Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

THREE COURSES ADDED TO CURRICULUM Newly designed training courses have been developed to kick off the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) new year! With its popular educational webinars, training workshops, and maintenance programs, AFSA is a well-known training expert within the fire sprinkler industry. There are three new ITM courses, …

DEDICATED INDUSTRY VETERAN SUPPORTED THE NEXT GENERATION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Past AFSA Chair of the Board, Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kan., passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 23, 2023, after a private battle …

FIRE SPRINKLER FITTER TAKES FIRST PLACE AT AFSA’S 30TH ANNUAL NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION The 30th Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) at the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Orlando,  Fla., Sept. 6-9, 2023, showcased top apprentice talent in the fire sprinkler industry. Spectators gathered in …

The sprinkler industry is similar to many trades with regard to the “dumbing down” of our employees. While I do not state this with a mean intent, I do want us to realize what we are doing. Understanding the issue will help us to adjust our approach and ensure our …

Welcome to 2024! I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and we’re all looking forward to yet another year of good health and prosperity for our industry! I’ve learned the one thing that’s guaranteed in our lifetime is change. Each New Year’s celebration brings hope and a new start …

I hope everyone had a safe, healthy, and fun-filled Christmas and New Year! Sadly, I start off remembering Joe Heinrich, who passed away in November 2023. Joe was Chair of the AFSA Board of Directors from 2013-2015 and was instrumental in developing the NextGen committee. He had a keen understanding …

“SECOND CHANCE” CONTEST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS 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, AFSA Second Chance. These national winners were randomly selected from 13,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $1,000 …

INDUSTRY VETERAN DEDICATED TO FIRE PROTECTION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn of the passing of William “Bill” R. Phair, of Cornwall, New York, who was an area sales manager for AFSA Associate Member Ferguson Fire & Fabrication and was an active …

REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council held a productive meeting during AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in September 2023 in Orlando, Florida. It was an opportune time to conduct business, network, and reconnect. Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, was …

INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF FIRE SAFETY CHAMPION Members and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Chief Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, Chris Coleman …