Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

Smith Named Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

For Richard Smith fire protection has always been an important part of everyday life. Born in Oxford, Maryland, Smith recalls having an interest in fire protection extremely early on because he lived just down the road from a fire company and recalls, “as a young man there wasn’t a lot to do around here and everything that did happen, happened at the fire company.” The fire company served as not just a place of protection, but a place where relationships were made and friendships were formed in the city. Throughout his life Smith’s respect, adoration, and commitment to fire and life safety through volunteer firefighting and the promotion of fire sprinkler legislation in Maryland has always been front and center just like that fire company was in Oxford. While Smith continues his long and distinguished career filled with many important accomplishments, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to honor him for all of his contributions so far, as well as those yet to come, as its 2018 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award recipient.