enjoy your time in San Antonio. Learn something new, meet someone new, visit the exhibit hall, cheer on our apprentices, and leave energized for the year ahead. Thank you for being part of AFSA45 and welcome to a TEXAS-sized celebration of our industry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul DeLorie serves as Senior Vice President of Hampshire Fire Protection Co. in Londonderry, New Hampshire. One of New England’s largest merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, Hampshire Fire Protection has built a strong reputation for excellence in the industry. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, DeLorie brings more than 39 years of experience spanning sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management, and senior leadership.