Sprinkler Age Nov/Dec 2022

Bringing Reliable

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

WOW!!! AFSA41 was unbelievable!! The near-record crowd attended world-class seminars, tremendous parties (look at the pictures on social media if you don’t believe me), networking meals, an unmatched exhibit hall, and AFSA’s famous National Apprenticeship Contest!! I’m not sure how much money everyone won or lost in the casinos of Las Vegas, but everyone seemed to be having a great time, from what I could tell.

The General Session was a very special event. It was highlighted by the three awards presented to well-deserving recipients: Katie Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, received the Young Professional of the Year Award; Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, received the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award; and Kevin T. Fee, Sr., Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, received AFSA’s most prestigious award, the Henry S. Parmelee Award.

The National Apprenticeship Competition was one of the closest contests we’ve ever had! The judges clearly had their work cut out for them this year. All seven apprentices could have won this contest, and they are all winners in my book! Their companies should be very proud of their accomplishment this year. Read all the details of this contest in this edition.

To sum up AFSA41 and all of our conventions in one word, it’s FAMILY. As I mentioned during the General Session, this association is unique. We can compete against each other during the year and come together during conventions to learn together, break bread together, and actually help each other get better. As we improve individually, we improve as an industry. We truly care about each other and that is so evident during our conventions. AFSA is truly a family!

As we head into 2023, we need to contemplate what it will look like and what we need to focus on to continue moving this association forward, with the main focus on providing needed services to our members. I always tend to do a SWOT analysis, of which I’m sure most of you are familiar. I’m probably not following the rules, but I tend to start with the W (weaknesses) and the T (threats) before looking at the S (strengths) and the O (opportunities) that could face us next year. The W is led by our membership dues, which missed the budget by quite a bit in 2022. We’re chalking this up to the consolidation taking place in our industry. Even though we increased dues this year, it did not make up for the lost revenue as companies were consolidated, both on the contracting side and the manufacturer/supplier side. In the T category, we’re watching the economy. Even though backlogs appear to be strong through the first half of 2023, there is a possibility of a slowdown for the second half. The S or strength of this association is the ability to overcome the W & T, which has always been accomplished in the past. For instance, we have a tremendous training curriculum focusing on the ITM side of our businesses. ITM divisions have always grown during the typical economic recessions that we’ve seen in the past. By focusing on this now, our members will be prepared to survive a slowdown if one develops. Our Opportunities for 2023 exist as well. AFSA staff has been developing a federal apprentice ship program which will launch in 2023. This will benefit both AFSA and our members.

Obviously, we’re hoping that 2023 will be a solid year for our industry. But if not, rest assured that AFSA will do everything in our power to continue providing our stellar services to all of our members … just like we did during the 2008 Great Recession.

I wish you all the best during this upcoming holiday season. May God continue to watch over this association and bless you always and in all ways. n

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, Publisher, ext. 124 bcaputo@firesprinkler.org

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

ADVERTISING: 214-349-5965

SYDNEY RICHARDSON, Communications Specialist, ext. 134 srichardson@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., Chair, 804-222-1381

LINDA M. BIERNACKI, First Vice Chair, 318-841-0330

PAUL DELORIE, Second Vice Chair, 603-432-8221

ROD DIBONA, Treasurer, 605-348-2342

JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

TED WILLS, Immediate Past Chair, 610-754-7836

LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949

CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447

MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 757-213-3660

E. PARKS MOORE, P.E., 251-473-6000

JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136

WAYNE WEISZ, 209-334-9119

AFSA LEADERSHIP

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, President, ext. 124

LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Meeting & Education Services, ext. 118

BRUCE LECAIR, Senior Director, Membership & Chapter Support, ext. 139

LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130

ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116

Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional develop ment of the fire sprinkler industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information.

Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association.

Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-mem ber and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965.

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP

AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities

Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscrip tion to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for member ship information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E. AFSA BOARD CHAIR

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication offers a variety of digital tools and services for fire protection professionals. From easy online ordering through the Ferguson app to virtual assistance with Text-2-Counter, or Firelist—our very own software that allows us to schedule and quote fabrication work with unrivaled precision—you’ll benefit from all our technology when you partner with us. VISIT US ONLINE AT FERGUSON.COM/FIRE

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

When I look at the calendar, I’m truly amazed that another year is nearing an end. These little bookmarks in life’s progress used to excite me as a small boy because Christmas was coming, and it seemed so long since Santa was here last year. Well, the older I’ve gotten, the faster years go by. I’m sure most of us can relate to that. We manage our businesses in quarters, and they go by fast, but oh, no—Christmas is right around the corner, not to mention the New Year when we tend to reassess our lives and make resolutions for the next cycle.

As I write this column, we’re a few weeks past AFSA41, and the great time we had in Las Vegas. Your AFSA staff and the Bellagio staff put on a great convention—one of the best, without a doubt. Sixty seminars were bookended by two incredible parties and good food every day. I was very encour aged by the show of hands of the first-timers in attendance. I was personally reinvigorated by seeing you and knowing there was nothing “old hat” about your experience. The support of our M/S Council members and other manufacturers and suppliers was overwhelming. A sincere THANK YOU to all in atten dance, and I hope we see you all in Orlando, Florida, next year.

If you read my column regularly, thank you! I know I’m always pounding on the membership and training topics, and I should find new subjects to address, but I’ve been in this role for two years now and these two topics drive my everyday work life. So, if you’re tired of my tirades, you should stop reading here.

Like every trade association, AFSA has experienced a downturn in our membership roles over the past few pandem ic-stricken years. Not-for-profit notwithstanding, AFSA must make money to continue delivering value-added member services, and our funding opportunities are limited to mem bership dues, training programs, and our annual convention.

You hear this message from AFSA frequently, asking members to verify their self-reported membership level based on your company’s top-line income. Our dues structure has changed, mostly at the higher tier levels, but please take a look and adjust your dues as applicable.

Our membership campaigns are all about sharing the message of the value AFSA adds for our members. Programs like apprenticeship are a huge benefit for all contractors installing water-based fire protection systems, but so are our layout technician courses, ITM training courses, and our political action support of ABC and other open-shop construc tion organizations. We provide these programs for our mem bers who, as individual companies, would be less likely to be able to develop and absorb the cost of self-development.

In my opinion, considering suspending or dropping your membership in difficult times, is a horrible decision for any member, based solely on the value we add, not only through our

existing programs but through our willingness to create and offer new programs to meet the needs of our members in these changing times. We cannot know what those needs are without chapters and members giving us feedback so we may address regional and national issues that impact our industry. We want to hear from you! Call, email, and send carrier pigeons. Com munication is what we need to elevate the relationship between AFSA “National.” We are stronger together!

When I came aboard two years ago, I was literally amazed at some of the culture I found in terms of the relationships AFSA National had with some of the chapters, and to be frank, I was disappointed. The two most densely populated states, in terms of having the most members, had very distant and disconnected relationships with the National office. I was shocked by this, to say the least. We were, and perhaps still are, distant in terms of communication and trust.

While I have been working on mending fences and rebuilding relationships, it has been clear to me that I need to get around to more local meetings. Our goals include assisting our chapters and our members in every way we can. Of course, we are limited by manpower and by budget, but within these constraints, we are here to help grow our industry and help our members grow their businesses. We want to help knock down the roadblocks that limit growth—and we need every member we can get to accomplish that objective. Like so many of you, I love this industry and this association. Stick with us because we absolutely are stronger together!

The last item, for now, I hope those of you who know and have worked with Bruce Lecair will join me in wishing him and his wife, Annette, the very best of everything in retire ment. Bruce’s last day with AFSA will officially be November 30, 2022, but don’t be too surprised if you see him wandering the aisles in Orlando at AFSA42. Bruce is a good man and has been a good friend to me and to this industry for many years. Enjoy those California sunsets!

Allow me to conclude by saying thank you for your membership, past and present. We’re in this together and no matter the challenge, we want to be a part of your growth and prosperity. n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam Systems

FM Approved Fluorine Free Foam Systems

Viking now offers the industry’s first FM Approved Synthetic Fluorine Free Fixed Foam System (SFFF) for Hydrocarbon and Polar Solvent applications. SFFF foam can be used in non-aspirated closed or open sprinkler configurations, such as those found within warehouses, chemical manufacturing areas, loading racks, aircraft hangars and more.

SFFF foam systems are compatible with various Viking foam discharge and storage devices, including many sprinklers of various K-factors.

Learn more on our website at vikinggroupinc.com

Easily calculate your FM Approved SFFF low expansion foam systems with the LoEX Estimator, the latest in a line of exclusive digital tools from Viking! Scan the QR code or visit webtools.vikingcorp.com/fff.

FLASHPOINT

What a year it has been. This coming January marks my third year as an employee of AFSA and my 28th year as a volunteer with AFSA. As many do, I use the last part of the year to reflect on what my team and I personally accomplished this year and where we fell short. Hopefully, this reflection will produce an improved product for our members next year.

I have had the opportunity to travel a lot this year. I have visited many chapters and affiliates. I have made a site visit to some of our Associate members and attended allied organizations’ meetings, conferences, and other events. All this while carrying the AFSA banner proudly. Your AFSA Engineering & Technical Services Department is well respected and acknowledged by many.

John Johnson, CFPS, WBITM, has led our ITM training offerings, including our 20-month school. This school is being updated over the next year or so to keep it cutting-edge. The feedback from employers and students is very positive, and our classes are full, which makes change difficult, but I feel it is necessary to make sure we stay on top.

Josh McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM, and Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, have designed and led most of our other in-person classes. These two have interacted with hundreds of students, instructing them in various NFPA installation standards. Our design and hydraulic class students give these two outstanding review comments. When I read the comments, it makes me so proud of our program.

Vicky Valentine, P.E., FSFPE, has spent most of her time working on the virtual apprentice training program. This program has the potential to revolutionize apprentice training. As the program is being rolled out, the entire AFSA staff and technical department are behind the scenes developing the necessary resources that are needed, including our new state-ofthe-art training lab that will be a part of our new office space.

As the Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, I have the honor of being in charge of these coworkers. I have spent my time conducting presentations, speaking at chapter events, teaching at seminars, and interacting with allied groups. All of the team are very active in the codes and standards process. AFSA staff and volunteers hold 120 seats on NFPA technical commit tees, and are on 12 UL standards, among other organizations. Kevin keeps my staff and volunteers organized with regard to this effort. The voice of our members is being heard and noticed. I do appreciate all of our volunteers because we could not do it without you.

AFSA41 was unbelievable. If you were unable to attend, you missed a lot. The technical presentations were well attended, and the review comments show the satisfaction level was great. We offered variety in our topics and speakers, but we also tried to listen to previous convention comments on topic choices. The call for

presentations for AFSA42 is now open, with a deadline of December 31, 2022. If you would like to submit a topic, visit https://fs8. formsite.com/AFSA/ou6pu3h1ya/index.html. If you need a suggestion or want to discuss a possible topic, feel free to contact me.

As I look back, I am personally disappointed in myself for not having enough time in my schedule to visit more member companies at their offices or facilities. I would love to stop by and do an hour talk with your design team, have a discussion with your ITM team on new antifreeze rules, or even walk a job site and tell you what I see from my point of view. I also want to visit more of our manufacturers and suppliers. I have visited several manufacturers this year and have been blown away on what I saw. The ability for these companies to build quality products with supply chain issues and at a fair price surprises me. In particular, I want to give a shot out to General Air Products. As AFSA’s new lab is being built, we needed a training facility that could support our needs. General Air has been a great partner in this endeavor. I feel like I’m one of their employees when I show up. Their welcoming of our students and instructors is what makes this industry so great. General Air wants the students to learn, so we have future technicians, designers, and leaders.

Finally, looking forward to next year, I see much activity already on the calendar. Besides the normal activities such as AFSA42, NFPA Conference & Expo, SFPE Annual Conference & Expo, ASPE Convention & Expo, NFPA Technical Meetings, and the development of all the new or revised educational material Leslie and Bob dream up (totally said in jest), I want our technical department to be in the field presenting at chapter train ing events. AFSA’s executive directors are a great group of people. When I show up to present at a training event, I know the executive director has all the bases covered. I can walk in and start presenting. The calendar is already filling up for 2023. If your chapter wants my team to visit, make sure your executive director is talking to Maricarmen Martinez (mmartinez@firesprinkler.org). I do not want to disappoint you!

It has been my honor to serve our members in this role. I enjoy what I do, and seeing and hearing all the feedback keeps me going. God Bless you in this joyful time of year, and Happy New Year. n

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

HANSON TAKES HOME FIRST-PLACE GOLD

NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF AFSA41

SYDNEY RICHARDSON | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

The crowds began pouring in and rallied together this year to see men hard at work. On October 19, 2022, hundreds of onlookers rushed into the bustling exhibit hall at AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas to watch the 29th Annual National Apprentice Competition hosted by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). This annual competition gives seven hopefuls a chance at winning $5,000, tools, and bragging rights for the next year.

The competition consists of two phases—a written test taken in Spring to qualify as a top apprentice and written and practical exams taken in Fall during AFSA’s convention. After the initial written test and outscoring over 100 other apprentice hopefuls to secure a spot as one of the top seven apprentices, Jacob Hanson, Security Fire Sprinkler, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, advanced to the competition finals in Las Vegas. From there, Hanson rose to the occasion, outscoring the six other contenders to emerge as the top apprentice in the 29th annual competition.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Like many who work in the industry, Hanson’s path to arrival was among paths less traveled. Hanson began working in

the fire sprinkler industry because his brother was working for Security Fire Sprinkler.

“I knew there was more money to be made there. I was moving furniture before; it was kind of just a job at the time,” Hanson recalls.

Though after he filled out an application and began working for Security Fire Sprinkler, his journey would not be a short-lived one. Hanson has worked with the company for over three-and-ahalf years. “I’m constantly learning things as I go. My duties haven’t really changed, I’m doing the same things that I was doing six months in, but I continue to learn a lot more every day.”

Eventually, Hanson learned of the National Apprentice Competition (NAC) and was intrigued. “Some of the guys at the office have heard [about the NAC] and wanted us to do it. I saw it as an opportunity to just learn more. I didn’t expect to win at all. I was just excited to test myself with the initial test, and then when I got in, I was really excited to see the convention and try to take in as much as I could and learn about the industry.”

LAS VEGAS SHOWDOWN

Securing his spot in the competition, Hanson was Vegas bound, and more importantly, he was 29th Annual National Apprentice Competition bound. There he would compete live among an audience of curious onlookers. Phase II of the competition consisted of two portions: a written test, based on all four levels of AFSA/ NCCER Contren® Learning Series Sprinkler Fitter curriculum, followed by a live competition practical in the AFSA exhibition hall.

For four hours on Wednesday, October 19, the seven apprentice finalists participated in the live competition construct ing and pressure-testing a miniature sprinkler system in front of a packed exhibit hall. Each finalist was given a drawing of the system and all the required materials to install it. Finalists then constructed the system, comprised of five sprinklers, onto a 9-ft tall metal frame structure. Competitors had to measure, cut, thread, and use fabricated materials for the installations per the drawing they were provided. This exercise required pipe thread ing, math, and pipe make-up skills to complete the mini-system within the four-hour time limit. The CPVC section of the system was joined using one-step solvent cement. After the entire system was installed and allowed to set, it was placed under a static water pressure test of approximately 80 psi, with points deducted for

Jacob Hanson with Security Fire Protection is the winner of the 29th National Apprentice Competition.

any leaks or pressure drop. During the mini-installation appren tices were judged in the three areas—accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety—to form their practical score, which was then combined with their written score to determine the winner.

When preparing for the competition, Hanson notes, “I pretty much just went through the apprenticeship books from AFSA, and then I’m also involved in a study group with Security Fire Sprinkler. I’m coming up on my journeyman’s license. Our company will hold a study group to work on the guys’ knowledge for the journeyman’s test and obviously a lot of that stuff transfers over.”

AWARDS PARTY POOLSIDE

At the unforgettable Awards Party at the Bellagio Pool later in the evening of October 19, the hard work of the seven national apprentices was recognized, and Jacob Hanson was named the 2022 National Apprentice Competition winner.

“It’s pretty hard to believe that I got first. After doing the quiz and the hands-on thing, I felt pretty good about how I had done. I was thinking I was most likely going to be in the top three. But then when they announced third, and then second, I didn’t think I’d land first so then I didn’t really know anymore.”

In addition to joining a prestigious group of past winners, Hanson took home a $5,000 grand prize. Looking to the future, Hanson states, “I’ll be testing for the journeyman’s test in December so hopefully that goes well. If it does, then I will probably be talking to the owners of the company to see if it would be a good idea to start running work.”

Hanson continues, “Going to the convention really opened my eyes. It showed me how much opportunity there is. Before that, I just saw myself as becoming foreman and that was kind of the end of the road. Apparently, there are ways to get involved with AFSA and my local chapter. I don’t know much about that, but I’ll probably look into it. I’m just going to keep trying to learn as much as I can.”

When asked about Hanson, Taylor Schumacher, Hanson’s supervisor, comments, “Jake is very self-motivated. He wants to

succeed and deliver a product that he can be proud of. He takes a lot of pride in the quality and quantity of work that he can do day in and day out.”

Schumacher continues, “Jake started with no experience and was referred to our company by his brother. He started fairly timid and unsure of what he wanted as a career. He was enrolled in the AFSA apprentice curriculum shortly after being hired and over the years he

Antonio Rosario, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., Vista, California, placed second in the competition.

Tyler Amundson, Rapid Fire Protection, Rapid City, South Dakota, won third place in the competition.

has found confidence in his skills and knowledge base and as a result has found more confidence in himself. He has developed into a dependable teammate who is willing to go the extra mile to see a task or

NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION DONORS

$5,000

$1,000

Southeast Fire Protection, L.P. VSC Fire & Security, Inc.

$600

Winsupply $500

AFSA Florida Chapter

Alwest Fire Protection

American Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. American Fire Systems, Inc.

$300

Brendle Sprinkler Co.

Brecco Distribution Corporation Castle Sprinkler & Alarm, Inc.

ETNA SUPPLY

Metro Fire & Safety Equipment Co. Victaulic

$150

ARGCO

Carolina Fire Protection, Inc.

Core & Main Fire Protection

Doringer Cold Saws Gast Manufacturing

M and M Fire Protection, Inc.

Milwaukee Valve Co, Inc. Telgian Corporation

IN-KIND

Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co. BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems (Lubrizol)

Core & Main Fire Protection

Crawford Fire Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Inc.

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication Rapid Fire Protection Group

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Ridge Tool Company

Victaulic Viking Group Viper Trade Show Service

OTHER

Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc.

Diamond Automatic Sprinklers, Inc.

Imperial Capital Pulliam Fire Protection Consulting Smith Fire Protection, LLC

project to completion. He has also worked his way into mentorship roles and has been valuable in developing those same talents in others.”

“When he was announced as the winner, I thought back to the text that he had sent me when I was encouraging him to enter the competition,” notes Schumacher. “The text said, ‘I don’t expect to do very well, but it’s worth a shot.’ Being our first time entering this competition as a company, none of us knew what to expect. We had a lot of confidence in his knowledge and abilities so I cannot say that I’m totally surprised that he did so well, but there was some great competition to contend with. As the days and challenges progressed, we started to get more excited about his odds.”

He continues, “I’m very glad Jake decided to take the shot on entering the competition and seeing it through to the end. As happy as I am for his result, I’m also very grateful that such a platform exists to reward and recognize the efforts of someone who works so hard to become the top in the industry. We’re very proud of all Jake has accomplished both with the company and in this competition.”

Antonio Rosario, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., Vista, California, won second place and a $3,000 cash prize, and Tyler Amundson, Rapid Fire Protection, Rapid City, South Dakota, took third place and a $2,000 prize. Honorable mentions received $1,000 prizes: Andrew Callahan, A & D Fire, Spokane, Washington; Matthew Comp, Diamond Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania; Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, California; and Andrew Lynch, Johnson Controls, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In addition to the cash prizes and an expense-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete at AFSA41, each of the national finalists received a commemorative plaque, tools, and a complimentary convention registration for their employer to attend the convention.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Started in 1994 by the late Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chairman of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee, AFSA’s Annual National Apprentice Competition was created to promote

AllSouth Sprinkler Company

Honorable Mention Winner Matthew Comp, Diamond Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania.

Honorable Mention Winner Andrew Callahan, A & D Fire, Spokane Valley, Washington.

apprentice training and give recognition to the apprentices who are actively enrolled in the AFSA apprenticeship program. Nearly 30 years later, the competition continues to bring fire sprinkler appren tices from AFSA local chapters and member training programs from all corners of the United States together in the association’s foremost showcase of excellence in training among future industry leaders.

Enrolling in AFSA’s apprentice training program not only offers excellent education and a fulfilling career, but it is also

NEW! HIGH PRESSURE

the gateway to competing in the national competition. Entry forms for this next year’s event at AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition at Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, September 6-9, will be available in Spring of 2023. For more details, visit firesprinkler.org/competition. Enjoy additional photos of the apprentice competition and all of AFSA41’s events on AFSA’s Flickr photo page at flickr.com/afsa. n

The latest addition from the Metraflex Fire Protection Division is the UL Listed, all stainless-steel construction Fireloop™ and FireVoop™ expansion joints, as well as the FireStrait flexible connector.

▯ Constructed with 316 SS grooved end-fittings, available in just about any size or movement you could want.

▯ Can be used alongside fire pumps in demanding high-pressure situations.

▯ Utilizes Metraflex-exclusive high-pressure hose, giving it a 300 psi rating in sizes 1” through 6” diameter.

Contact Metraflex for More Information www.metrafire.com • 1 855 FIRELUP

Honorable Mention Winner Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, California.

Honorable Mention Winner Andrew Lynch, Johnson Controls, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

AFSA41 WAS A JACKPOT SUCCESS!

SYDNEY RICHARDSON | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was thrilled to welcome attendees to AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas, October 16-19. Nearly 1,300 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, Authorities Having Jurisdictions (AHJs), and other industry professionals rushed to the Bellagio Las Vegas to celebrate AFSA’s 41 years of dedication to merit shop contractors and the fire sprinkler industry.

“I spent a whole year thinking AFSA40 was the best conven tion I’d ever been to, and I had no idea how to top it,” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo. “AFSA41 was even better, and now I have no idea how we could ever top it! It was a great exhibition and convention,” comments Caputo.

In addition to attending over 60 technical, managerial, and NextGen Initiative (NGI) seminars, attendees explored AFSA’s exhibit hall, filling the resort’s convention center with booths featuring the products and services of nearly 100 exhibiting companies. AFSA also offered local AHJs a free plan review seminar and a chance to explore the industry’s largest exhibition. Social events, networking meals, and the Apprentice Awards Party rounded out the convention’s schedule.

The convention began with an opening party on Sunday, October 16, held at On the Record at MGM Park. This year’s opening party was hosted by AFSA’s NextGen Initiative. The first hour was reserved for the National Apprentice Competition finalists to network with the AFSA Board of Directors, national committee members, and NextGen workgroup members. For the

remainder of the party, attendees were able to socialize, sip cocktails in the speakeasy, dine on prime rib and hors d’oeuvres, sing in private karaoke rooms, and take advantage of selfie opportunities in this spectacular venue.

Monday was a day full of learning and earning education credits at AFSA41 seminars. The afternoon ended with the ever-popular “Ask the Experts” session. This discussion allowed attendees to ask a panel of the industry’s top technical minds about any NFPA standards. Many attendees also took the time that evening to explore Las Vegas and its many musings.

Tuesday offered more seminars followed by the General Session, where attendees celebrated 40-plus years of dedication to

Kevin T. Fee was chosen as AFSA’s 2022 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient and received his award from Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E. at the AFSA41 General Session.

Katie Meehan, VSC Fire & Security (left) was presented with the 2022 Young Professional of the Year award by AFSA First Vice Chair Linda Biernacki.

Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (left), received the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award from Legislative Chair Chris Johnson.

merit shop fire protection contractors and the commitment to saving lives and protecting properties. AFSA 2022-2023 Chair of the Board Jack Medovich presented the 2022 Henry S. Parmelee Award to Kevin T. Fee, president of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., who has been dedicated to the fire protection industry and its members for over 50 years. In addition, 2022 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), was honored for his commitment to the fire sprinkler industry. Finally, Katie Meehan, director of marketing at VSC Fire & Protection, Ashland, Virginia, received AFSA’s 2022 Young Professional of the Year award for her service to the NextGen industry leaders on local and national levels. Attendees were then invited to the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception for a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies along with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

On Wednesday, the seminars continued, and exhibits opened in the afternoon to great success. Over 450 exhibitors took over the hall, and attendees enjoyed learning about new products and services for the fire sprinkler industry and networking with fellow industry professionals. During the afternoon exhibition, the

nation’s top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices, from the 150 apprentices who entered this year’s contest, installed minisprinkler systems before a packed crowd.

That evening, the annual Awards Party took place at the elegant Bellagio pool. Guests enjoyed dinner, specialty cocktails themed by AFSA41’s Diamond Sponsors, photo opportunities with Vegas showgirls, and a live band showcasing top hits over the decades to celebrate AFSA41!

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the apprentice competition winners: Jacob Hanson, Security Fire Sprinkler, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, won first place at this year’s competition, as well as a cash prize of $5,000. Antonio Rosario, Titan Fire Protection, Vista, California, won second place and a $3,000 cash prize. Tyler Amundson, Rapid Fire Protection, Rapid City, South Dakota, took home third place along with a cash prize of $2,000. Honorable mentions and $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to: Andrew Callahan, A&D Fire Sprinklers, Spokane Valley, Washington; Matthew Comp, Diamond Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania; Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, California; and Andrew Lynch, Johnson Controls, Inc.,

National Apprentice Competition Chair Jeff Phifer, AFSA Region 5 Director, was proud to present the seven finalists for the 2022 National Apprentice Competition during the General Session. From left to right: Phifer and the seven finalists: Tyler Amundson, Daniel Kohler, Andrew Callahan, Andrew Lynch, Antonio Rosario, Matthew Comp, and Jacob Hanson.

Attendees enjoyed a speakeasy experience at the AFSA41 Opening Party at On the Record, a music-themed nightspot at Park MGM. It was a fun-filled night of dancing, socializing, dining on prime rib and next-level appetizers, and drinking world-class cocktails and signature AFSA41 drinks.

FUN IN THE FLORIDA SUN

AFSA is heading to the East Coast and sunny Florida next year. Don’t miss out on the education and excitement! Mark your calendars for AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition September 6-9, 2023, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. For more information on this annual event, visit firesprinkler.org. To view additional photos of the action, visit AFSA’s Flickr photo page at flickr. com/afsa. n

The AFSA41 exhibit hall was packed with vendors and attendees both days. Attendees mingled with manufacturers and suppliers and enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Tuesday night and then again on Wednesday afternoon.

Colorado Springs, Colorado. All competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.

Top four photos: Guests had a great time socializing at On the Record. Bottom four photos: The AFSA41 Awards Party celebrated the seven National Apprentice Competition (NAC) finalists and music through the decades with a buffet dinner, live band, dancing, and a costume contest.

DIESEL-DRIVEN FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

FUEL TANK SIZING

JOHN AUGUST DENAHRDT, P.E., FSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

Diesel-driven fire pump systems are economical, reliable, and a proven method when an increase in water pressure is required for fire protection systems where reliable normal electrical power is not available. In accordance with the 2022 edition of NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection , all diesel drivers must be Listed for fire protection service. In the United States and other coun tries, these drivers must comply with applicable emission standards. While the diesel engine has been around since the early 1900s, the modern diesel-driven is more fuel efficient and produces less emissions than ever before.

The method to determine the capacity of the fuel storage tank for diesel-driven fire pump systems has changed over the years. When I started in this business in the mid-1980s, the minimum fuel tank capacity was determined by the following formula: 1 pint of fuel per horsepower of the driver multiplied by 8 hours run time plus 5% for sump plus 5% for expansion. A basic example for a 50 Hp driver: 1 pt x 50 Hp x 8 hours x 1.05 x1.05 = 441 pints, which equals 55.125 gallons

With the 1983 edition of NFPA 20, the formula was modified. However, this modification did not change the results. The change only made the formula easier to use: 1 gallon of fuel per horsepower plus 5% for sump plus 5% for expansion. Using the example above of a 50 Hp driver: 1 gallon x 50 Hp x 1.05 x 1.05 = 55.125 gallons

So, the capacity of the fuel tank has been essentially the same until the 2022 edition of NFPA 20. During the 2022 revision cycle, a public input was submitted to change the formula to “Driver’s fuel consumption rate at rated Hp multiplied by 8 hours run time plus 5% for sump plus 5% for expansion.”

This public input was resolved by the technical commit tee. The technical committee provided a substation for their decision that, in my humble opinion, did not make sense. It is well known that diesel fuel, when stored for long periods, will degrade unless proactive steps are employed to slow down the degradation. Modern diesel drivers are much more fuel efficient than previous drivers. Heck, look at my father’s

vehicle in the 1970s, a 1974 Ford County Squire station wagon. In real-world driving, that vehicle was lucky to get 10 miles per gallon. A modern Ford Expedition can easily obtain 20 miles per gallon. This improvement in fuel efficiency has resulted in the need for the capacity of diesel-driver fuel tanks to be reduced. In the automotive world, manufacturers engineer the fuel tank to match the fuel efficiency and desired driving range. So, why in the world would the technical committee not use the same approach? NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems , has long realized diesel fuel quality is an issue. Specific monitoring, testing, and correction language for the fuel quality is included in NFPA 25. In reality, many owners do not have these services completed.

During the 2022 revision cycle public comment period, a public comment was received which requested the technical committee reconsider this approach. The submitter provided rationale for the reconsideration like the points above. The technical committee did change their direction. The resulting new formula is as follows: Driver’s fuel consumption rate at rated Hp multiplied by 12 hours run time plus 5% for sump plus 5% for expansion.

Let’s cover some of the confusing language. In fact, the technical committee had the incorrect language during the second-draft ballot process. A Technical Interim Amendment (TIA) was processed by NFPA to correct the language. One will see the following terms used in the industry:

Fuel Supply Rate – the amount of fuel supplied to an engine while the engine is in the operating condition.

Fuel Return Rate – the amount of fuel returned to the fuel tank while the engine is in the operating condition.

Fuel Consumption Rate – the amount of fuel the engine consumes in the operating condition. For fire pump driver applications, this value is the consumption rate at full load condition. By definition, the fuel supply rate minus the fuel rate equals the fuel consumption rate.

Almost all modern gasoline and diesel engines use the above method in delivering fuel to the engine. The fuel that is returned to the tank is filtered and, in some cases, preheat

ed. This method helps ensure the fuel in the tank is kept cleaner and where preheated, will aid in the combination process. When sizing a diesel fuel tank for fire pump service, the fuel consumption rate can be determined by reviewing the diesel driver manufacturer’s listing literature. The data sheet for the driver will list the fuel consumption rate. From there, apply the new formula as stated above. If, for some reason, the fuel consumption rate is not known, the original formula is allowed to be utilized. However, in almost every situation I have reviewed, the new formula will produce a minimum capacity fuel tank smaller than utilizing the original formula.

It should be noted, with the original formula, diesel drivers are designed to operate at least five hours and 20 minutes since the low fuel alarm is designed to operate at two-thirds the level of a full fuel tank. (8 hours x 2 / 3 ). With the new formula, a 12-hour time was chosen by the technical committee in lieu of the recommended eight hours. While I do not fully understand the technical committee’s justifica tion for the 12-hour duration requirement, it is now in the standard. Thus, utilizing the new formula, under maximum load, the driver will have sufficient fuel to operate eight hours. (12 hours x 2 / 3 ). For comparison purposes, the longest time duration I have ever designed for was four hours. In this specific case, the diesel fuel tank at the two-thirds level will double the water supply time duration. The fuel supply time duration seems an overkill to me, but the technical committee decided on this. Maybe this requirement can be changed in a future edition. This requirement will not change for the 2025 edition of NFPA 20 as no public inputs were received on this topic. The 2028 edition of NFPA 20 is a possibility. In any case, if the engineer of record or owner of the projects feels a larger fuel tank is desired, they can specify one.

Correctly sizing the fuel tank will assist the owner in providing sufficient fuel for the required duration without having so much full, which could lead to stale and compro mised fuel. A smaller-sized fuel tank will fit in a room easier, present a lower fire hazard, and cost less in terms of equipment and fuel. n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, FSFPE, CWBSP, is vice president of Engineering and Technical Services for AFSA. He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) regis tered in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is a NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, and an NFPA Certified WaterBased Systems Professional (CWBSP). He is a member of the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Discharge Committee and is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Denhardt is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research Foundation trustee, sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors, and is a member of the SFPE Board of Directors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland in College Park.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

MEMBERS ELECT 2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEDOVICH CONTINUES AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2022-2023 officer elections during the October 2022 Board meeting. Jack Medovich, P.E., who was president/ CEO and founding partner of Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia, and is now with Summit Companies, was re-elected as Chair of the Board. Other officers re-elected were First Vice Chair Linda M. Biernacki, Region 4 Director and president, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana; Second Vice Chair Paul DeLorie, Region 7 Chair and senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Company, Londonderry, New Hampshire; Secretary Jeff Phifer, Region 5 Director and president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina; and Treasurer Rod DiBona, Region 3 Director and chief operating officer (COO) of the Rapid Fire Protection Group (R.F.P.G), Rapid City, South Dakota.

MEDOVICH CONTINUES AS CHAIR

At-Large Director and Chair Jack A. Medovich, P.E., is with Summit Compa

nies out of Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering, Medovich served three years as fire marshal of Fairfax County, Virginia, before joining the fire sprinkler industry 36 years ago. He has been active in AFSA since 1991, is a past chair of the Chesa peake Bay Chapter, and served the Virginia Chapter as chair and as a member of the board of directors for many years. He represents AFSA on the Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems, encompassing NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 24, and 291. In the past, he has served as a member of the following NFPA committees: NFPA 14, 20, 25, 101, 750, and 5000.

“2022 was an excellent year,” states Medovich. “The Board added Parks Moore, P.E., from S & S Fire Protection. He has already contributed to our Board in a very positive way, and I am looking forward to watching him continue to add his expertise to our group and the entire association in future years.”

He continues, “We added a member of the M/S Council to our Nominating Committee. This gives our manufacturers and suppliers input into the creation of

the AFSA Board of Directors. We look forward to utilizing their knowledge and assistance in creating our future associa tion leaders.”

Medovich notes that AFSA41 was a “tremendous success, with first-time attendees approaching 30 percent of the entire attendance! And AFSA42 looks to be an amazing event in Orlando, Florida, next September. I hope everyone will join us for the best education, exhibition, and networking in the industry!”

The coming year looks to be an exciting one, in Medovich’s opinion. “AFSA’s federal apprenticeship program has been developed, approved, and is ready to launch in January! And AFSA continues to grow as we’ve signed a lease for a new headquarters building that will feature a state-of-art training facility to enhance the ‘hands-on’ portion of our training program.”

As Chair of the Board, Medovich leads the AFSA Board of Directors, which is comprised of seven Regional Directors (one for each of the seven membership regions), At-Large Directors, and the Immediate Past Chair. The Board has a wide array of expertise, experience, and education that provides strong

The members of the 2022-2023 Executive Committee are (l to r): Chair Jack Medovich, P.E.; First Vice Chair Linda Biernacki; Second Vice Chair Paul DeLorie; Secretary Jeff Phifer; Treasurer Rod DiBona; and Immediate Past Chair Ted Wills.

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

support to both the Chair and the association as a whole.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Region 1 Director Lyle Hall, president and co-owner of Western Fire Protection in Poway, California, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 44 years, with the last 28 years at Western Fire. Prior to that, he was a helicopter-based wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He has a degree in fire science with continuing education at the University of California San Diego. Hall started in the fire sprinkler industry as an apprentice pipefitter and worked his way into design, project management, sales, and eventually, management. His past accomplishments include past director on the San Diego Fire Protection Association board; past chair of the San Diego Chapter of the AFSA; past chair of the California American Fire Sprinkler Association – Uni lateral Apprenticeship Committee; and past chair of the California Fire Training Alliance. Hall currently serves on the California American Fire Sprinkler Association – Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee and was the Chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Subcommit tee to develop the ITM program. He currently serves on various AFSA commit tees and is on the board of directors for AFSA’s San Diego Chapter.

Region 2 Director is Don Kaufman, president of Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 47 years in the sprinkler business, Kaufman was instrumental in starting AFSA’s New Mexico Chapter and is a past president of the chapter. On the national level, Kaufman served as the 2009-2011 Chair of the Board and has chaired several commit tees. He also served as chair of the New Mexico State Board for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, three terms as chair of the New Mexico State Apprentice Council, and currently serves on the New Mexico Construction Industries Commis sion. He is an active member of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), past president of ABC’s New Mexico Chapter, member of the American Society of Professional Estimators, and past charter president of Albuquerque Rotary Del Sol.

Region 3 Director and Treasurer Rod DiBona is the C.O.O of Rapid Fire Protection Group (R.F.P.G), the sprinkler division of Pye Barker Fire and Safety, with branches throughout the United States. Rod lives in and works out of Rapid City, South Dakota. DiBona entered the fire protection industry in 1990 and entered the AFSA apprenticeship program in 1991. In October of 1993, he was asked by Marty Hammon to join him, his son, and his son-in-law to create Rapid Fire Protection. In 1995 DiBona was a top 7 finalist in the AFSA annual national apprentice competition. In July of 2021 R.F.P.G joined the Pye Barker Fire and Safety family. Rod is a NICET Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout.

Serving as Region 4 Director and First Vice Chair, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. Fire Tech is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). Biernacki provides over 32 years of industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is 2022-2023 chair of the NICET board of governors, a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) board of directors, past president and board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records, and is past AFSA40 Conven tion Committee and Membership & Chapter Development chair. Biernacki is certified in NICET Level III Fire Protec tion Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.

Region 5 Director and Secretary of the Board Jeff Phifer is president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, based in Lugoff, South Carolina, one of the oldest family-owned and continu

ously operated fire sprinkler contractors in the nation. Crawford celebrated its 100th year in 2020. Phifer has been at Crawford for 44 years, working as a fitter, service technician, and in administration. In 1999, he became the third generation to be president and chairman of the board at Crawford Sprinkler Company.

Region 6 Director Michael F. Meehan is chairman of VSC Fire & Security, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. A 1981 graduate from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Meehan began his fire sprinkler career working summers as a pipefitter apprentice. He is a NICET Level IV Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout and has more than 43 years of experience in sprinkler design engineering, estimating, project management, and senior management. Meehan is a past AFSA Chair of the Board and represents installing contractors and AFSA on the NFPA 13 committee.

Region 7 Director and Second Vice Chair of the Board Paul DeLorie is senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, New Hamp shire. Hampshire Fire Protection is one of the largest merit shop fire sprinkler companies in New England. DeLorie is a graduate of the University of New Hamp shire. He has over 37 years of experience in sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management, and senior management.

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

At-Large Director Chris Johnson is president and CEO of Piper Fire Protection, Inc., located in Clearwater, Florida. He has served in that capacity since 2002. Johnson is a NICET-certified fire protection Engineering Technician, holding a level III certification in

AFSA Regional Directors include (from left to right): Lyle Hall, Don Kaufman, and Michael Meehan.

fire sprinkler design. He has served AFSA’s Florida Chapter since 2011 as Education and Legislative Committee chair as well as vice chair and immediate past chair of the chapter. Johnson has served on the Board of ABC for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter since 2015, will be the chair of that chapter for 2023, and he has also served on the ABC Florida State Board. Johnson was elected and sworn into office as Largo City Commissioner in November of 2022. His mission is to utilize his time, treasure, and talents to advocate for the fire sprinkler industry throughout Florida. He holds a Florida Fire Protection Contractor I License and Fire Equipment Dealers’ Licenses Class A and D.

At-Large Director Parks Moore, P.E. is the president of Sales & Engineering Services of S & S Sprinkler Company in Mobile, Alabama. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Tulane University. He is a licensed professional fire protection engineer, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, and holds a NICET IV certification in water-based systems layout. He currently represents AFSA on the NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems Committee and NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Installation and has previously served on the NFPA 13 Committee on Hanging and Bracing. He is a past president of the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association and has been actively involved as one of its board members since 2007. Parks is also a charter member and serves on the board of the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

Jay Strickland serves as an At-Large Director. He is the president of Strickland Fire Protection. After 39 years, he partnered

with Pye Barker and Rapid-Fire Group in 2021. Strickland Fire Protection is in Forestville, Maryland, and was established in 1983. Strickland has been involved in the fire protection industry for nearly 40 years. He is NICET Level II, Fire Protec tion, Water-Based System Layout. He is a past chair of the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter. He also serves on the Board of Anne Arundel Community College Foundation, a 501(c) 3 corporation. The organization’s mission is to secure and steward private funds to enhance the educational endeavors of the college. This includes creating a new pathway to earn a college degree that many skilled craftsmen and women may have never considered as an option. A new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program at AACC will enable students who have completed apprenticeship programs to earn credits for their hard work. This will include pre-ap prenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The degree will be part of the school programming to ensure that students have the resources they need to pursue lifelong careers and that local businesses have a pipeline of employees ready for roles from entry-level through upper management.

At-Large Director Wayne Weisz started his career in the fire sprinkler industry in 1979. He started as an apprentice and quickly worked his way through the ranks as a foreman and then general superintendent with American Fire Systems in Lodi, California. In 1986, Weisz, along with his brother Byron, founded Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., also in Lodi. In 1997, the brothers established D-M Fabrication, which ran as an independent pipe fabrication facility supplying fire sprinkler piping throughout the western United States. That facility was sold later to a national supplier.

Cen-Cal Fire became a member of AFSA in 1987. Weisz became a member of the AFSA National Board of Directors in 2005. He is active in California apprenticeship issues and sat on the State CAFSA board of directors for 20 years. He is also a founding member of and active in the AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter. Weisz is a past Chair of the AFSA Board of Directors and currently sits on several national committees.

At-Large Director and Immediate Past Chair Ted Wills is president of Anchor Fire Protection Company, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. He was an active member of AFSA in its early years, serving on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1987-1993. He began his fire sprinkler industry career in 1972 in the sprinkler division of his father’s mechani cal company. Upon graduation from Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania, he and his father started Anchor Fire Protection as a separate company.

Ex-Officio (non-voting) members of the Board are Don Becker, AFSA Life Member, Dallas Center, Iowa; Joe Hein rich; Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, Kansas; Bob Rees, API, High Point, North Carolina; Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, Maryland; Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Fort Worth, Texas; Larry Thibodeau, Hampshire Fire Protec tion Co., LLC, Londonderry, New Hampshire; Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts; and AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS.

CALL UPON THE BOARD

AFSA’s Board of Directors is strongly committed to the continuance of the merit shop philosophy; the promotion of property and life safety through the use of automatic fire protection; and the continued development of training for fire sprinkler fitters, layout technicians, inspectors, and management.

AFSA members are encouraged to voice any questions or suggestions with any member of the Board or staff. If you have a question or comment, please see the list of contacts located in the front of every issue of Sprinkler Age or on the AFSA website at firesprinkler.org/board. n

AFSA At-Large Directors include (from left to right): Chris Johnson, E. Parks Moore, P.E.; Jay Strickland, and Wayne Weisz.

AFSA LAUNCHES NEW APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

FIRESPRINKLER.ORG/SPRINKLER-APPRENTICE-TRAINING

VICTORIA VALENTINE, P.E., FSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

You may have heard the rumblings of new training for sprinkler fitter apprentices from the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) over the last year. Well, the time has come to unveil the first stage of the apprenticeship training packages. To begin, there will be three different opportunities to select the training that best fits the needs of your office and apprentice(s). They are curriculum, virtual instruction program (VIP), and program support. Each of these can support the apprentices’ education across the four years of their apprenticeship.

CURRICULUM

The first training option is the curriculum. This is the option AFSA has offered for many years, so you may have already participated with this one. When a contractor purchases the course curriculum, their apprentice receives the Sprinkler Fitting book(s) that correspond to the desired level and are provided assessments in the form of online exams. These texts are produced through a partnership between AFSA and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The exciting piece for this opportunity is the textbooks have just been updated. The Sprinkler Fitting books are now in their 4th edition and will be available from AFSA in 2023. This version correlates with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems , 2019 edition. Supporting instruction for the education of apprentices remains with the employer as this option only includes the curriculum.

It also includes updated assessments via an improved platform. For Level 1 and Level 2, there will be one exam per module. For Levels 3 and 4, the number of assessments will be reduced from those corresponding to the third edition of the textbooks; for subjects that warrant it, there may be more than one exam per module. In addition, the testing will be virtually proctored, which adds strength to the quality of the education program.

The updates to this tried-and-true method are right around the corner. Levels 1, 2, and 3 will be available in

Beginning in January 2023, AFSA has multiple apprenticeship educational offerings. Find the one that best suit your needs, including updated curriculum.

January 2023. Level 4 will be available in the second quarter of 2023. Each level will cost $495 per apprentice for mem bers. Records are maintained by AFSA showing completion of levels.

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM (VIP)

New for AFSA is this training option offering a virtual instruction program (VIP) for the apprentice curriculum. The Sprinkler Fitting curriculum discussed above is the same updated subject matter, but it will be taught by AFSA.

Each level provides 10 months of education to accompany the On-The-Job Learning (OJL) conducted by the employer. The education includes the newly updated Sprinkler Fitting textbooks, two live sessions each month, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, and assessments.

The live lessons are instructed by AFSA staff and subject matter experts (SMEs). The sessions will run for two hours and include time for discussion. In order to accommodate multiple time zones, lessons will be delivered twice on each scheduled day. For the first class being launched this winter, times will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern

Time on Wednesdays. A calendar will be provided with registra tion that contains specific dates. Participants are required to attend the live sessions.

Performance tasks are the execution of items that corre spond to the lesson. This reinforcement increases the learning and retention of participants. The tasks are performed by the apprentice and verified by the supervisor (employer), who is des ignated during registration for VIP. These tasks must be finished in order to complete the level.

During the self-study portion, the apprentice is expected to read the accompanying sections that support the lesson and review any add-on resources, such as videos or articles, that have been provided. The text provides questions with each module to help guide the apprentice and ensure key concepts are absorbed, too.

Level 1 registration is now open for the inaugural VIP, which begins with a launch on February 1, 2023. The tuition for each apprentice is $2,000/level. There is also an enrollment fee to administratively prepare the virtual spot and onboard each apprentice. The enrollment fee for members will be $425 per apprentice if enrolled by December 16, 2022, $475 per apprentice if enrolled by January 20, 2023, and $550 per apprentice from January 21, 2023, to the start of the class.

Additional levels and sessions are being planned. Check the website for updates as these develop over the next months.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

This option will only be available to those with appren tices enrolled in AFSA’s VIP. At this level, AFSA will aid in supporting your Department of Labor (DOL) program(s) using the AFSA National Guideline Standards (NGS).

The NGS is pending official DOL approval at the time this article was written. This will allow contractors seeking their own DOL apprenticeship program to have a DOL-recognized base to use. A few inputs, such as contact information and wages, and the submittal should be fast-tracked. If you have wanted your own program, but didn’t know where to start, this will be a perfect opportunity.

Administrative support is also the key to this option. AFSA will administer a portal to log On-the-Job Learning (OJL) hours for the apprentices and maintain records. This can relieve your staff to focus more on the projects at hand. Other administrative features are being explored. Packages will launch later in 2023 for this option.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In most jurisdictions, apprenticeships take 8,000 hours of work, approximately 600 hours of education, and four years to complete. However, there are some areas that require an additional year with an additional 2,000 hours of work and accompanying education. Have no fear if this is your situation, AFSA has additional training materials that can be used to support the education portion in that year. Planning for this phase has not yet begun, but updating existing materials and supporting this demand is on the horizon.

Table 1. What’s included in AFSA’s Apprentieship Training Program.

RECAP

Table 1 summarizes the offerings of AFSA’s apprenticeship training package. There is an option to fit everyone’s needs. This training is open to all apprentices. If you have new staff that you would like to train, but do not use a DOL program, this education program is still for you. Additional details for all of the options can be found on the AFSA website.

Education is the heart of the AFSA mission. Educating your team increases performance in your business and often improves employee motivation. For more details about the AFSA’s new apprentice training packages and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/ sprinkler-apprentice-training. n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE is the director of engineering & technical services. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineer ing, both from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). Throughout her profes sional career, Valentine has written many publications and presented on fire protection systems for many audiences. She is actively involved with many organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the International Code Council (ICC), the NFSA, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among others. Over the years, she partici pated at the chapter, national, and international levels within the fire protection indus try. Valentine has also served in leadership roles, such as a director on the SFPE Board of Directors from 2015 to 2016, president of the SFPE New York Metropolitan Chapter (2014-2015), and continues as a trustee for the SFPE New Jersey New York Metropoli tan Education Foundation (2016 to present). Valentine is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).

SMA LLER JUST GOT LINE ESFR

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW 2022

CODES, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

This issue of Sprinkler Age features our 35th annual legislative review. This summary of legislation and codes offers a quick overview of regulations affecting the fire sprinkler industry in individual states and Canadian provinces. The information in these charts was gathered from a survey sent to the fire marshals of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the provinces of Canada in the fall of 2022. If a response was not received, information that appeared in the 2021 Legislative Review (November/ December 2021 Sprinkler Age) has been reprinted, and the fact that the informa tion is a repeat is denoted by an asterisk (*) after the state or province name in the left column of the chart.

SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

The 2022 AFSA Legislative Survey asked the following questions:

1. What, if any, national codes have been adopted by your state?

2a. In adopting the national codes, were any amendments or modifications made to the code or referenced standard (i.e., NFPA 13, 101, etc. or state supple mental rules) that affect fire sprinklers?

2b. If yes, what were the significant modifications (or provide a Web address to reference)?

3a. Which edition of NFPA 13 have you adopted, either directly or indirectly by code reference?

3b. If you haven’t adopted the latest edition of NFPA 13, do you allow local jurisdictions to use the latest edition?

4. Do the codes adopted by your state have a minimum base or a minimum/ maximum for enforcement purposes?

5. Is the scope of state code enforce ment limited to the type of occupancy and/or other requirements (i.e., public

assembly over 100, business over 50 ft, etc.) or is it all encompassing?

6. If buildings are not included in the state jurisdiction, is there a recognized code adoption recommended for local authori ties or is it on individual preference?

7. Are you in a code revision/ adoption cycle now? If yes, what codes and years do you anticipate adopting?

8. Has your state adopted NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems ?

9. Does your state have any pending legislation regarding fire sprinklers, more restrictive or less restrictive, for: Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, Health Care, High-Rise, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercan tile, Institutional, Other.

10. Are you adopting the 2015 Interna tional Residential Code (IRC)? If yes, will it be adopted with the residential sprinkler requirement intact or modified/removed? If modified, please specify modifications.

11. Does your state have fire sprinkler retrofitting requirements for the following occupancies? Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, HighRise, Health Care, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercantile, Institutional, College Dormitories, Other.

12. Are there any towns/cities that you are aware of that have retrofitting require ments in excess of the state requirement? List a contact person and phone number for retrofitting information.

13. Does your state require a P.E. to do sprinkler design concepts (i.e., identify occupancies and water supply)?

14. Does the Office of the State Fire Marshal have authority over all projects in the state or only over state-owned or state-financed projects?

15. Are there any local jurisdictions that you know of in your state that have residential ordinances for the following occupancies? Single-family, multi-family, high-rise condo/apartment? Please list.

16. Does your jurisdiction offer any incentives or initiatives to encourage property owners to install residential and/or commercial fire sprinklers in your area/state?

17. Please provide a telephone number that a person can call if he/she has questions about jurisdiction in your state (i.e. state vs. local authorities) regarding fire sprinkler plan review/inspection.

18. Does your state require certifica tion of Plan Reviewers? Inspectors (AHJs)?

19. Does your state require licensing for: Fire Sprinkler Contrac tors? Fire Sprinkler Fitters? Fire Sprinkler Technicians? Fire Sprinkler Inspections? Fire Alarm Inspections (separate from sprinkler)?

20. Does your state require licensing for sprinkler drawings: P.E./Architect Seal? NICET Level III? NICET Level IV? Other (i.e., NFPA’s CWBSD, etc.)

21. Does your state require any of the following for those who perform inspec tion, testing and maintenance of waterbased fire protection systems? NICET Level I? NICET Level II? NICET Level III? Other (e.g., CSA, Local)?

22. Does your state require seismic protection on fire sprinkler systems?

22. Do you require a signed copy of the owner’s certification (see NFPA 13, section 4.2) as part of the working plan submittal?

The tables on pages 34 through 37 provide the answers to most of the survey questions. The table on page 38 provides licensing and certification information (questions 18-20). The tables on page 39 provide the telephone numbers requested in questions 12 and 17 and the answers to questions 21 and 22.

SURVEY FINDINGS

Regarding pending sprinkler legisla tion (question 9) for the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, California has pending legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) but did not indicate if it is more or less restrictive. Florida has “none at this time but usually high-rise retrofit appears yearly.” Indiana indicated pending legislation for fire sprinklers “to transfer to the fire code from building code.” For dwellings and lodging housing, Massachusetts* has more restrictive and less restrictive legislation for “multiple legislative items.” New Hamp shire* follows NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, regarding fire sprinkler legislation. Oregon* is considering legislation for high-rises. West Virginia* has more restrictive legislation pending for hotels and apartments, dwelling and lodging housing, healthcare, nursing homes, education, public assembly business occupancies, mercantile, and institutional. The state also has less restrictive legislation pending for high-rises.

Question 10 concerns the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC). Most

states indicated they were not adopting that edition for this year’s survey. States that responded “yes” include California, Florida (no sprinkler requirement, removed by statute), Hawaii* (the state’s revised statute 46-198 “ ... no county shall require installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers in new or existing one- or two-family dwelling unit ...”), Idaho (eventually will adopt and require ment will be removed), Illinois (will vary by local jurisdictions and the statewide trend is to remove the sprinkler require ment), and Maryland (adopted through the Maryland Building Performance Standard with the residential sprinkler requirement intact). Iowa* is adopting the 2021 IRC without the sprinkler require ment. Georgia* House Bill 1196 (2010 legislative session) prohibits any residential sprinkler requirement, past or future. Massachusetts* has adopted the 2021 IRC “traditionally modified to remove sprinkler requirements for under 14,000 ft2 oneand two-family dwellings.” New York* adopted the code with the “removal of NFPA 13D one- and two-family require ment.” New Jersey DFS: “Yes” and DCS:

“Yes, R313 is deleted.” North Dakota adopted but “state law removes sprinkler requirement.” Tennessee* adopted the IRC, noting that “TCA 68-120-101(a)(8) does not allow mandatory adoption so Section R313 is removed.”

Colorado* has adopted the code for dwellings associated with public schools. Connecticut* indicated it has adopted the code. The 2015 Michigan* Residential Code was to become effective in February 2016 and was to adopt by reference the 2015 edition of the IRC with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed necessary for use in the state. Washington* state adopted the 2015 IRC but did not adopt chapters 11-25 and notes residential sprinklers, if added, need to meet IRC P2904 or NFPA 13D. Arkansas*, Mississippi*, New Hampshire*, New Jersey, and Rhode Island* are adopting the IRC with the residential sprinkler requirement removed. In Ohio, there are construction trade-offs for the adopted IRC. South Dakota* is not adopting the 2012 IRC and indicated the state fire marshal has no authority in most residential occupancies (i.e., one- and two-family dwellings—only six stories or higher). South Carolina* has adopted it with

Alberta,

British

Manitoba,

New

Newfoundland,

Nova

Ontario,

Prince Edward Island, Canada*

Quebec, Canada* 2015 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2010 NBC) NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20 2007 Yes, w/ AHJ approval Minimum

Saskatchewan, Canada* 2010 NBCC with 2013 Saskatchewan amended NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20 2007 Yes, w/ AHJ approval Minimum

*Abbreviations: NBC-National Building Code of Canada; BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; (cont. on next page)

modifications and directed readers to see 2012 International Code Council (ICC) modifica tions at llr.state.sc.us.pol/bcc.

For states that indicated “no changes” from last year’s survey and for those that did not respond this year, responses are for the 2015 edition of the IRC.

While these legislative charts indicate the most recent responses received from the individual states, some states did not provide updated information to this year’s survey in regards to the 2018 edition of the IRC.

When asked about sprinkler retrofit requirements for occupancies (question 11), numerous states indicated they have requirements. Washington, D.C.* answered “yes” for all occupancies and noted that “all work to be performed in/ on existing buildings will be based on the requirements from the ICC International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 2012, as is currently adopted. The 2015 IEBC is the new anticipated code to be adopted. The 2015 IBC chapter on Installation Standards will list the applicable editions that will be adopted.”

Regarding nursing homes, Connecti cut*, Maryland, Michigan*, Minnesota,

Canada Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems:

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems: Yes/No

Alberta*

N Only in active seismic areas

British Columbia* N N N N Yes

Manitoba*

N N N Y1 Only in active seismic areas

New Brunswick* N Only in active seismic areas

Newfoundland* - - N - Only in active seismic areas

Nova Scotia* - - - Y2 Yes, if required by code

Ontario* N Only in active seismic areas

Prince Edward Island* N Only in active seismic areas

Quebec* - - N - Only in active seismic areas

Saskatchewan* - - N - Only in active seismic areas

1Manitoba requires apprenticeship certification for sprinklers. 2 Nova Scotia requires a Red Seal sprinkler fitter.

New Jersey, and Tennessee* have retrofit requirements. Georgia* has requirements for existing personal care homes upgrad ing to assisted living homes. Retrofit requirements for healthcare can be found in Maryland, Minnesota, and New Jersey. Connecticut* has requirements for elderly occupancies.

Florida has retrofit requirements for high-rise condos. Georgia*, New Jersey, and North Dakota have retrofit require ments for public assemblies (PAs). Vermont and West Virginia* have retrofit requirements for institutions. For hotels and apartments, Florida has retrofit requirements, and Connecti

Adopted NFPA 25 Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

Alabama*

Arizona*

Yes, view at dfbls.az.gov under Fire Marshal Arizona State Fire Code. Amendments & code adopted through AZ rule writing process IFC, 2003 NFPA 13, 1999

California

Colorado

Connecticut*

Delaware NFPA 1 & 101 amended NFPA 13 & 14, 2019, amended Yes, www.statefiremarshal.delaware.gov 2019 Yes

District of Columbia* IBC & IFC

Yes, currently enforcing the ICC 2012 Codes in conjunction w/modif. as adopted in the 2013 Title 12 DCMR (District of Columbia Munici pal Regulations). For adopted codes see: https://dcra.dc.gov/page/ dc-construction-codes

Florida 2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101 - all amended Yes. 2.3.5 FFPC (101). Remove single-family req., High-rise condo retrofit 13.3.2.26.2.3/4/5 FFPC (1)

2010 ed. as listed in Ch 35, 2012 IBC

No Minimum

2016 Yes, FFPC(1) 1.4.1.1 Min/Max

Georgia* 2012 IBC, IFC & NFPA 101 - all amended Yes, all modifications to NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24 & 101 are contained in GA Chapter 120-3-3 (revised 1/1/2015) 2013 Minimum

Hawaii*^ 2018 IBC amended, 2018 IRC amended, 2018 NFPA 1 amended

Idaho 2018 IBC, IFC, NFPA 101 - all amended

Illinois

IBC, IFC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 5000 - local option; 2015 NFPA 101

No 2016 Minimum

Yes, one- and two-family dwellings not required

Local jurisdictions may amend codes. If no local code is adopted, the IL Capital Development Board Act provides that most recent ed. of the IBC be used for any public or commercial structures. CDB local code page: https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/codes/ Pages/default.aspx Directory of Illinois Codes: https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/ codes/Documents/Code%20Directory.pdf

2019 Depends Minimum

Indiana

Minnesota

New Jersey§

New Mexico*

New York*

North Carolina*

North Dakota

2015 IFC - amended DCS: 2021 IBC amended, 2021 IFC, NFPA 101 Ch 35/IBC (https://codes. iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2/ chapter-35-referenced-standards)

DFS: Yes. Maintenance Code only. All installation on requirements have been removed.

DCS: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2/chapter-35referenced-standards

DFS: 2013 DCS: See Ch 35/IBC

DFS: No DCS: No DFS: Min/ Max DCS: Minimum

Oklahoma*

cut* retrofits only hotels. New Jersey retro fits hotels and apartments, high-rises, institutions, public assemblies, college dorms, and windowless stories. Wyoming* has requirements for college dorms.

Florida also has requirements to retro fit dwelling and lodging housing. Iowa retrofits per Chapter 11 of the Internation al Fire Code (IFC), and South Carolina* per Section 1103.5 of the 2015 ICC.

Maryland has retrofit requirements pending for high-rises.

When asked about towns or cities having retrofit requirements in excess of state requirements (question 12a), several states indicated “yes;” however, most did not provide a list of cities, towns, and/or villages. Florida did provide a website for details: “visit myfloridacfo.com/division/ SFM/BFP and scroll down to ‘Local Amendments.” Hawaii* listed Honolulu and Maui counties, and New Mexico* listed Las Cruces. Minnesota indicated “yes” and listed “2018 IFC Appendix M.” Question 16 asked if any jurisdictions were offering incentives or initiatives to encourage property owners to install residential and/or commercial fire sprinklers in their area. Most of this year’s respondents reported “no” or did not answer the question. Florida and Vermont did answer “yes.” Massachusetts* indicated it does allow some allowances for night clubs to retrofit.

CONCLUSION

The AFSA staff has made every effort to provide the most accurate and current information. Because of the time lapse between gathering the information and publication of these charts, changes may have occurred. Also, code adoption cycles/processes vary from state to state, but most statewide codes are updated once every three years. So states that are not listed as considering adoptions within the next year may, in fact, be initiating the process of reviewing all available codes.

Contact the respective AHJ for more detailed information for particu lar states. We thank the many individu al state fire marshals, deputy state fire marshals, deputy chiefs, fire protection

Alabama* - - - - Y Y Y Y Y -

Alaska Y Y Y Y Y Y Y - Y -

Arizona* Y Y Y Y Y Y

Arkansas* N N Y Y Y Y Y Y

California Colorado Y Y Y Y Y Y Connecticut* Y Y Y Y Y Delaware N N Y N Y Y Y OTHER OTHER OTHER D.C.* Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Florida+ Y Y Y N N Y Y N N+ Georgia* N Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y Hawaii* N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N

Idaho N N Y N N N N N Y N Illinois - - Y N N 1/1/24 N Y YIndiana N N N N Y - - Y Y Y Iowa N N Y Y Y Y Y P.E. Y Y Kansas◊ Y Y N N N N N Y Y Y Kentucky* Y Y Y N Y - - Y Y Y Louisiana* N N Y Y N - - Y Y N Maine*± Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Maryland N N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Massachusetts N N Y Y N N N NO REQ NO REQ NO REQ Michigan* N Y Y N Y N N N Minnesota N N Y Y N Y N N N Mississippi* N N Y N Y N N Y Y N Missouri N Y N N N N N N N N Montana Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Nebraska* Y Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Nevada Y Y Y Y Y Y NICET II NICET II New Hampshire* N N N N Y Y Y New Jersey Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N New Mexico* Y Y Y Y Y - Y Y Y Y New York* N Y N N N N Y Y N N North Carolina* Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N North Dakota N N N N N N N N N N Ohio* Y Y Y Y Y - - N N Oklahoma* N N Y Y Y Y Oregon* N N N N N N N N N N Pennsylvania* Y Y N N N N N N Rhode Island* Y Y Y Y Y Y South Carolina*≠ Y Y Y N Y Y Y South Dakota* N N N N N N N N N Y Tennessee N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Texas* Y Y Y N Y Y Y Utah Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Vermont§ N N Y Y Y

found in Title 40, Ch 10 of the SC Code of Laws.

engineers, code specialists, and others who participated in this year’s survey. Some respondents did not provide a specific telephone number for ques tions regarding jurisdiction over fire sprinkler plan review/inspections. In those cases, we have listed the tele

Local Jurisdictions and Retrofit Information

Alabama* 334-241-4166

Alaska 907-269-5491

Arizona* 602-364-1003

Arkansas* 501-618-8601 (501-618-8601)

California 626-712-4260

Colorado 303-239-4100

Connecticut* 860-713-5750

Delaware 302-739-4394

D.C.* 202-442-4551

Florida 850-413-3610 (850-413-3610)

Georgia* 404-617-8515 (404-617-8515)

Hawaii* glum@honolulu.gov

Idaho 208-334-4370

Illinois 217-558-0328

Indiana 317-232-1421 (317-233-1421)

Iowa fminfo@dps.state.ia.us

Kansas 713-296-3401

Kentucky* 502-573-0365 x201

Louisiana* 1-800-256-5452 (1-800-256-5452)

Maine* gerald.r.leachman@maine.gov

Maryland kenneth.bush@maryland.gov

Massachusetts 978-567-3372 (978-567-3372)

Michigan* 517-241-9371 (517-241-9371)

Minnesota fire.code@state.mn.us

Mississippi* 601-359-1061

Missouri 573-522-1624

Montana elizabeth.torske@mt.gov

Nebraska* 402-471-2027

Nevada 775-684-7532

New Hampshire* (603-271-3294)

New Jersey bfcecodeadmin@dca.nj.gov or codeassist@dca.nj.gov

New Mexico* kylle.marshall@state.nm.us

New York* 518-474-6746

North Carolina* 919-647-0011

North Dakota 701-328-5555

Ohio* 614-728-5460 (614-728-5460)

Oklahoma* 405-522-5006

Oregon* 503-934-8269 (503-934-8269)

Pennsylvania* 717-346-2729

Rhode Island* 401-393-7717

South Carolina* 803-896-9800

South Dakota 605-773-3876

Tennessee 615-741-6246

Texas* 512-305-7909

Utah 801-256-2390

Vermont 802-885-8942

Virginia* 804-879-2302

Washington* 360-596-3913

West Virginia* 304-558-2191

Wisconsin* 608-266-0251

Wyoming 307-856-8214

Numbers in ( ) are for retrofit questions. Phone numbers not available for Canada.

phone number or email for the state fire marshal’s office, with the hope that a state representative can direct con tractors to the appropriate authority. n

Alabama* Y Alaska Y Y Arizona* - Y - - Y Arkansas* Y Y California

No Req No Req No Req No Req Colorado - - - Y• Yes, where req. by code Connecticut* N N N Delaware Y N

D.C.* Y Florida Y N Georgia* N via waiver Y N N Hawaii* Y Y Y Y N Idaho No Req No Req No Req No Req Y Illinois - Y - Y N Indiana Yes, DOL appr program Iowa Y Y Y Y Y Kansas Y Y Y Y Y Kentucky* N N Y Louisiana* - Y N - N Maine* Y Y Y N Maryland Y Y Y Y N Massachusetts No Req No Req No Req No Req Per NFPA 13/IBC Michigan*+ N N Y Minnesota No Req No Req No Req No Req N Mississippi* N N N N N Missouri No Req No Req No Req No Req N Montana - - - Y Y Nebraska* Y Y N Nevada Y Y New Hampshire* N Per NFPA 1 & NFPA 101 Y New Jersey DFS Y Y N

New Jersey DCS

New Mexico*

New York*

Carolina*

Dakota

Ohio*

Oklahoma*

Pennsylvania*

Rhode Island*

South Carolina*•

South Dakota*

Tennessee

Texas*

Utah

Vermont

Virginia*#

Washington*

West Virginia*

Wisconsin*

Wyoming

A “-” indicates no response was given.

• In Colorado, NFPA and ICC certifications required.

+In Michigan, in regulated facilities they have to be Act 144 Certified. In South Carolina, the adopted building code determines when seismic protection is required.

FIRE PUMP TEST HEADERS

ARE YOU SIZING THEM CORRECTLY?

KEVIN HALL, M.ENG., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

When sizing components for a fire pump assembly in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection , 2022 edition, most designers typically navigate to Table 4.28(a) and determine the appropriate size of each component based on the fire pump flow rating. While this may be sufficient in most cases, it is extremely important to apply all the applicable requirements of the standard and not just take specific requirements out of context.

Table 4.28(a) prescribes the minimum size for the pipe between the connection to the discharge piping and the hose connections on the test header, but that pipe might have to be upsized based on the piping configuration:

4.22.3.4 Pipe Size. The pipe size shall be in accordance with one of the following methods:

(1) Where the pipe between the hose valve header and the connection to the pump discharge pipe is over 15 ft (4.5 m) in length, the next larger pipe size than that required by Section 4.28 shall be used.

(2) Where the pipe between the hose valve header and the

connection to the pump discharge pipe contains more than four fittings that create a change in direction, the next larger pipe size than that required by Section 4.28 shall be used.

If the test header piping is longer than 15 ft or if the test header piping has more than four fittings that change direction, the test header piping is required to be increased by one pipe size. NFPA 20 does not specifically address the minimum change in direction so any 90-degree elbow, tee, 45-degree elbow, 221/2-degree elbow, etc. would require the test header piping to be increased where more than four are present.

There is a third option, and that involves hydraulically calculating the test header piping based on the maximum flow rate and the required pitot pressure and discharge pressure.

4.22.3.4(3)* This pipe shall be permitted to be sized by hydraulic calculations that match the actual test configuration and that include the required pitot pressure and friction loss for the total length of pipe and fire hose plus equivalent lengths of fittings, control valve, and hose valves, plus elevation loss, from the pump discharge flange to the discharge outlets.

As everyone in the construction industry knows, changes often happen in the field. Should you need to install additional fittings to

Figure 1. Fire hose friciton loss.

accommodate a structural member or some other immovable object that was put in your test header’s path, your best option would actually be to prove the test header hydraulically rather than discard the fabricated pipe on site and order a larger size.

The process for hydraulically calculating the test header arrange ment is not specifically detailed in NFPA 20, but there is a worksheet provided in the annex as Figure A.4.22.3.4(3). Filling out this work sheet involves documenting most of the known information about the fire pump assembly and a few calculations. The following will provide the step-by-step procedure for filling out the fire pump test header calculation worksheet.

Step 1 – Document the relevant fire pump assembly information including the rated flow, number of hose streams, size of hoses used for testing (if needed), length of hoses used for testing (if needed), discharge nozzle size, discharge nozzle coefficient, test header pipe size (nominal and actual), and the C Value of the test header piping.

Step 2 – Determine the length of pipe and equivalent length of fittings for the test header assembly. Make sure you include all fittings, valves, and devices from the test header connection to the discharge piping up to the hose valves. It is important to make sure that any adjustments are made to the equivalent lengths based on the C Value of the piping materials and the internal diameters if other than standard weight steel pipe.

Step 3 – Determine the friction loss in the test header piping by calculating the friction loss per foot using the Hazen-Williams formula with a flow equal to the 150-percent capacity of the fire pump and the internal diameter and C Value as noted in Step 1. The result of the Hazen-Williams formula will then be multiplied by the length of pipe and the equivalent length of fittings as determined in Step 2 to get the friction loss in psi for the test header piping.

Step 4 – Determine the average flow per hose connection by taking the 150-percent capacity of the fire pump and divide by the number of hose valves used in the test connection. Utilize this flow, and the size, C Value, and equivalent length of the hose valve to calculate the friction loss in the hose valves.

Step 5 (When test hoses are used) – Determine the average flow per hose connection by taking the 150-percent capacity of the fire pump and divide by the number of hose valves used in the test connection. This flow of water will then be used to look up a determined friction loss per 100 ft of hose that is available through the manufacturer’s data sheet. Note that if the hose used is not 100 ft, the proper proportion of the friction loss per 100 ft of hose needs to be used. (See Figure 1.)

Step 6 – Determine the required pitot pressure at the nozzle outlet to achieve the average flow required by Step 4 and Step 5. If the nozzle is a listed product, then this value should be able to be determined based on a table lookup, but if a playpipe or generic nozzle is used then the pitot pressure must be calculated using the following equation:

Where: Q is the flow from Step 4 c is the nozzle coefficient from Step 1 d is the internal diameter of the nozzle from Step 1

Step 7 – The final step is to verify that the available discharge pressure at 150-percent capacity is greater than the pressure losses

calculated in the previous six steps.

Pdischarge ≥ Ptest header pipe + Phose valve + Pfire hose + Ppitot

If the equation in this step is true, then the test header arrange ment is acceptable.

As required by NFPA 20, it is essential to prove the size of the test header by performing a flow test. The flow test is required to flow the lessor of the 150-percent-rated flow or the maximum flow available at the lowest permissible suction pressure to achieve at least the needed pitot pressure.

CONCLUSION

Don’t let a change in the field become a costly upgrade. Often a quick calculation by the layout technician can save your company unnecessary material and field labor costs. In updating course materials, AFSA did note some errors in the test header calculation worksheet example provided in the annex and has submitted a public input for the 2025 edition of NFPA 20 to correct the form. That public input was made into a preliminary first revision at the first draft meeting this past October. n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the senior manager of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He is a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 13/13R/13D, NFPA 20, NFPA 30, and NFPA 915. He also represents AFSA on numerous UL standard technical panels and is responsible for revising and maintaining the product standards used in the sprinkler industry. Hall is a registered profes sional engineer in Delaware, and Maryland, and a professional mem ber of SFPE. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engi neering degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, in fire protection engineering.

COOKING FOR A CAUSE

BBQ GIVES BACK SUPPORTS VIRGINIA BURN SURVIVORS FOUNDATION

BILL JONES | FIRE PRO, INC.

BBQ Gives Back, a Kansas City Barbecue Associa tion contest, was pleased to host a benefit BBQ contest to support the Virginia Burn Foundation March 25-27, 2022. This was the second year the event helped this group’s efforts to support the Evans Hays Burn Foundation of VCU/MCV and the Central Virginia Burn Camp. The contest hosted teams from as far away as Rhode Island and Illinois.

DELICIOUS BBQ

On Friday, teams competed in chicken, turkey and ribs contests with the Turkey Federation donating a turkey breast to each team competing to cook. Teams turned in various samples ranging from tacos to turkey sliders to turkey dip. (The turkey dip was tremendous!)

We added a Kids Q division this year where ten kids under 16 years of age cooked beef sliders and presented them to be judged. This was a great event for the kids to participate in and was sponsored by Two Drummers Smokehouse.

Then came Saturday with a full-on four meats competition of chicken, pork ribs, pork, and brisket. Followed by a repeat of Saturday on Sunday with a second round of all four meats.

In the end after the competition was over, the fires put out, the trailers packed and ready for the next competition down the road somewhere, BBQ Gives Back was able to up their donation of $10,000 from last year to this year’s donation of $12,000. This could not be possible without the support and sponsorships of several individuals and companies including from the fire protection industry: Jack Medovich, George Wagner, Old Dominion Fire, and Ferguson Fire & Fabrication.

Winners included on the Masters side—Rooters N Tooters of Tennessee taking Grand Championship (GC) on Day 1 and Muttley Crew BBQ from North Carolina taking Reserve Grand. Day 2 saw Uncle Pigs BBQ Pit from New Jersey take home the Grand Championship with last year’s double GC winner, Wolf’s Revenge of Virginia, taking Reserve Grand.

In the Backyard division, Day 1 GC was The Fat Is Where Its At from Pennsylvania and Day 2 GC was Love-N-Smoke from Virginia, who also was the winner of the Fire Sprinkler Award for the second year in a row. The Fire Sprinkler Award is given to the highest finisher of both days’ scores that is employed in the fire sprinkler business. A perfect score in BBQ is a 180, so the gauge on the award is set to 180.

In addition to the financial donation to the Burn Survivors Foundation, teams and judges alike make a large donation of

BURN SURVIVORS FOUNDATION

Since its formation, the mission of the Virginia Burn Survivors Foundation has been and will continue to be to improve the lives of all burn survivors, their families, and caregivers. The Foundation provides affordable, educational, and outdoor recreational activities that foster a feeling of love and fellowship. It supports two impor tant charities: The Central Virginia Burn Camp and the Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation.

The Central Virginia Burn Camp is a free of charge, weeklong summer camp dedicated to providing a special, fun, and safe experience for children who have sustained serious burn injuries. This camp offers the chance for these children to enjoy fun summer activities with others who have gone through a similar experience as they have.

The Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation raises funds that support the Evans-Haynes Burn Center of VCU/

leftover cooked meats and dry and canned goods to the local food bank, Team Thanksgiving. This is a huge help to them for the year in feeding those in need in their local community.

AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E. (at left), also chair of the Virgnia Burn Survivors Foundation, receives a donation from Bill Jones, Fire Pro.

MCV to provide the best burn care available for firefighters in the Central Virginia region. It also supports programs that support burn survivors and burn prevention programs. This fundraising helps to meet the Foundation’s mission of provid ing burn prevention education and assisting burn victims through collaboration with area fire departments, healthcare institutions, and other community partners with interests in reducing burn injuries.

The Burn Survivors Foundation will continue to provide a future for all through hope. To learn more and/or donate, visit burnsurvivorsfoundationva.org.

JOIN US NEXT YEAR

BBQ Gives Back really is about giving back in many ways. We are very pleased how this year’s event turned out and we are already talking about 2023. If anyone thinks they have the best BBQ out there, visit kcbs.us. and sign up for a contest near you. Or, come to Urbanna, Virginia, and compete for the Fire Sprinkler Award! n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Jones is president of FirePro, Inc. in Richmond. He has served in many roles for the Virginia Chapter, including vice president, treasurer, chapter projects chair, programs chair, golf committee member, and board member. Jones is very involved in the KCBS BBQ Contest. He also owns 11 fire trucks, 108 fire hydrants, 12 fire hose carts, 18 fire extinguisher cards, and numerous fire sprinkler artifacts.

Glenn Zobel with VSC (far right) and Love-N-Smoke with their Day 2 Grand Championship and Fire Sprinkler Award. Thanks to New England Manufacturing for their help making the “180” gauge.

KCBS Certified BBQ Judge Tracie Hamula presents a team’s pork ribs for judging during the competition.

MEET YOUR 2023 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS

REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES

SYDNEY RICHARDSON | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufac turers/Suppliers (M/S) Council elected its 2023 officers in September 2022 and was pleased to announce them during their annual meeting in October 2022, which was held at AFSA41: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas. Derek Allen of Core & Main in Hayward, Califor nia, will continue to serve as the chair of the Council, and Bill Phair of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication in Passaic, New Jersey, will continue as vice chair.

ELECTION RESULTS

Lainey Liotta of Lubrizol Co., Cleveland, Ohio, was re-elected to a three-year term, expiring in 2025. Andy Kaempfer of Safe Signal in St. Louis, Missouri, was newly elected to a three-year term expiring in 2025.

Liotta expresses her thanks for being re-elected and excitement to serve in her upcoming term, stating, “I’m very grateful and indebted to the people who I’ve worked with and it’s great to have advocacy on the table and give back to those who have given so much to me and helped my professional development.”

She continues, “We have the greatest minds in the industry who are convening together to make the best decisions to move our industry forward. I think what is super cool is that basically you have a bunch of competitors sitting in that room and everyone is able to put the competi tive nature aside and think in the stream of, what is best for our industry as a whole

and not just ‘my business.’ I think it’s unique that a bunch of people who are passionate about fire sprinklers and fire safety are able to set aside their differences and their competitive nature to really help promote the industry and really develop the people who are in it.”

Newly elected council member Andy Kaempfer looks forward to serving on the Council and bringing a different perspec tive, stating, “I feel honored to be elected by such a wonderful and influential group of professionals. It’s exciting to contribute at a level that will continue to positively impact all the members of AFSA and our industry.”

He continues, “AFSA does so much to support the fire sprinkler industry and its membership. The M/S Council has the privilege and the opportunity to work closely with AFSA to help support that mission and purpose. Professionally, I hope to share my excitement and passion for what we do and help foster interest in our industry to a younger generation of professionals. From a product perspective, I have a personal interest in technology and I would like nothing more than to help grow our industry by bringing new technologies to fire sprinkler application and pushing the boundaries of fire suppression.”

A BUSY YEAR AHEAD

When asked of 2023 plans as chair, Allen stated they plan to draft language as it relates to vendor functions during the convention, draft a proposal (subcommittee) for adding seats to the Council based on the market growth over

the past 10-15 years, create a sub-com mittee to work on means to increase voting participation for Council seats, continue efforts to get more manufactur ers and suppliers to attend and partici pate in the quarterly meetings, and to continue discussion around the qualifica tions for permanent seats on the Council.

The Council, established in 1983, is a national council representing member companies that produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. The M/S Council was created to represent the interests of all associate members that make and supply products in the industry and assist AFSA’s Board of Directors in meeting the goals of AFSA.

Members of the 2022-2023 M/S Council include Mark Abernathy, Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, Missouri; Chair Derek Allen, Core & Main, Hayward, California; Matt Baker, Spears Manufacturing, Sylmar, California; Ray Fremont, Jr., General Air Products, Inc., Exton, Pennsylva nia; Tim Freiner, Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, Missouri; Lainey Liotta, Lubrizol, Cleveland, Ohio; Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing Inc., Malvern, Pennsylvania; Michael Mottice, Johnson Controls, Hillard, Ohio; Darren Palmieri, Viking Supply Net, Hastings, Michigan; Vice Chair Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Passaic, New Jersey; Phil Schechinger, ASC Engineered Solutions, Exeter, New Hampshire; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Dallas, Texas; and Ralph Watson,

REPRESENTING ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representa tives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at level A-6 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company, and two appointed seats on the Council are reserved for distributor/fabricators in dues-paying categories A-9 or above with a national scope. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing.

AFSA members are encouraged to contact Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested in becoming more involved with AFSA, consider investing in the future of your industry. Please also consider the time and financial commitment required to attend meetings and work on AFSA programs. The M/S Council will meet on these dates in 2023: January 30 – February 1 in Indian Wells, Califor nia; April 17-19 in San Antonio, Texas; July 17-19 in Deadwood, South Dakota; and during AFSA42 to be held September 6-9 in Orlando, Florida.

All companies represented on the M/S Council, whether the position is appointed or elected, must maintain their status as an AFSA member in good standing. Currently, in order to run for an elected seat on the M/S Council, nominees must attend at least one AFSA Quarterly meeting, M/S Council meeting, and exhibit at the AFSA Exhibition within the prior year Members interested in serving on the Council should contact M/S Council staff liaison AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org. n

Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, Michigan.

SURVEY SHOWS JOB SATISFACTION

MOST CONSTRUCTION CRAFT PROFESSIONALS LIKE THEIR JOBS OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY

TIM TAYLOR, P.E., PH.D. | NCCER

Did you know that con struction workers report higher levels of job satisfaction than all other industries combined—not just today, but through four distinct economic cycles since 1974!? The data

comes from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Eighty-six to 89 percent of people working in the construction trades like their jobs. That’s exciting news to share as we celebrated Careers in Construction Month in October.

One reason for that may be the combination of pay and flexibility that this career path offers. While just over nine percent of craft professionals are trained in more than one skill area, the availability of a multiskilled craft work force has steadily increased since 2005, and the trend is expected to continue into 2030. The top 10 dual-skill pairings among craft professional populations between 2005 and 2019 are (CII RT-370):

1 Rigger and Pipefitter 2 Rigger and Boilermaker

$55,328 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY

Are you a detail-oriented kind of person? Sprinkler fitting may be a good career to consider! Sprinkler fitters design, install and test automatic fire protection sprinkler systems and components such as sprinklers, piping and valves. They have to know all of the local and national sprinkler codes and make sure that all work is according to specifications.

SPRINKLER FITTER Education Options

• Technical schools

• Community colleges

• Registered apprenticeships

• Industry training programs

Students can start in high school where programs are available.

Boilermaker and Pipefitter

Pipefitter and Ironworker

Pipefitter and Instrumentation Electrician

Ironworker and Carpenter

Pipefitter and Crane Operator

Scaffold and Insulation

Ironworker and Crane Operator

Pipefitter and Millwright

This increase in multiskilling has been driven organically by workers, not by employers. Key reasons cited include seeking more consistent employment, higher wages, more challenging work, and interest in learning a new trade or to obtain easier physical work. Researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) are currently working to further understand the factors and impacts of multiskilling.

PREPARING FOR A LESS MOBILE WORKFORCE

As craft worker preferences change, employers need to be prepared to meet

those needs. High job satisfaction is generally acknowledged as having a direct correlation to low turnover, as cited by many sources. This means that the industry may need to rethink the way projects are designed to take advantage of the increasingly multi skilled, less mobile workforce.

Employers would be wise to acknowledge the desire of workers to learn new skills and provide the oppor tunity for doing so.

• Provide opportunities for new industry entrants to explore different trades to identify an area of interest.

• Communicate defined career path options within your organization.

• Give employees credit for related knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to competency in the new skill area.

• Provide resources for adult learners— training that is flexible and self-paced. According to research conducted by the Construction Industry Institute (CII RT-252), the most important workforce development element is a firm’s formal policy for or commitment to providing a formal craft skills training program. Interestingly, the contractors, owners, and other training professionals that participated in the study had the same perception toward the relative importance of workforce development elements.

Related to this, the growing preference by an increasing percentage of craft professionals is to remain in one geographic location versus travel ing for work. At the same time, spousal employment within the industry has grown to above 80 percent. Together, these factors point to reduced mobility among the craft workforce – a trend that is likely to intensify in coming years (CII RT-370).

CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION MONTH

Careers in Construction Month is a nationwide campaign held every October to increase public awareness of construction careers, inspire the next generation of craft professionals, and make an impact on the perceptions of a

career in construction. Discover resources and get involved online at https://byf.org. n

fessor of civil engineering at the University of Kentucky. His field experience comes from working in his family’s excavation company, in the coal industry as pit foreman and mine support engineer, and later as railroad super intendent for Luminant, Martin Lake Mine. His academic career includes many honors and awards and leading numerous construction industry research projects. Learn more about NCCER at NCCER.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tim Taylor, P.E., Ph.D., is the di rector of research for the NCCER and a former chair pro

APPRENTICESHIP UPDATES

SMES UPDATE SPRINKLER FITTING APPRENTICE TRAINING SERIES

When many projects shut down in 2020, one was just kicking off—the latest update to AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting apprentice training series. This four-level training series is the primary reason why AFSA was founded 41 years ago, borne out of the need to provide apprenticeship training for those who were not union members.

For two years, AFSA’s subject matter experts (SMEs) have been meeting virtually and pouring over each module to deliver the highest quality of training for sprinkler fitter apprentices nationwide. They volunteer their time, knowledge, and talent to update this pivotal training series. AFSA recognizes these members for their time and expertise: Chuck Bamford, Wolfe Fire Protection; Mark Fessenden, Johnson Controls, Inc.; Kevin Kelly, Victaulic; Mac McGaffagan, Piper Fire Protection; Steve Rasch, Johnson Controls Fire Protection; Matt Rouleau, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; Taylor Schumacher, Security Fire Sprinkler; Byron Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems; and Marty Workman, Viking Corporation. AFSA is especially grateful to Fessenden and Workman, who have continu ously helped with these efforts since the 1990s.

AFSA would also like to recognize Bobby Dunn of Fire and Life Safety America. As a passionate trainer, he was involved in the early stages of this update effort before succumbing to cancer last November. He brought passion and enthusiasm to the team and brought his experience and knowledge to the modules he helped review and update.

These SMEs updated the series to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition. Level 1 was updated for better understanding of the codes and given an expanded sprinkler industry overview. Level 2 features enhanced practical math and updated shop drawings, and Level 3 has a new sprinkler obstruction calculator. Level 4 will reveal an expanded module on inspection, testing, and maintenance, while paring down the content on special systems intended for a Level 4 apprentice. These SMEs were recognized in person at the general session during AFSA41 held in Vegas. Thank you to everyone who helped make this valuable training update a reality!

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

It is a great time of year to celebrate these volunteers and AFSA’s apprenticeship training series as National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is held each November. NAW is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship.

It is is an opportunity to highlight how Registered Appren ticeship provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our country’s infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care economy issues.

APPRENTICE BOOK SALE

A well-trained staff is the single most important factor in the long-term success of your company! AFSA is proud to offer training courses to help your employees reach their full potential. The fire sprinkler fitter apprentice training series, written from a contractor’s point of view, has been developed through combined efforts of technical experts and AFSA contractor members.

Starting January 1, 2023, AFSA is increasing the price of its apprentice training courses. Lock in your price now and save from the price increase when you purchase any level of sprinkler fitter apprentice training! For more details and to save, visit www. firesprinkler.org/apprenticetraining. n

DUNN

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLERS

ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST EDUCATES PUBLIC

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the five college students nationwide who have won a scholarship through the association’s online scholarship program, afsaschol arship.org/secondchance. These national winners were randomly selected from nearly 13,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $1,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university or trade school. This online scholarship contest awards five $1,000 prizes. The five national winners for 2022 are Kristie Brock, Petersburgh, New York; Javier Cardenas, Garland, Texas; David Jones, Kaysville, Utah; Kassidy Richardson, Boise, Idaho; and Erika Walker, Bakersfield, California.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a current student enrolled at a college, university, or trade school. Applicants are required to read a passage about fire sprinklers—which describes their history, how they operate to save lives and property, and the types of careers that are available in the industry—and take an eight-question reading compre hension test. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS

AFSA also sponsored a scholarship contest for high school seniors. To enter, an applicant must be a current senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school in the fall. Students were required to complete the same online contest as the Second Chance entrants. For each question answered correctly, the student received one entry into a drawing for one of 10 $2,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing were possible. The ten national winners randomly chosen from the nearly 22,000 entries received for 2021-2022 are Tasfique Ahmed, Tamarc, Florida; Jessie Gibbins, Loveland, Ohio; Mackenzie Heuszel, Oologah, Oklahoma; Alexandra Kruzel, Boulder, Colorado; Sonya Ortiz, Katy, Texas; Ronan Piontek, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Lin Rayes, West Bloomfield, Michigan; Abigail Vacca, Somerset, Kentucky; Zachary Vinitski, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; and Jasmine Wong, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Congratulations to these students who have no doubt learned the life- and property-saving benefits of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Hopefully, they will carry this education with them throughout their live and share the message with others.

AFSA is proud of the success of its online scholarship contests. Since the program’s creation in 1996, AFSA’s contests have sought to promote the scholarship outside of the fire sprinkler industry in

the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection.

EXCITING CONTEST CHANGES

AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee has voted to redirect the existing scholarship contest to a new contest geared towards those students interested in a design career in the fire protection industry. The new contest will aim to recruit and train beginning fire sprinkler system designers by awarding scholarships to attend AFSA’s Beginning Design School. The application, eligibility requirements, and other details will be posted on this site in the coming months. The first scholarships will be awarded in 2023. More details will be posted on the revamped contest website, afsascholarship.org, as information becomes available. n

HIGHERSTANDARDS

After an energizing convention and exhibition in Las Vegas, the American Fire Sprinkler Associa tion (AFSA) is ready to tackle the next wave of documents that are starting their next revision cycles. In late October, the committee on fire pumps met to resolve all the public inputs submitted for the 2025 edition of NFPA 20, and the following documents are open for public input: NFPA 22 (closing 1/7/2026), NFPA 25 (closing 6/1/2023), NFPA 200 (closing 6/1/2023), NFPA 241 (closing 6/4/2024). On the horizon, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D, NFPA 24/291, and NFPA 241 will be open for public comment in early 2023.

During the first draft meeting for NFPA 20, the com mittee met for two days and was productive in making numerous first revisions to the standard. Of the 35 public inputs submitted by AFSA staff, 27 resulted in first revisions. Perhaps the largest first revision that is proposed is the one that affects the horsepower rating on the fire pump assembly. Historically, drivers, electric or diesel, were sized based on the horsepower required at maximum load under any flowing condition. The issue with this legacy requirement is that it punishes a manufacturer for creating an efficient flat fire pump curve and drives the design of the fire pump curves to sharply cut off boost pressure after the 150-percent flow condition. The proposed language that was accepted at the first draft meeting will now only require that the drivers be sized based on the 175-percent flow condition. Other changes dealt with clarifying the language and terminology used in the standard to ensure that it is consistent, and two of AFSA’s proposals were accepted, which restructured the circulation relief valve section as well as the worksheet for fire pump test header calculations in the annex.

Of the documents that are currently open for public input, NFPA 200 should take priority if you find yourself curious about the document and want to make your mark on the standard revision process. NFPA 200 is the Standard for Hanging and Bracing of Fire Suppression Systems . While most of the water-based standards pointed to NFPA 13 for hanging and bracing requirements, it was ultimately determined that the requirements for sprinkler systems may not be appropriate for all types of fire protection systems. The proposed draft of NFPA 200 includes chapters on hanging and bracing for sprinkler systems, water-spray fixed systems, gaseous systems, water mist systems, hybrid systems, fire pumps, water tanks, private fire service mains, and foam systems. The intent is for the NFPA 200 technical committee to own and develop the requirements for hanging, bracing, and anchorage of these fire protection systems, and the corresponding installation standards will extract the hanging and bracing language from NFPA 200. It is going to be very important to note that in the

future, if there is something that you do not like about hanging and bracing, it must be submitted to the NFPA 200 committee and not the standard that the requirements are extracted into. In general, technical committees are not permitted to modify extracted text.

As for the standards that are on track for public comments and second draft meetings in 2023, AFSA members should know that your Engineering & Technical Services Department is intimately involved in all of these committees and is your mouthpiece for common-sense changes that make the stan dards easier to use. The first draft reports should be available early in 2023, and it would behoove you to review the first draft reports and see what is in the works for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D, NFPA 24, and NFPA 291. Before you dismiss this request thinking that the 2025 edition doesn’t affect you because your local jurisdiction is still on the 2016 edition – think again! The latest edition of every standard represents the latest technical information available at the time, and while some technologies move faster than the NFPA revision cycles (storage protection), taking a step in the right direction – whether that is the 2019, 2022, or 2025 edition (when it is published) – is better than taking no step at all. Contractors who are up-to-date with the NFPA standard development process are at a significant competitive advantage over those who remain ignorant of the changing requirements in newer editions.

It is AFSA’s hope that you will utilize your member benefits. Learn about new technologies and solutions for recurring issues in the industry. Attend one of our training classes or webinars on NFPA updates. And – most impor tantly – if you don’t agree with a requirement in the stan dard, you can’t complain about it until you submit a proposal to change it. The standard development process is open to the public – participate in it! n

KEVIN HALL, M.ENG, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE AFSA SENIOR MANAGER OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES

CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE?

Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges. Besides testing yourself and your co-workers, these exercises are excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. To participate, read through and work the problems.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ANSWERS

The following questions and answers are based on NFPA 13, 2022 edition; NFPA 14, 2019 edition; NFPA 20, 2022 edition; and NFPA 25, 2020 edition.

1. Which of the following sprinkler types is permitted to be spaced less than 6 ft on center when protecting fur storage vaults? 15.4.3 Old-style sprinklers protecting fur storage vaults shall be permitted to be placed less than 6 ft (1.8 m) on center.

A. Standard spray sidewall

B. Extended coverage sidewall

C. Old-style

D. Dry

2. What is the minimum distance required for vertical clearance from a sprinkler deflector to a high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fan? 20.8.1 The installation of HVLS fans in buildings equipped with sprinklers, including ESFR sprinklers, shall comply with the following:

(1) The maximum fan diameter shall be 24 ft (7.3 m).

(2) The HVLS fan shall be centered approximately between four adjacent sprinklers.

(3) The vertical clearance from the HVLS fan to sprinkler deflector shall be a minimum of 36 in. (900 mm).

(4) All HVLS fans shall be interlocked to shut down immediately upon a waterflow alarm.

A. 18 in.

B. 1 ft

C. 3 times the width

D. 36 inches

3. What is the maximum system volume permitted for an automatic dry standpipe utilizing a dry pipe valve? 5 2.1.2.1* Not more than 750 gal (2839 L) system capacity shall be controlled by one dry pipe valve.

A. 750 gallons

B. 500 gallons

C. 250 gallons

D. 1,000 gallons

4. What is the minimum required distance of clearance for diesel driver exhaust pipes to combustible materials? 11.5.2.6 Exhaust pipes shall be installed with clearances of at least 9 in. (229 mm) to combustible materials.

A. 2 in.

B. 9 in.

C. 18 in.

D. 36 in.

5. Who is responsible for authorizing all preplanned impairments? 15.5.1 All preplanned impairments shall be autho rized by the impairment coordinator.

A. Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Technician

B. Fire Marshal

C. Insurance Representative D. Impairment Coordinator

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER QUESTIONS

The following questions are based on NFPA 13, 2022 edition.

1. NFPA 13 does not limit the velocity in the sprinkler system when which of the following calculation methods are used?

A. The calculations are performed using the Velocity Pressure formula

B. The calculations are performed using the Normal Pressure formula

C. The calculations are performed using the Hazen-Williams or Darcy Weisbach formulas

D. The system is balanced

2. What is the maximum volume of an antifreeze system that is permitted before the Darcy-Weisbach formula is required to be used for hydraulic calculations?

A. 40 gallons B. 50 gallons C. 100 gallons D. 150 gallons

3. What is the maximum pressure difference permitted at hydraulic junction points when balancing?

A. 0.1 psi B. 0.5 psi C. 1.0 psi D. 5.0 psi

4. When must additional friction losses for saddle fittings be included into hydraulic calculations?

A. If the saddle supplies a cross main B. If the friction loss through the saddle is greater than what is shown in NFPA 13

C. If flows through the saddle are greater than 50 gpm D. If flows through the saddle are less than 50 gpm

5. Which size flow switch is required to be included in hydraulic calculations?

A. 2-in. or smaller

B. 2-in. or larger

C. Flow switches are not required to be added to hydraulic calculations

D. All flow switches are required to be added to hydraulic calculations

JOHNSON EARNS CERTIFICATION

John Johnson, CFPS, WBITM, has earned the Certified Water-Based ITM Technician (WBITM) cre dential from the National Fire Protection Associ ation (NFPA). This certification is for experienced sprinkler ITM technicians, contractors, and other professionals who have the knowledge and skills to perform the full spectrum of inspection, test ing, and maintenance duties independently and without supervision. Earning the WBITM certifica tion demonstrates an individual’s proficiency, knowledge, and a firm un derstanding of inspecting, testing, and maintaining water-based systems and is a useful metric for employers to use in gauging qualifications.

“Congratulations to John on this achievement,” states AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt,

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2022

• AFSA Hands-On Course for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Cranston, RI firesprinkler.org/programs/nfpa-25-hands-on-itm 8-9

• AFSA ITM Certification Prep Course Cranston, RI firesprinkler.org/programs/itm-certification-prep-course-2022

JANUARY 2023

4

• Standard Spray Sprinkler Obstructions Webinar Online afsa.org 18

• Enforcing NFPA 25 With the Fire Code Webinar Online afsa.org

FEBRUARY 2023

1

• Remote ITM of Fire Pumps Online afsa.org 7 - 3/3

• Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Online & Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. For more events and details, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Events” and “Events List.”

P.E, FSFPE. “Our technical staff has received the best education and training and works to achieve the highest credentials so that we can offer the best service and knowledge to our members. AFSA’s Engi neering and Technical Services Department is an extension of our members’ staff. I encourage them to reach out to us with their techni cal needs.”

AFSA42 CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Want to be a part of the excitement at AFSA42? Become an AFSA42 presenter! Submit your seminar proposal(s) by December 31, 2022. The AFSA convention will review your submission(s). There is no limit to the number of submissions you may enter. Selections will be de termined by February 3, 2023. To submit your proposal, please go to https://formsite.com/AFSA/ou6pu3h1ya/index.html

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH SPRINKLER AGE

Sign up to receive your own free copy of Sprinkler Age magazine— print, digital, or both! Qualified industry professionals can sign up for a free subscription online at sprinklerage.com/subscribe. For more in formation or to view the digital edition, visit sprinklerage.com.

AFSA APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING BOOK SALE

A well-trained staff is the single most important factor in the longterm success of your company! AFSA is proud to offer training cours es to help you help your employees reach their full potential. This fire sprinkler fitter apprentice training series, written from a contrac tor’s point of view, has been developed through combined efforts of technical experts and AFSA contractor members. Each level of the se ries includes photographs, drawings, and tables to provide the lat est graphic as well as written instruction on proper installation tech niques and use of tools. For more details and to save, visit www. firesprinkler.org/apprenticetraining.

Starting January 1, 2023, AFSA is increasing the price of its Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Training courses. Lock in your price now and save from the price increase when you purchase any level of Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Training!

*Pricing is the reflective cost for members only. Non-member pricing still applies. Current prices are reflective of the 3rd edition of training courses, and the price increase will be reflective of the 4th edition.

AFSA ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

AFSA’s online learning platform offers 24/7 access to CEUs and/or CPDs from its educational events, including live webinars. AFSA On-Demand of fers fire sprinkler contractors and other professionals access to the best in specialty education anytime. These courses are presented by experts in the fire protection industry and are carefully developed to offer convenience and flexibility. Visit firesprinkler.org/ondemand for details. n

JOHNSON

CHAPTER NEWS

LOUISIANA

On November 7, the chapter held its 15th Annual LFSA Golf Tournament, benefitting the Ground Force by Cajun Navy. Louisiana Fire Extinguisher, Inc. was the presenting sponsor. Fire Tech Systems Inc., Ferguson Fire & Fabrica tion, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., and Victaulic were Diamond Spon sors. Baton Rouge Windustrial Company was a Gold Sponsor; and Tyco was the event’s lunch sponsor. Hole sponsors at this tournament included Ameripipe, Austin Fire Systems, Baton Rouge Windustrial, BRASSCO, Cybertonic Controls, Equipment Share, Jefferson Sprinkler, General Air, Merit Sprinkler, Moore Pump & Equipment, Potter Signal, S & S Sprinkler, and Viking Supply Net. Cybertonic Controls also provided goody bags for this event. Visit lafiresprinkler.org.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

On November 1, 2022, AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Techni cal Services John A. Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, taught “Sprinkler System In stallation and Residential Sprinkler Installation” to chapter members at the Wyndham Sacramento. Attendees were able to learn and earn CAL FIRE CEUs, NICET CPDs, and contact hours. It was a great mixture of con tractors, fitters, designers, and AHJs. Visit sacvalleyafsa.org.

TENNESSEE

On November 8, 2022, AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Techni cal Services John A. Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, presented at the Tennessee Chapter event at the Nashville Fire Department Training Academy. AFSA’s Regional Director of Membership & Chapter Support Dominick Kasmaus kas, CFPS was also in attendance at this event. Denhardt presented on NFPA 20 (2022 edition) and NFPA 25 (2020 edition). Attendees also had the chance to check out the Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Valve Trailer on-site during seminar breaks. Visit afsatn.org. n

NEED MEMBERSHIP OR CHAPTER ASSISTANCE?

AFSA members or those interested in membership, finding a local chapter, or becoming involved in AFSA national can contact AFSA’s Membership Department for assistance:

• Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership and chap ter support (Eastern U.S.), dkasmauskas@firesprinkler.org

• Meda Merritt, director of membership and chapter relations, mmerritt@firesprinkler.org

Photos 1 & 2: The LFSA board presented a $10,000 donation to the Ground Force by Cajun Navy from its golf tournament proceeds. The winning team this year was Richard’s Wholesale.

Photos 3 & 4: In November 2022, AFSA’S Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, provided training to AFSA’s Sacramento Valley and Tennessee chapters.

#MEMBERSMATTER!

The often-asked question by AFSA members is, “How can I get engaged, more involved?” I ask, “How would you like to be involved?” The first question is too broad to address everything in one article, but let’s highlight some of the items you may hear about at AFSA conventions and chapter meeting or in speaking with others. What are your interests? Strengths? Are you an instructor, teacher, mentor? Where is the next generation coming from for our work force? Legislation nipping at your nose?

SPEAKING OF CHAPTERS…

Where’s my chapter? Is there a chapter? Do they meet in one place or different cities? Your state or regional chapter is a huge resource to you and a place to engage in all aspects of this article. Remember to “check your guns at the door” as this is a room full of your competition, but this is a time when they are your brothers and sisters. Just like a family, chapter members agree to disagree on some issues, but need to stay banded together and grow.

Do you crave to share your vast technical encyclopedia rattling around in your head? Consider presenting on a topic of interest at a chapter meeting or #AFSA42 in Orlando, Florida, in September 2023.

“But my chapter isn’t very active” you say? Foremost, always feel free to reach out to the AFSA Membership Depart ment to get information on your chapter if you are not familiar with meeting schedules and the chapter board officers. We can reach out to the executive director or board officers of your chapter, and let them know you want to get more involved, what your interests are, and make that introduction for you.

AHJS

Does your chapter invite Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to meetings? Have you or someone in your company joined the state and local fire marshals’ or code officials’ associations? You’d be surprised at the wealth of information you get from some of their websites and monthly newsletters. To go one better, attend a meeting or two each year or find a speaker for one of the meetings or their annual educational conference. Sit, break bread at meetings, get to know these folks, and help them to see your view of things.

NEXTGEN

You are probably concerned, as we all should be, about where the next generation (NextGen) of employees for our industry is coming from. To address this issue, AFSA chapters have been “engaged” in high school and college career days and job fairs for many years. AFSA chapter members will have a tabletop display, speak at events, and hand out pamphlets

regarding apprenticeship programs and career paths into inspection, design, fabrication, project management, and maybe ownership. Possibly some of your under-40 staff may be worthy to take part and relate their experiences.

POLITICS

“Poly” meaning many and “tics” are small biting things. Politics and following legislation are highly annoying at times to some, but to others it is truly a science as to how the American sausage is made. If this interests you, there is always room to be a legislative monitor for your chapter if it doesn’t already have a Legislative Committee. Volunteer to be the one-person Legislative Committee.

Part of politics is the Rules & Regulatory committees governing construction industries. Identify who in your chapter, state, or city is “engaged” in following legislative issues or you engage! AFSA staff monitors legislation and we wel come having a key person in each state ensure their members are aware of legislative concerns. Plus, it’s not just fire protec tion legislation. There are many issues affecting small business es, you, and possibly your employees.

THE REAL BENEFIT

There is strength in numbers, engaging and banding together, and tackling issues one at a time. The more members who are “engaged” in an issue allow the challenges to be divided up. Rather than the same four- or six-members handling chapter operations, now maybe less or smaller assignments can be handled by 12, 15, or 20 members?

The sum is that we win with more people gathering more information, meeting more challenges, and protecting our industry sooner from harmful legislation or rules.

If you are the one seeking to get “engaged,” jump into the pool! However, with NextGen or AHJ associations, might be another employee is better suited to walk the walk or talk the talk? Perhaps recruit a co-worker or employee to jump in with you.

President Theodore Roosevelt said, “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” n

DOMINICK KASMAUSKAS, CFPS AFSA REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & CHAPTER SUPPORT

AFSA NEW MEMBERS

New members as of October 31, 2022.

CONTRACTORS

A-1 Sprinkler Comapny, Inc. Miamisburg, OH

Alejandro Cosenzo Buenos Aires, Argentina

Alex AI,S Inc. Jersey Village, TX

Alliance Fire Safety Specialists, LLC Honolulu, HI

Arandillaz Fire Protection, LLC San Antonio, TX

Darpha Fire Solutions Aguascalientes, Mexico

Discount Fire Protection, LLC Mansfield, TX

Elite Design and Fire Protection, LLC Avenel, NJ

Environmental Systems, Inc. Attleboro, MA

Fire Tech West, LLC Hillsboro, OR

FireWatch El Cajon, CA

High Desert Fire Protection, LLC Fruita, CO

J.T. Fire & Safety, LLC Gladstone, NJ

Red Beacon Fire & Electric Orange, CA

Stone Demolition, LLC Ennis, TX

ASSOCIATES

Lynch Mobile, AL

Argo Trak, Inc. Waxhaw, NC

Hydrocore Hull, UK

DESIGNERS

Fire Sprinkler of Atlanta, LLC Hoschton, GA

KAP Mechanical Services, LLC Elko, NV

Mark Kilburn Consulting Duck Hill, MS

AHJS

Kevin Bergstrom Camas, WA

Erin Bess Chesterfield, VA Ryan Booth McArthur, CA

Chase Brockinton Berlin, MD

Ian Broeske Santa Rosa, CA

Joseph Caniglia Omaha, NE

Ted Dent Millington, TN

Joshua Detzel Mckinney, TX

Brett Dunckel Fort Lauderdale, FL

Clinton Foehner San Marcos, TX

David Hawkins Marysville, OH

Chris Heyer Pheonix, AZ

Chris Hileman Galt, CA

Alex Jenness Everett, WA

Michael Jensen West Jordan, UT

Barry Kerth Mount Vernon, WA

Tom Legler Lewisville, TX

Michael Mesco Wayne, PA

Anthony Murphy Hastings, NE

Jon Newman Spring Valley, CA

Jon Pairett Gallup, NM

Van Patterson Saint Augustine, FL

Jeffrey Pluta Fort Collins, CO

Theresa Potter Glen Ellyn, IL

Chris Shields East Syracuse, NY

Tim Simanton Gilbert, AZ

Edward Simon Chino, CA

Justin Smith Irving, TX

Sheri Stevens Sandy, UT

Bob Vasek Glen Mills, PA

Brandy Vega Farmington, NM

Andrew Vorndran Webster, NY

Jerry Wall Lake Buena Vista, FL

Kathryn Wilke Millington, TN

Ryan Wolf Peoria, AZ

MEMBERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FIRE SPRINKLER TRAINING OF ADMINISTRATION STAFF

One of the challenges we have been work ing on is training our administration staff in fire sprinkler terminology. We have made a list of 300 fire sprinkler words with 300 pic tures corresponding to these words. Our tech nical staff will alternate lessons for about 45 minutes at a time explaining the sprinkler word definitions and pictures. They will go over the list several times spread out over the course of a month. We have had great success with this training. We have heard from our customers that they enjoy talking to a knowl edgeable administrator that can understand their overall problem and how we can help to resolve their issues.

David Cook

Aegis Fire Protection in Kansas City

AFSA CHAPTERS

ALABAMA

alfiresprinkler.org

Hunter Brendle – Pres. 334-270-8571

Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair 480-421-8411

Christopher Caputo – Exec Dir. 480-364-3217

ARKANSAS

David Nabors – Chair 501-225-4910

Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CAROLINAS

afsacarolinaschapter.com

Jason Graham – Chair 919-533-2356

John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

CHESAPEAKE BAY afsachesapeakechapter.org

Jason Martin – Chair 410-286-3314

Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-972-1122

COLORADO afsacoloradochapter.org

Roger Wallace – Chair 719-337-6550

Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368

CONNECTICUT afsact.org

Rick Russo, Jr. – Chair 203-877-7983

DALLASFORT WORTH afsadfwchapter.org

CJ Bonczyk – Chair 817-529-1693

FLORIDA afsafl.org

Suzanne Saults – Chair 727-556-2790

Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

GEORGIA georgiafiresprinkler.org

Allen Cagle – Chair 770-554-5285

Taylor Johnson – Exec. Dir. 770-484-1112

GREATER BAY AREA afsa-gba.org

Dave Karrick – Chair 925-417-5550

Alicia Karrick - Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

GREATER KANSAS CITY

Mark McKenzie – Chair 913-432-6688

Brett Heinrich – Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

ILLINOIS-INDIANA

Sklyer Bilbo – Chair 217-342-2242

Mitch Bortner – Vice Chair 206-348-0078

LOUISIANA

lfsa.wildapricot.org

Randy Laguna – Chair 504-464-6236 ext 224

Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800

MICHIGAN afsamichiganchapter.org

Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

Marc Huag – Chair 701-232-7008

Tina Hoff – Exec. Dir. 701-799-1899

NEW JERSEY

Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair 908-226-5313

Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

NEW MEXICO

Paul Chavez – Chair 505-898-9197

Jeriod Towery – Vice Chair 505-410-4007

OHIO afsaoh.org

Bill Hausmann – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

PACIFIC NORTHWEST afsanw.org

Chris Russell – Chair 360-734-4940

Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

PATRIOT afsapatriot.org

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

OKLAHOMA

AFFILIATE ofsa.info

Tim Hollon – Pres. 918-851-2416

TEXAS AFFILIATE fscatx.org

David Stone – Pres. 713-466-9898

Sarah Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-844-6632

Chad Dubuc – Chair 508-431-9938

SACRAMENTO VALLEY sacvalleyafsa.org

Jordan Hopkins – Chair 916-672-8415

Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

SAN DIEGO

Scott Uren – Chair 858-722-1470 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

SCHUYLKILL afsamac.org

Christopher Campion, Jr. –Chair 732-798-0911

Meaghen Wills – Exec. Dir. 610-754-7836

SOUTH CAROLINA scfsa.org

Nikki Ray – Chair 864-207-8545

Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-408

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA socalafsa.com

Jeff Bridges – Chair 941-413-0526

Daniel Venecia – Exec. Dir. 818-730-6283

TENNESSEE afsatennesseechapter.org

Casey Milhorn – Chair 615-349-5278

David Pulliam– Exec. Dir. 901-484-0605

UPSTATE NEW YORK afsaupstatenychapter.org

Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN afsautahchapter.org

Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair 385-630-8064

Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

VIRGINIA virginiaafsa.com

Bob Beckwith – Chair 540-659-4675

Steve McGee – Exec. Dir. 757-544-0520

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS FALL IN AUGUST

Total construction starts fell 9 percent in August to a seasonally ad justed annual rate of $1.25 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. The decline, however, comes on the heels of a massive in crease in July that saw the start of three large manufacturing plants and two LNG export facilities. In August, nonresidential building starts rose 7 percent, residential starts were 1 percent higher, while nonbuilding starts lost 36 percent.

Year-to-date, total construction was 16 percent higher in the first eight months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresi dential building starts rose 35 percent over the year, residential starts were 1 percent higher, and nonbuilding starts were up 21 percent.

For the 12 months ending August 2022, total construction starts were 15 percent above the 12 months ending August 2021. Nonresi dential starts were 33 percent higher, residential starts gained 4 per cent, and nonbuilding starts were up 15 percent.

“While construction starts activity continues to be dominated by mega-projects like chip fabrication plants, the middle and lower end of the value spectrum is holding up well,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “This is a sign that organ ic growth in the construction sector has not yet been undermined by the concern of a potential recession in 2023.” n

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS TUMBLE IN SEPTEMBER

Total construction starts decreased 19 percent in September to a sea sonally adjusted annual rate of $1.02 trillion, according to Dodge Con struction Network. In September, nonresidential building starts dropped 23 percent, residential starts fell 11 percent, and nonbuilding starts de clined by 25 percent.

Year-to-date, total construction was 16 percent higher in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresidential building starts rose 37 percent over the year, residential starts were flat, and nonbuilding starts were up 20 percent.

For the 12 months ending September 2022, total construction starts were 15 percent above the 12 months ending September 2021. Nonresi dential starts were 34 percent higher, residential starts gained 2 percent, and nonbuilding starts were up 17 percent.

“September’s decline in construction starts should not be seen as a precursor to a cyclical pullback in the industry,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “The previous two months saw the start of several megaprojects, and the decline in Sep tember returns starts activity to its trend level. It is likely, however, that as interest rates move higher in the coming months, marginal construc tion projects may not get underway and construction activity will begin to settle back.”n

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate Aug 2022 Jul 2022 % Change

Nonresidential Building $569,555 $532,524 7 Residential Building $400,685 $397,261 1 Nonbuilding Construction $278,764 $437,142 -36 Total Construction $1,249,004 $1,366,927 -9

THE DODGE INDEX (2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) August 2022....................264 July 2022...................289

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS

Unadjusted Totals, in Millions of Dollars 8 Mos. 2022 8 Mos. 2021 % Change

Nonresidential Building $261,555 $193,738 35

Residential Building $292,593 $288,613 1

Nonbuilding Construction $164,938 $136,479 21

Total Construction $719,086 $618,830 16

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION STARTS

Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate Sep 2022 Aug 2022 % Change

Nonresidential Building $438,755 $571,254 -23 Residential Building $369,543 $414,216 -11 Nonbuilding Construction $213,311 $283,041 -25 Total Construction $1,021,610 $1,268,511 -19

THE DODGE INDEX

(2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) September 2022....................216 August 2022...................268

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS

Unadjusted Totals, in Millions of Dollars

9 Mos. 2022 9 Mos.2021 % Change

Nonresidential Building $300,160 $218,641 37 Residential Building $325,169 $324,197 0 Nonbuilding Construction $183,553 $152,520 20 Total Construction $808,881 $695,357 16

TYCO® 5.8K LFII SPRINKLER

Johnson Controls introduc es the new Tyco LFII Residential 5.8K Concealed Pendent Sprin kler for the protection of homes, apartments, dormitories, hotels and other residential buildings. The sprinkler’s increased 5.8 Kfactor features improved hydrau lic performance compared to other residential models to help more efficiently protect 18-by-18 ft (5,5-by-5,5 m) and 20-by-20 ft (6-by-6 m) rooms.

The sprinkler is available in both ordinary 155 °F (68 °C) and intermediate 200 °F (93 °C) temperature configurations. The sprinkler and cover plate assembly provide a sleek, con cealed aesthetic while allowing for adjustment up to 3/4-in. (19,1-mm), which provides addi tional flexibility for contractors performing the installations.

The Tyco LFII Residential 5.8K Concealed Pendent Sprinkler is intended for use in wet pipe sprinkler systems for one- and two-fam ily dwellings, residential buildings up to four

stories in height and residential portions of any occupancy per NFPA 13, 13D and 13R. It fea tures a maximum working pressure of 175 psi (12,1 bar). Visit tyco-fire.com.

NFPA ISSUES NFPA 70, 2023 EDITION

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Standards Council recently voted to is sue the 2023 National Electrical Code® (NEC®). Used in all 50 states, the NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and in spection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

The 2023 NEC is now immediately avail able on NFPA LiNK®, a subscription-based dig ital platform delivering all NFPA codes and standards at any time, allowing users to easily collaborate and stay connected in the field. For more information on the features of NFPA LiNK, including a 14-day risk-free trial for all new us ers, visit nfpa.org/LiNK.

RIDGID® PIPE PATCHING SYSTEM:

RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces an all-inclusive, start-

to-finish solution for faster and simpler trench less repairs. The RIDGID Pipe Patching System offers more types of repairs with less materials and equipment. Featuring a durable fiberglass patch, it is ideal for repairing small sections of damaged pipe in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The Pipe Patching System offers all the con sumables and equipment needed for a onetime patch in 2-in. to 6-in. broken pipe up to 6-ft in length and can be used on all sections of pipes, including straights, bends transitions and p-traps. The entire process can be complet ed in two hours or less. Visit rigid.com. n

RIDGID® HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL RIGID EXPERIENCE TRIP

RIDGID® , a part of Emerson’s profes sional tools portfolio, recently hosted their fifth annual RIDGID Experience trip, a VIP event that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camarade rie and hands-on experiences. The event also serves as a “thank you” to the trades for the role they play in building and main taining our country’s infrastructure.

The contest concludes with RIDGID treat ing nine guests to a three-day, all-expens es-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. The highlight of the visit is a factory tour that invites each guest to build their own iconic RIDGID customized pipe wrench. Details on the 2023 contest will be announced early next year. For more details, visit emerson. com/professionaltools.

WINSUPPLY ACQUIRES HYDROLOGIC DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

Hydrologic Distribution Company joins the Winsupply Family of Companies with 12 locations servicing plumbing contrac tors throughout the state of Florida. Collec tively, the locations have a quarter billion dollars in annual revenue. Supported by six regional distribution centers around the country, Winsupply has the unique abili ty to provide each newly acquired location with timely product availability, not previ ously attainable. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

NEW RESEARCH AT SFPE FOUNDATION

The SFPE Foundation announces the funding of a research award to prepare for future development of risk-informed per formance-based tools for the assessment of

sustainable and fire-resilient buildings. The research will be led by Brian J. Meacham, PhD, PE, CEng, FIFireE, FSFPE, Managing Principal at Meacham Associates, with sup port from Håkan Frantzich, PhD, FSFPE, As sociate Professor, and Margaret McNamee, PhD, Professor, both with the Division of Fire Safety Engineering at Lund University.

The research will involve characterizing the problem, researching and identifying ap propriate assessment methods, identifying necessary attributes and requirements for in

put data, and developing a framework to un derpin a risk-informed performance-based assessment methodology. Additional review will focus on consideration of how green at tributes and risk factors impact risk assess ment, uncertainty treatment, and decisionsupport methodologies in sustainable and fire resilient buildings. Findings of the study are expected to be published and present ed through SFPE and the SFPE Foundation in 2023. Visit sfpe.org/foundation/home. n

TOLCO

JOHNSON ELECTED CITY COMMISSIONER

AFSA At-Large Director Chris Johnson, presi dent and CEO of Piper Fire Protection, Clearwa ter, Florida, has been elected and sworn into office as Largo City Commissioner for Seat 6. Largo is the fourth largest city in the Greater Tampa Bay Region. Johnson is currently slotted to serve on the Florida League of Cities Legisla tive Policy Committee on Finance, Taxation, and

Personnel where he will be replacing Commis sioner John Carroll.

“Largo has been my home since I was fourteen. Being a local graduate, business owner, parent, sports coach, and civic leader has given me the op portunity to view Largo from many different per spectives. I am confident that my experience will contribute to keeping Largo a community of choice for our future generations,” says Johnson.

Johnson has chaired both the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Government Advo cacy Panel. He is the immediate past chair of the Florida Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and has also served as its Legislative chair for three of the last five years. He is the in coming chair of the Florida Gulfcoast Chapter of ABC and is very active on its Legislative and Apprenticeship committees. Johnson has also served on the State Board. Visit piperfire.com.

KFI WELCOMES FUTRELL

Scott Futrell has joined KFI Engineers as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer. He joins KFI after successfully lead ing his own firm, Futrell Fire Consult & Design, for over 30 years. Scott is a registered Fire Protection Engineer with the State of Wisconsin, and has over 47 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He has extensive experience in providing fire code consulting, project management, system de sign, and fire protection loss investigation for a broad range of clients and building types.

Futrell is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Pro tection Engineers (SFPE), a certified fire pro tection specialist, a certified fire and explosion

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

8 0

Bi-monthly

10-24-2022 6 33.95

96 9268 D'Arcy Montalvo

American FIre Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251-1260 214-349-5965 x. 115

American FIre Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251-1260

Robert Caputo, American FIre Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251-1260

D'Arcy Montalvo, American FIre Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251-1260

D'Arcy Montalvo, American FIre Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251-1260

American FIre Sprinkler Association 12750 Merit Drives, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75251-1260 X

investigator, a senior engineering technician (NICET IV), and a certified water-based sys tems designer. For more information, visit kfiengineers.com.

IAFC HONORS FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR HONOREES

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), in partnership with Pierce Manufactur ing Inc., announced the 2022 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees during its annual Fire Rescue International conference in San, Antonio, Texas. Volunteer Fire Chief, Marshall Turbeville, of the Northern Sonoma FPD in Sonoma County, Cali fornia, and career Fire Chief, Gary Ludwig, of the Champaign Fire Department in Champaign, Illi nois were named this year’s honorees.

A selection committee appointed by the IAFC reviewed nominations for active chiefs of departments who have shown exemplary con tributions in the areas of leadership, innova tion, professional development, integrity, pub lic service, and contributions to the fire service.

Chief Marshall Turbeville led his commu nity’s response to the devastating wildfires in California over the last several years, includ ing the Tubbs, Pocket, Kincade, and Wallbridge fires. These events not only caused widespread damage and destruction, but they also trig gered significant emotional and psychologi cal trauma within the community and the fire department. After frontline experience fight ing these fires, Chief Turbeville determined the status quo response to the firestorms was inadequate and worked with his community to develop new strategies focused on preven tion, preparedness, and appropriate mitigation methods to save future life, property, and the environment.

Chief Gary Ludwig serves as the fire chief for the Champaign, Illinois Fire Department and is also a past president and chairman of the board for the IAFC. During his term as IAFC president, Chief Ludwig was faced with the cri sis of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of March 2020, several weeks prior to the shutdown in the United States, Chief Ludwig implemented a Coronavirus Task Force consisting of fire chiefs, IAFF leaders, physicians, and private industry. The Task Force met weekly and conveyed vital information to members across the country. Chief Ludwig’s ac tions led the fire service through the pandemic during the most difficult time. Visit iafc.org.

NFPA NAMES DIRECTORS

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has named Dana Kamal as director, in ternational business development, who will oversee regional planning, direction, coordi nation, and support of the association’s inter national development functions in the Middle East and North Africa.

Kamal, an engineer with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare business de velopment and operations, is charged with cul tivating meaningful alliances throughout the GCC states (the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf), implementing new strategies with existing and new stakeholders, and representing NFPA in regulatory, legisla tive, and technical circles.

NFPA has also appointed Laura King as re gional director for Canada to champion build ing, fire, and life safety activities across the coun try. As regional director, King will work with the entire fire and life safety community to advance safety in Canada by cultivating strong alliances, working with existing and new stakeholders, ad vocating for public education, and representing NFPA in local, provincial, and national circles.

King will build on the solid foundation devel oped by Shayne Mintz who retired in 2021 after nearly 10 years representing NFPA in Canada. She began representing NFPA in 2017 in pub lic education and has worked with fire depart ments, associations, and First Nations groups from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, and the northern territories, to develop communi ty risk reduction programs, build fire-preven tion and life-safety education strategies, and cre ate and disseminate consistent and accurate fire and life safety messaging. Visit nfpa.org.

IAFC INSTALLS 2022-23 OFFICERS

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) installed its slate of officers for 2022-23 during is final General Session at Fire Rescue International (FRI) 2022. US Fire Administra tor Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell delivered the oath of office to incoming IAFC President Chief Donna Black, Duck (NC) Fire Department NC; First Vice President Chief John Butler, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue; Vice Vice President Chief Josh Waldo, Bozeman (MT) Fire Department, and Treasurer Chief Steven Locke, South Burl ington (VT) Fire Department.

Chief Black will serve as chair of the IAFC board of directors as the organization enters

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CONT.

its 150th year of leadership, education and ser vice to the international fire and EMS commu nity. Visit iafc.org.

CFSI BOARD ELECTS NEW LEADERS

The CFSI Board of Directors elected Chief Jim Estepp (Ret) as president during its most recent board meeting on October 5. Peggy Echols was elected vice president and Chris Neal was re-elected as secretary/trea surer. Estepp replaces Chief Bill Jenaway who will be stepping down from the board at the end of the year.

Chief Estepp became a board member in 1994. Prior to joining the board, he served as chair of the CFSI National Advisory Com mittee composed of national fire service or ganizations that guide the Institute in es tablishing positions on national fire service issues. He also currently serves as chair

IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT W. HOLLIS III

man of the board for the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board).

Peggy Echols joined the CFSI board in 2019. She began her career with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Com panies in 1988 and served in various lead ership positions within the company, most recently as vice president – Operations. She has also served on the board of the Insur ance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

CFSI was established in 1989 as a non profit, nonpartisan policy institute de signed to educate Congress and federal agencies about fire and life safety. Much of the organization’s work is conducted in partnership with the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. The Fire Caucus is one of the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucuses in Congress. Visit cfsi.org.

Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Associa tion (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Robert W. (Bob) Hollis III passed away on August 17, 2022, after fighting a courageous bat tle with melanoma.

Hollis was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 21, 1950, to Florence (Emerson) Hollis and Robert Hollis Jr. He had a long career in the fire protection industry, beginning at Grinnell Fire Protection. In 1991, he and his wife, Brenda, established their own successful fire sprin kler company, Central Connecticut Fire Protection, Inc., in Meriden, Connecticut, where they worked side by side for 26 years until their retirement in 2017.

Hollis was very involved in advocating for the fire protection industry. He served on several boards and committees, including the State of Connecticut Sprinkler Fitter Li censing Board. He was also chairman of AFSA’s Connecticut Chapter and a member of the H.C. Wilcox Technical High School Educational Committee and Associated Build ers and Contractors (ABC). He was a key contributor to the ABC Pro Rodeo, a program in troducing young people to skilled trades. In 2018, Hollis was nominated for the Henry S. Parmelee Award, the sprinkler industry’s highest honor. He also received the Legacy Award from ABC.

Hollis is survived by the love of his life of nearly 42 years, Brenda (Marquis) Hollis; his daughter Amy Hollis and her partner Scott Hendrickson of Manchester, Connecticut; his son Matthew Hollis and his wife Amie (Nolan) Hollis and two sweet granddaughters, Charlotte and Claire Hollis of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; his brother Thomas Hollis of Plainfield, Connecticut; as well as many other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was predeceased by his father, Robert W. Hollis Jr., and his mother, Florence (Emerson) Hollis, along with many special family members.

A funeral service was held on August 26 United Church of Stonington in Connecticut. Memorial donations can be made in Hollis’ memory to the United Church of Stonington, 67 Main St., Stonington, CT 06378. n

NFPA NAMES VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

The National Fire Protection Associa tion® (NFPA®) announces the appointment of Steve Scala as vice president of corporate development. In this new role, he will be leading efforts to build NFPA’s global growth business through “inorganic” growth meth ods, primarily partnerships, mergers, and the acquisition of other business entities.

Most recently, Scala served as executive vice president of corporate development for DiCentral, a software services company. During his eight years in that role, and in other strategy and development positions he has held at GXS, General Electric, and IBM over his 40-year professional career, Scala has executed corporate merger and acquisition plans – from start to finish. Visit nfpa.org. n

ADVERTISERS

AGF MANUFACTURING, INC. 21

AMERICAN BACKFLOW 43

ARGCO 13, 49

EASYFLEX IBC

EATON’S TOLCO FIRE PROT. SOLUTIONS 59

FAYETTE PIPE 45

FERGUSON FIRE & FABRICATION, INC. 7

GAST MANUFACTURING BC

GECCO, INC. 61

HOSE MONSTER COMPANY 3

METRAFLEX 15

REED MANUFACTURING CO. 47

RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. IFC, 28, 29

U.S. TOOL 41

VICTAULIC 4

VIKING CORPORATION 9

RISE ABOVE THE REST