The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to announce the addition of the Arkansas chapter to its network of nationwide chapters. As the newest chapter to join the family, the Arkansas chapter will serve AFSA members as the Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association. The chapter held their first meeting at the …
Read More »President’s Report – October 2015
The 2015 AFSA convention theme, “Rising to Excellence,” is an appropriate theme for the times we face. In these competitive times, growth and success for many companies will hinge on their ability to improve quality, expand training and provide better management. Over the years a number of studies comparing quality …
Read More »George Wagner Awarded 2015 Parmelee Award
Honoring a Contractor Who Helped Educate the Industry Becoming a leader doesn’t happen overnight. Leaders work their way through the ranks and rise to the top thanks to a combination of hard work, perseverance, and traits and qualities that make them a true trailblazer. In recognition of his dedication and …
Read More »AHJ Perspective: Catch 22
When does fire prevention end and fire suppression begin? The flippant answer is: when someone calls 911 reporting a fire. The fire has occurred. Prevention implies that it wouldn’t happen. But, it did. Now, someone has to go put it out. And now, the outcome may well be determined by …
Read More »AFSA Names Outstanding Chapter of the Year
Carolinas Chapter Becomes First Award Recipient The Membership & Chapter Development Committee of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) recently selected its Carolinas Chapter as the first recipient of the Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award. The award was established to recognize excellence in chapter administration and programs. Selection criteria …
Read More »Chairman’s Message – September 2015
To remain consistent with my recent theme beginning articles, once again I must reflect upon how quickly time is passing. We are now already into September, more than two-thirds of the year in the books. WOW! For me, it is also a reflection on nearly two years in the books …
Read More »Convention Activities Heat Up
Numerous Opportunities to Get Involved in Phoenix One of the major draws to the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) annual convention is education: this year over 55 hours of technical and managerial training are offered. Woven around the seminars, exhibition and National Apprentice Competition are many opportunities to immerse yourself …
Read More »Ed Van Walraven Named Advocate of the Year
Retired Fire Marshal Dedicated to Life Safety As a proponent for total life safety, retired Aspen, Colorado Fire Marshal Ed Van Walraven has embraced all aspects of fire prevention. His work at the city, state and national level has helped establish ordinances and shape standards for those in the fire …
Read More »President’s Report – August 2015
The Best From the Best It is a sad fact that the majority of companies that install fire sprinklers do not belong to either national association. Generally speaking, most of the “non-joiners” are smaller companies that are so busy staying one step ahead they think they don’t have the luxury …
Read More »AFSA Announces 2015-2016 Board of Directors
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has elected its 2015-2016 Board of Directors. Newly elected directors include Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, S.D. (Region 3) and Lyle Hall of Western Fire Protection in Poway, Calif. (At Large). DiBona will take over the Region 3 director position …
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