May 23, 2000

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Harvey, Producers

Paul Harvey Show

C/o ABC Network

333 Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60601

VIA FAX: (312) 899-4088

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Harvey:

We have received numerous phone calls from our concerned membership regarding a recent report aired on the Paul Harvey Show. It is our understanding that he detailed to his listeners an alleged operation of fire sprinklers as a result of a young child flipping a dime into the air and fracturing the glass bulb on a fire sprinkler in a department store. Supposedly there was over 300,000 gallons of water which caused extensive damage to the store.

This is absolutely preposterous and we demand that he issue a retraction to this report.

Fire sprinklers are proven life-safety devices and have enjoyed an impeccable record of protecting lives and saving property for more than 100 years. To portray fire sprinklers in such a light demonstrates a lack of appreciation for how these heat sensitive devices work, and their importance as a life-saving tool. I am appalled that as the Producers of this show, greater care wasn’t given to investigate such a preposterous report.

The National Fire Sprinkler Association, which was formed in 1905 for many years has been battling with the media, both printed and electronic, who all too often attempt to portray sprinklers in a “humorous vein.” Paul Harvey is a respected journalist with a large following not only throughout the United States but the world and to allow such a report to be aired is irresponsible and has the potential of causing great harm to our industry.

Please give this matter your immediate attention so it can be rectified on a future airing of one of Mr. Harvey’s broadcasts.

Cordially yours,

John A. Viniello

President

JAV/ml

CC: NFSA Corporate Attorney

NFSA Board of Directors

NFSA Staff