AFSA Welcomes New Arkansas Chapter

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) recently welcomed a new addition to its network of nationwide chapters: the Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association. As the newest chapter to join the family, the Arkansas chapter will serve all AFSA members in the state of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association began in 1992 as the Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Association. The group was active for many years, until recently realizing the benefits that could come from joining forces with AFSA. “One of the biggest benefits I see of becoming a chapter of AFSA is having a larger support system to address issues that confront fire sprinkler contractors in the State of Arkansas,” says Ken Dunk of Dunk Fire & Security in Springdale, Arkansas. Dunk was one of the founding members of the chapter. “The fire sprinkler contractors in the State of Arkansas currently have solid credibility and a reputation of integrity with the State Fire Marshal’s office and that of local AHJs. However, we will become more credible due to the fact that AFSA is a national organization with an incredible support system on many levels.”

The chapter held its first meeting at the offices of Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board in Little Rock, Arkansas. The newly elected chapter officers include: Chairman Coleman Farrar, Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers in Cabot; Secretary and Treasurer Randy Gilliam, Northwest Fire Protection in Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Membership Chair Tommy Clements, Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers. Other members in attendance at the chapter’s first meeting as an AFSA-affiliated chapter include: Wallace Reed, Reliable Fire Protection in North Little Rock, Arkansas; Ken Dunk, Dunk Fire and Security in Springdale, Arkansas; David Jennings, Perkins Fire Pro in North Little Rock, Arkansas; Brian Hilton, Arcom Systems in North Little Rock, Arkansas; and Neil Carlock, Victaulic in Troy, Illinois.

“With recent political challenges in the state, we recognize the importance of being able to rely on a national organization like AFSA to assist in our industry,” says Clements. “We’ve seen what chapters are capable of doing, and it has really opened our eyes to the advantages of affiliating with AFSA.”

Leaders regard AFSA as a top organization for fire sprinkler industry professionals. The Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association joins AFSA’s 21 chapters across the nation dedicated to the betterment of the fire protection industry.

The Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association offers members interaction with other industry professionals, training in matters pertaining to the fire sprinkler business, and the opportunity to learn more about the business and others in it. Contractors, AHJs, manufacturers, suppliers, or other AFSA members are eligible for membership. Those interested in joining may contact Tommy Clements at TClements@AAS-UFS.com.


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