Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
San Diego Chapter Offers Training and Social Events
Members of the San Diego Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) have been busy this summer with training and social events, bringing members together to network and socialize.
On June 14, the chapter’s NextGen Committee hosted a happy hour bowling event. It was great to see so many AFSA/CAFSA apprentices in attendance and other Under 40 staff from our member contractors. The NextGen committee has been kicking it into high gear this year and putting on many events to drive member participation. Thank you to Chair Erika Jimenez, Bryon Fuller, Chris Kawada, and Eduardo Martinez for all the time and effort that goes into planning and executing these events.
On Thursday, June 17, the chapter hosted its annual Trade Day event with guest speakers Bob Caputo, CFPS, AFSA president; Steve Leyton, founder and president of Protection Design & Consulting; and Nick Immekus, director of business development for Compliance Engine. The event was well attended by local contractors, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and vendors/suppliers. A big thank you to the presenters who put on well-informed and entertaining presentations. It doesn’t hurt that most of them were playing to the hometown crowd. All the credit goes to Mark Scott and Rhonda Gudger for scheduling the presenters, coordinating the event, and ensuring that everything went off without a hitch. Thank you to all involved!
The California American Fire Sprinkler Association (CAFSA) held its annual “Train the Trainer” event June 25-27 in Poway, California. CAFSA Instructors Keith Kanie, Mark Clemens, and Scott Uren traveled to Sacramento, where AFSA members from around the state gathered to review curriculum, share teaching strategies, and throw a couple of axes. Thank you to the CAFSA staff for hosting the event and allowing us to interact with and learn from such a diverse and dedicated group of professionals.
On Friday, August 13, the chapter hosted its annual golf tournament benefiting the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. This year’s event was held at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. We had an incredible turnout and tons of support from vendors, sponsors, and member contractors. The winning foursome was Chris Harris, Ron Devito, Clay Guthrie, and Chris Ward from the Core & Main team with a score of 55. It’s always a good time when we can get everyone together in person and play some golf for a great cause! Thank you to all the supporters and to the golf committee (Mark Scott, Rhonda Gudger, Steve Leyton, Dan Conley, and Jim Gudger) for putting on such a great event. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
The chapter leadership would like to congratulate James Rico, Western Fire Protection, Inc., and Matthew Tyre, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., for qualifying for the National Apprentice Competition at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held in San Antonio, Texas, in September. We wish you the best of luck! {Editor’s Note: Click here to see the results of the 2021 National Apprentice Competition!]
The chapter has had an eventful summer, and we look forward to upcoming fall and winter events: the NextGen Frisbee Golf Tourney, a panel discussion on employment opportunities in the fire sprinkler industry, and our annual casino night/holiday party.
For more information on the chapter and its events, contact Chapter Executive Director Rhonda Gudger via email at rhondasandiegoafsa@gmail.com or phone at 951-326-4600.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Uren, president of Titan Fire Protection in Vista, California, is the chair of the AFSA San Diego Chapter.
