NFSA 2002 News Archives
January
 February March April May June July August September December
January
NFSA President Challenges Chicago Politicians
Jan. 23, 2001 - In the wake of two Chicago high-rise fires that claimed at least two lives and injured at least eight firefighters, NFSA President John Viniello was asked by the Chicago Tribune to respond to comments made by a local Alderman voicing opposition to fire sprinklers.  Viniello characterized the Alderman as "misinformed" about the cost of sprinkler retrofit and the politico's allegation that plastic piping would emit toxic fumes in a fire.Tom Lia, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, and Regional Manager Dan Gengler have headed the NFSA's efforts sponsoring a retrofit initiative in Chicago for several years and expect to be meeting with the leading city officials in the near future.
Read the Story
February  Top of Page

There's No Comfort at this Inn
Feb. 1, 2002 - Regional Manager Ray Lonabaugh advised us of a three alarm fire last evening at the Comfort Inn in Bensalem, PA.  Seems that the owner chose to install fire sprinklers in only the lobby and storage closets.  Well, even if the registration desk is still there, it won't do them any good because their foolish decision resulted in a total loss at the three story property when a fire started on the top floor.  This was also a lesson for the proponents of design fire safety because the firewalls did nothing to prevent the holocaust.

There's Room at This Inn
Feb. 5, 2002 - A Texas historic landmark was saved this week by a retrofitted sprinkler system.  The Menger Hotel, a San Antonio landmark since it opened shortly after the Civil War, experienced a small fire on Saturday evening.  A mattress in a fourth-floor utility closet caught fire.  Alarms sounded, sprinklers came on, and a hundred guests were evacuated into Alamo Plaza.  A wedding party was interrupted but there was no disaster, nobody was hurt, and only a few guests had to find other rooms for the night.  The Teddy Roosevelt Bar remains intact.

Someone in San Antonio, some years ago, required those sprinklers and alarms to be installed. Someone else made sure that the systems were actually functioning last Saturday.  Congratulations, San Antonio Fire Department.  You didn't have a big fire at the Menger.

NFSA Elects New Officers
Feb. 22, 2002 - The NFSA seated its newly elected officers at its Board Meeting on Feb. 20th.  Aus Marburger of Fire Protection Industries, Inc. was elected Chairman of the Board to succeed Tom Groos of Viking Corporation; Wayne Gey, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. took office as Vice Chairman; and, Gregg Huennekens, U.S. Fire Protection-Illinois, Inc. succeeds Harry Nothhaft as Treasurer.  Mr. Marburger has asked Bill Oliver to serve as Area 2 Director so that he can focus his efforts on the Chairmanship.In addition, Jim Smryl, Star Sprinkler Corporation, Don DeLuca, SRI Fire Sprinklers, Inc. and Gary Johnson, Noveon, Inc. took office as Chairmen of the Manufacturers Council, Contractors Council and SAM Council, respectively, and Barry Waterman Acme Sprinkler Service Company replaced Mr. Marburger as Director-at-Large.
March Top of Page

NFPA Announces Appointment of New President
At its March 6th meeting, the NFPA Board of Directors unanimously elected James Shannon President and Chief Executive Officer of the NFPA, effective June 1, 2002.  Shannon will succeed George D. Miller who will retire after 10 years.  Shannon has served as NFPA Senior Vice President and General Counsel since 1991.NFPA Board Chair Martin Reiss, in making the announcement, stated, "Jim Shannon is an outstanding model of leadership and equal to the demands necessary to achieve NFPA's important mission."  He further commented, "On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank George Miller for his outstanding contributions.  He has ably led NFPA over the past decade, and has left a distinctive mark on our association."

NFSA, State Board and Local Contractors Cooperate to Train Architects
Oklahoma City, March 28, 2002 - A record number of 210 architects attended the NFSA's Design Advantage seminar yesterday.  This tremendous success would not have been accomplished without the combined efforts of our members and staff who recognize the value of our seminars and the rewards the industry will reap from educating the architectural community on the value of automatic fire sprinkler systems.Southwest Regional Manager Bob Graham has been working for months with the Oklahoma Architect Licensing Board to convince them of the value of our programs for the State's required 24 hours of continuing education.  When they demanded that the programs be free to the attendees, Bob convinced the Oklahoma Fire Sprinkler Association of the value and need for the program and they agreed to make a substantial contribution to defray the cost.NFSA Director of Codes, Gene Endthoff, presented this program targeted to give architects valuable information on the use of fire sprinklers in accomplishing the design of safe, economical, modern and aesthetic buildings.  The evaluations returned by the participants rated the seminar an unqualified success.Congratulations to the entire team!
April Top of Page

HIGH GEAR FEVER ! - NFSA's Membership "Drive"
The NFSA has announced a membership drive with an exciting, once in a lifetime adventure available to both new contractor members and NFSA members who recruit new contractor members into the NFSA family. All new contractor members who join between October 1, 2001 and April 15, 2002 and any NFSA member who recruits the company will be eligible to win one of the several prizes in a drawing to be held shortly after the close of the eligibility period.  Winners will be awarded a two-day driving experience at the Richard Petty Driving School.  The prize includes both classroom training and the opportunity to drive one of Richard Petty's race cars on both Walt Disney International Speedway in Orlando, FL and Daytona International Speedway. Check this page often and watch your mail for full details!!


Contractors - Having Trouble Getting Insurance Coverage?
If you've encountered problems in renewing you business insurance coverage, you're not alone.  Read NFSA President John Viniello's report which includes links to an insurance questionaire and a survey on the NFSA's possible initiative to provide a new and exciting vehicle for your insurance needs. Insurance News
NFSA Establishes Fund for Firefighters Memorial
NFSA President John Viniello announced that the NFSA Board of Directors established a Fund to create a memorial to the firefighters who perished in the terrorist attack on Sept. 11th.  Donations to the Fund will be utilized to establish a memorial a the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmetsburg, MD and support the work of its Foundation that assists families with counseling, networking and scholarship assistance. Established in 1981, the Memorial is located at the National Fire Academy and its Walk of Honor is a 1000 foot brick walk leading to the National Fallen Firefighters Monument.  The individual bricks are inscribed to honor the men and women of the fire and rescue service who die in the line of duty.Mr. Viniello said he is finalizing the details with representatives of the Memorial and the NFSA memorial is expected to include a plaque and sponsorship of memorial bricks.  The plaque would bear the inscription, "AS A LASTING TRIBUTE FROM THE NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION'S MEMBERSHIP, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND FRIENDS...SO THAT THE FIRST RESPONDERS MAY NEVER STAND ALONE AND WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, NEW YORK CITY, NOVEMBER 2, 2001". Donations to the Fund may be made by check payable to the NFSA (include "Memorial Fund" in the memo section) and mailed to Box 1000, Patterson, NY 12563 or can be made online through the secure link below. Online Contributions
Residential Fire Sprinkler White Paper
Buddy Dewar, NFSA's Director of Regional Operations, has prepared a "must read" paper on the economic and insurance perspectives of installling automatic fire sprinklers for life safety.  The entire paper is available on his page in the Department Section in PDF format.  If you want to have all the facts that support the need for residential fire sprinklers, this document is invaluable.  If you are merely considering them for your own home, you cannot afford to miss reading Buddy's paper.
Fire Fighting in Sprinklered Buildings - CD Available
FM Global has developed a CD entitled "Fighting Fire in Sprinklered Buildings" which is free and only available to public fire service agencies.  It includes sections on system design, how fire departments can support fire sprinkler systems, prefire planning and both an instructor and student guide.  To obtain the CD, contact Jeff Mattern, FM Global, 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 200, Malvern, PA 19355.
May Top of Page

NFSA Issues Response to IAFC "Alert"

May 14, 2002 - The NFSA today issued a response to an IAFC Member Alert dated May 10, 2002, that suggested IAFC members vote in a particular way on six issues that may be discussed on the floor at the upcoming NFPA meeting in Minneapolis with regard to the proposed 2002 edition of NFPA 13D – Sprinkler Systems for One and Two-Family Dweliings and Manufactured Homes.
The memo twice mentioned the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and attempted to ascribe motives to some of the NFSA positions.Russ Fleming, NFSA Executive Vice President noted, "The purpose of this of response is to provide IAFC members and others with some additional information on which to base their own decisions on these issues.The NFSA has a long history of working in cooperation with the IAFC on improved fire protection in general, and residential sprinkler protection in particular".
NFSA Response
Chairman Calls For Renewed Focus on Quality and Reliability
Las Vegas, NV, Apr.25, 2002 - Following a stirring rendition of the American and Canadian National Anthems by Max Von Essen, NFSA Chairman Aus Marburger opened the Association's 2002 Annual Seminar.  His remarks gave recognition to the tragic events of September 11th that affected all of our lives and serve to remind us of the bond between the fire services and the automatic fire sprinkler industry.  He noted, "We have knowledge of the devastation and peril of unfriendly fire.  And, we share a dedication to making a difference and we know fire sprinklers help bring firefighters home."His opening comments also called upon the industry to renew a commitment to the priorities of quality and reliability and focus less on a derisive focus on cost alone. 
Using a sprinkler save only 10 days ago in State College, PA as an example, Mr. Marburger reminded the audience that the system in that building had been installed in 1926 and it saved four businesses and two floors of student apartments and allowed all occupants to return to the premises the same day. Such instances of the value of fire sprinklers are the facts that should propel public opinion, not cost alone.  He commented, "Cost is important, but cost must be positioned as a component of value and cease to be viewed as an objective in itself.
Viniello State of the Industry
Opening day of the 2002 Annual Seminar was the showcase for President John Viniello's annual State of the Industry address.  In the past, his presentations have proven to be more than a reflection of the present.  Time and again, he has been on target as to where the trends are that predict the near term status of the fire sprinkler industry.
Mr. Viniello also urged the contractor's present to provide data for the insurance survey the Association is sponsoring.  Insurance coverage is a critical issue facing contractors and the NFSA is exploring a number of alternatives to assist its members.Given the theme of the opening day honoring the memory all those affected by the attack on the United States, it was fitting that Mr. Viniello closed his portion of the program by singing a song that he had written dedicated to the memory of the 343 firefighters lost on that day.
Text of State of the Industry
Historic Action By NFPA In Favor Of Residential Sprinklers
May 23, 2002- The annual meeting of the NFPA held this week in Minneapolis, MNwas the site of a history making event for the automatic fire sprinkler industry.  In response to a motion from the floor, the NFPA membership voted to require the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one and two family residential dwellings as a part of the 2003 inaugural edition of the NFPA 5000 building code which is expected to be published in September, 2002
The membership vote constitutes a recommendation to the NFPA Standards Council which will be meeting in July of this year.The Council will make its decision on the basis of whether sufficient consensus of its members has been achieved.
NFPA Annual Meeting Roundup
May 28, 2002 - In addition to the great news on NFPA 5000 reported above, NFSA Executive Vice President Russ Fleming reported from the annual meeting of NFPA other noteworthy news for the sprinkler industry.
NFPA 13D - We were successful in defending the 0.05 gpm/sq. ft. minimum for residential sprinklers and in supporting the committee position to eliminate Chapter 5 dealing with the special never-used manufactured home sprinkler criteria on the basis that it is not needed.  A motion to eliminate the requirement that a pressure reducing valve be listed for service in multi-purpose systems ended up in a tie vote so there was no floor recommendation to override the committee position.  A motion to eliminate the flow alarm was successful with a number of fire officials expressing the view that this should be determined locally.  We were not successful in gaining majority support for two other proposals on multi-purpose systems that the committee did not support.
NFPA 13 - We were successful in restoring the table that Tyco sought for alternate criteria for dry pipe systems based, in part, on the test work at UL that NFSA Manager of Product Standards Victoria Valentine recently completed.  We were also successful in moving an issue with regard to protection criteria for Class 3 Oxidizers in racks (usually swimming pool chemicals) so that the Standards Council can resolve if this hazard is being properly addressed by the Hazards Chemicals Committee.
A significant victory came in the vote to restore the density/area curves as opposed to the use of single-point densities.  This initiative arose from the unanimous vote of the NFSA Engineering and Standards Committee.  Despite the opposition of the Sprinkler Discharge Criteria Committee and some floor opinions, NFSA Manager of Installation Standards was successful in leading this vote.
Special thanks to the efforts during the meeting in both professional presentations and behind-the-scenes activity by NFSA Staff members Ken Isman, Jim Dalton, Ray Lonabaugh, Dom Kass, Bob Treiber, Gene Endthoff, Dan Gengler and Wayne Martin.  This was a first-class team!! 
June Top of Page

Viniello Letter Published in New York Times

June25, 2002 - The New York Times today published a letter to the editor from NFSA President John Viniello challenging the New York City government to convene a task force on residential fire sprinkler protection.  The NFSA was successful in 1999 in getting New York to adopt legislation mandating automatic fire sprinkler system protection in all new residential construction.  However, as pointed out by President Viniello, that law does not address the millions of lives that remain unprotected in existing buildings.


Viniello Letter to the Editor

Rolf Jensen Dies After Short Illness
The officers and staff of the NFSA extend their condolences to the family of Rolf Jensen.  Rolf was a leader in the fire protection industry and will be missed by the many who have worked with him during his more than 50 year career.
Background and Memorial Fund Info
July Top of Page

New UL Minimum Density for Residential Sprinklers Becomes Effective
July 2, 2002 - Effective July 12, 2002, UL will require a new minimum average floor density for residential sprinklers used in NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R systems.  The 0.05 gpm/ft 2 minimum will be required for a UL sprinkler listing after that date.  NFSA has prepared a Q & A summary covering the important aspects of the change and we have developed a chart of the new residential sprinkler listings. 
New UL Residential Sprinkler Listings
Residential Sprinkler Changes Q & A


Sprinklers Save Federal Building
July 16, 2002 - A fire in the Bolling Federal Building in Kansas City led to the evacuation of thousands of workers.  Fortunately, the fire in a basement area had been extinguished by the fire sprinkler system even before the fire department personnel had arrived.


The workers were back at work within an hour thankful that their lives and safety had been protected by the fire sprinklers.

NFPA Announces Issuance of NFPA 5000 Building Code by its Standards Council
July 19, 2002, Quincy, MA - The NFPA announced today its Standards Council had approved the issuance of NFPA 5000™, Building Construction and Safety Code™, the first building code developed through an open, consensus-based process that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 
The new building code contains provisions for every aspect of the design and construction of buildings and structures, as well as the design of integrated building systems for health, safety, comfort, and convenience. It provides for the selection and design of building construction types and structural design systems and assemblies, as well as fire protection systems and egress design requirements for life safety and protection.
In announcing this major development in codes, NFPA President Jim Shannon said, "The issuance of a building construction and safety code developed through NFPA's ANSI-accredited process is a historic step in enhancing safety."  Upon publication, NFPA 5000 will be available for free review online by the public through NFPA's Web site.
SFPE Professional Development Week
July 21, 2002 - The SFPE has announced the program for its third Professional Development Week to be held September 16-20 at the Mt. Washington Conference Center in Baltimore, MD.  One of the new seminars that will be part of the event will be "Sprinkler Design for Engineers Introductory and Advanced Concepts. Details about the event can be obtained from JGordon@sfpe.org or from their website at www.sfpe.org. 
NFSA Supports Residential Sprinklers in NFPA 5000
July 22, 2002 - NFSA was one of only two organizations that testified before the NFPA Standards Council in support of the amendment to require fire sprinklers in all new one and two-family dwellings as part of the 2003 inaugural edition of the NFPA 5000 Building CodeTM. Kevin Kelly, NFSA’s Manager of Installation Standards, delivered the following statement to the Council at its hearing on the subject in Boston on July 17th:
   “As you are aware, the Technical Committee and Technical Correlating Committee ballots did not sufficiently support the historic floor vote to mandate sprinkler protection of all new dwellings. However, as we pointed out in our letter to the Council, an analysis of the ballot comments shows that numerous committee members were torn, voting ‘no’ on the basis of their perceived obligation to be practical, and to recognize that residential sprinkler installation will not be possible in many communities that would consider adopting NFPA 5000.
In fact, where it is not practical to adopt the dwelling sprinkler mandate, it will not be adopted. As they consider adopting NFPA 5000, cities and states will create exceptions for rural areas, or exceptions based on size of dwellings, along with a wide range of other local amendments to the model code.
We would like to support something said yesterday by the representative of the Portland Cement Association, and we are not sure that we have ever done that in a code hearing.But these are extraordinary times. What he said yesterday was this: 'If NFPA has developed a Building Code, it will be expected to provide better fire protection than any other Code on the street.'
We will take that a step farther: If NFPA has developed a Building Code, it will certainly be expected to address the single biggest fire problem in this country. The NFPA members, and this Council, are aware that a disproportionate share of fire deaths take place in single family dwellings. The NFPA members and this Council are also aware that residential sprinkler protection is the solution.All that is needed is the courage to use the floor vote as the basis for inserting language into the Code that properly addresses this fire problem.  The Council should recognize that NFPA 5000 is a model Building Code, and it should serve as the model for proper fire protection. The NFPA should be the leader in providing the proper model, and that model should call for residential sprinkler protection."
Following Mr. Kelly’s presentation, Mr. Jake Pauls also spoke in support of the residential sprinkler mandate on behalf of the American Public Health Association.There were no presentations in support of the Committee position to void the floor amendment.The Council decision is expected by July 26th.Although NFSA Assistant Vice President of Engineering Ken Isman is a member of the NFPA Standards Council, he was obligated to recuse himself from the debate and decision on this subject due to the potential conflict of interest.
NFPA Call for 2003 World Safety Conference Presentations Closes 9/27
The NFPA is now accepting proposals for educational presentations at its 2003 World Safety Conference and Exposition that will be held in Dallas, TX on May 18-23, 2003.  Those interested in sharing their experience and expertise in the field of fire and life safety are invited to complete the application which is linked below and submit it to Linda Bailey, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as soon as possible.  Additional details and registration materials for the conference will be available in the near future.
NFPA Call for Presentations Form (PDF Format)
August Top of Page

Department of Defense Adopts International Code
Aug. 14, 2002 - Sara Yerkes, Vice President of Public Policy, International Code Council, announced today that the Department of Defense has issued its Unified Facilities Criteria that was adopted by the three armed services on July 31st. It provides that all DOD construction will be in accordance with the International Building Code, including work done for its customers.


Home Fire Sprinklers Featured on TV
 Aug. 19, 2002 -Two Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition 30-second TV spots start running this week on cable network HGTV. Both spots feature Ron Hazelton in the kitchen of a new home with a fire sprinkler system during it's final stages of construction. The spots will run 55 times through the end of September with an estimated reach of 9.1 million adults. One spot highlights the fact that fire sprinklers are the next generation in home fire safety. The second spot "True or False" helps dispel the myth that the entire system activates in a fire. The spot will be rotated during daytime programs between 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. during the week. 
Sprinklers Save Texas Apartment Building
Aug. 30, 2002 - Thanks to Mark Metdker of the Addison, TX FD for alerting us to the news of a sprinkler activation that extinguished a grease fire and saved a three story apartment building.  The City of Addison has required sprinklers in all structures over 500 sq.ft since 1993 and we are proud that this system was installed by NFSA member company U.S. Fire Protection in Dallas.
Mr. Metdker wrote, "This (fire sprinkler) requirement has paid off in several instances like this.  We are very happy with this ordinance and encourage all fire departments to follow suit.  SPRINKLERS SAVE LIVES!  They should be in every building in this country, including residences."
September Top of Page

UL Calls for Samples of Firematic Nickel Plated Sprinklers
Sept. 9, 2002 - Underwriters Laboratories issued a press release asking fire sprinkler contractors and building owners to submit certain models of Firematic nickel plated sprinklers for testing.  UL found some sprinklers manufactured from 1976 through 1979 at a single location that did not properly operate while the sprinklers at another location all functioned properly.  Information on UL's request and the submission of sprinklers for testing can be found on the UL web site.
UL Press Release

Fire Sprinklers Hit the Airwaves
Sept. 26, 2002 - Meri-K Appy, NFPA VP of Public Education will be on the Home Innovations radio show hosted by Elaine Mikk this coming Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to Noon (EST).Ms. Appy is an articulate and long-time supporter of home fire sprinklers and the program should certainly be worth listening to and she'll be joined by the dynamic Jim Dalton, NFSA's Director of Public Fire Protection. The show originates on WMAL-630 AM in the Washington, DC area and is also syndicated to a number of other ABC radio affiliates.
If you’re not able to locate a local station that carries Home Innovations, you can still listen in by going to the WMAL internet site at www.wmal.com and clicking on the “Listen Live” link.
For those interested in calling in during the show, the DC area number is 202.432.9625 and their toll-free number is 888.630.9265.

Johnny V. Album Benefiting Firefighters Memorial Available
NFSA is making available a CD containing three original songs composed and performed by our own Johnny V. with all of the proceeds from sales going to the Firefighters Memorial that will be established at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmetsburg, MD.  The songs include the moving "911" which was performed at the NFSA Annual Seminar in Las Vegas, "Cool Side of the Pillow" and "Ballad of a POW".  Remember, your purchase honors those first responders who lost their lives in the attack on the World Trade Center. 
Order the CD 

NFSA Establishes Fund for Firefighters Memorial
NFSA President John Viniello announced that the NFSA Board of Directors established a Fund to create a memorial to the firefighters who perished in the terrorist attack on Sept. 11th.  Donations to the Fund will be utilized to establish a memorial a the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmetsburg, MD and support the work of its Foundation that assists families with counseling, networking and scholarship assistance. Established in 1981, the Memorial is located at the National Fire Academy and its Walk of Honor is a 1000 foot brick walk leading to the National Fallen Firefighters Monument.  The individual bricks are inscribed to honor the men and women of the fire and rescue service who die in the line of duty. Mr. Viniello said he is finalizing the details with representatives of the Memorial and the NFSA memorial is expected to include a plaque and sponsorship of memorial bricks.  The plaque would bear the inscription, "AS A LASTING TRIBUTE FROM THE NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION'S MEMBERSHIP, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND FRIENDS...SO THAT THE FIRST RESPONDERS MAY NEVER STAND ALONE AND WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, NEW YORK CITY, NOVEMBER 2, 2001". Donations to the Fund may be made by check payable to the NFSA (include "Memorial Fund" in the memo section) and mailed to Box 1000, Patterson, NY 12563 or can be made online through the secure link below. 
Online Contributions
December Top of Page

The NFSA Sprinkler Industry Crisis Seminar A Major Success!
Many sprinkler industry contractors face or have experienced the shock of drastic premium increases for their business insurance coverages.  Others have had to deal with unexpected notices that their carrier is refusing to renew existing policies.  The crisis that the industry faces can have terrible long-term effects on the viability of many businesses.  Surely no company can afford the risk of operating without coverage and many coverages are mandated by law. Are we going to be held hostage to exorbitant costs for insurance?  What is causing the crisis?  Can the industry and your business afford to just sit back and accept what is occurring?  Are there viable and attractive alternatives?  These and other questions were explored and answered in this informative seminar featuring NFSA President John Viniello and a number of insurance industry professionals.  You can't afford to miss this discussion!  The seminar has been compiled on CD-ROM for those who could not attend. Ordering is available by following the link below or you can call Dawn at (845) 878-4200, ext. 133.
Buy The CD-ROM Online Here!     Take The Insurance Survey Here! (pdf Format)


City Hall Saved by Fire Sprinklers
 
Dec. 2, 2002 - The Marion, IL City Hall was saved by the activation of two fire sprinklers in the Mayor's office last night.  The fire apparently started in an electrical outlet but the sprinklers contained it until the fire department responded.  The only fire damage was in that office and city officials expect the building to be open for business.  Several areas suffered water damage but the clean up is not expected to seriously affect the government's operations.

Illinois Passes Contractor Licensing Law
Dec. 5, 2002 - The Illinois legislature yesterday passed S. 1622 enacting the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act.  The statute provides for a six month period from the effective date to allow contractors to obtain the license.  There may be some additional delay due to the fact that the fee has to be established by the State Fire Marshall by the issuance of an Order.
Text of Law
Retired St. Louis Fire Marshall Joins Sprinkler Group
After serving 34 years with the fire service, retired St. Louis Fire Marshal Wally Miller has joined the St. Louis Fire Sprinkler Alliance as the Program Coordinator.  The Alliance is a recently formed trade association established to inform both fire protection professionals and the public of the vital role sprinklers play in saving lives and protecting property.  As Coordinator, Miller will be available to municipalities for input on fire sprinkler codes for both residential and commercial occupancies.
Miller's career includes positions as a firefighter and Captain for 20 years.  He was active in fire prevention and code enforcement in the Fire Prevention Bureau and as Assistant Fire Marshal for 14 years.  He is a member of the NFPA, the SFPE and the St. Louis Metropolitan Fire Marshal's Association. 
"My years of experience with the fire service taught me that fire sprinklers are the answer", Miller said in an interview. "Like my job with the fire department, this job will also help save lives.  Eventually, I'd like to see all buildings protected by fire sprinklers."
Dennis Coleman of Engineered Fire Protection, Inc, Chair of the Fire Sprinkler Alliance, said he is honored and excited that Wally agreed to join the newly formed group.  "I've worked with Wally over the years; he's a natural choice because of his experience.  I'm certain he will be a great resource for fire departments, municipalities and for the fire sprinkler industry as well," Coleman said.



Contractors - Having Trouble Getting Insurance Coverage?
If you've encountered problems in renewing you business insurance coverage, you're not alone.  Read NFSA President John Viniello's report which includes links to an insurance questionaire and a survey on the NFSA's possible initiative to provide a new and exciting vehicle for your insurance needs.
Insurance News

Maryland Nursing Home Saved by Sprinklers
Dec. 27, 2002 - An early morning fire in the second floor room of an elderly couple in the Hunt Valley, MD Bonnie Blink Masonic Home was quickly extinguished by the buildings fire sprinkler system.  Baltimore County Fire Captain Jim Korn reported that the fire was contained to the room of origin and "The alarm system and the sprinkler system did their job very well. The sprinkler essentially put the fire out."

Parishioners Praise Fire Sprinklers
Dec. 28, 2002 - The daughter of Dan Madrzykowski of NIST got to witness first hand the value of fire sprinklers.  A fire broke our during the evening mass she was attending at St. Paul's Church in Damascus, MD.  The church has only been open for about six months and represents the hard work and sacrifice of its parishioners for a decade.  The fire sprinklers did their job, damage was minimal and the priests were able to do their job the following morning for Sunday Mass.

University of Oklahoma Continues Fire Sprinkler Installations
Dec. 30, 2002 - The University of Oklahoma announced today its plans to complete installation of fire sprinklers in three high rise dormitories on its main campus.  OU President David Boren said "....completing the installation of sprinklers is the highest immediate priority".

Sprinklers Save Vermont Hospital
Dec. 31, 2002 - The sprinkler system in the Brattleboro, VT hospital extinguished a basement fire right below the emergency room and avoided the need to evacuate the building.  Damage was minimal and the facility was operating normally within three hours.  The fire sprinkler system clearly prevented a major tragedy.