The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) have announced the recipients of the Bringing Safety Home awards.
Chief David Pendleton of the Saco (Maine) Fire Department and Chief Ryan Schell of the Central York Fire Service in Canada have been recognized for their efforts in promoting home fire sprinklers.
As reported by the NFPA, these awards highlight the significant contributions of fire safety advocates in North America.
Chief David Pendleton was nominated by the Massachusetts Sprinkler Coalition.
He was acknowledged for his extensive advocacy and public education efforts regarding home fire sprinklers.
His work included countering misinformation and emphasizing the economic benefits of fire sprinklers, which led to the Town Council’s decision to protect all new one- and two-family homes in Saco with fire sprinklers.
Chief Ryan Schell, the first Canadian recipient of this award, was nominated by Scott Pugsley of the Seneca Polytechnic School of Fire Protection.
Schell’s initiatives included organizing educational events, advocating for sprinkler inclusion in building permits, and conducting public demonstrations.
These efforts significantly raised awareness and led to the protection of an entire subdivision with home fire sprinklers within his jurisdiction.
Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy and HFSC president, commended both recipients: “Both Chief Pendleton and Chief Schell were faced with challenges where their commitment to educate and advocate led to protecting new homes with fire sprinklers.
“Thanks to their efforts, citizens and firefighters will be better protected.”
As part of the Bringing Safety Home Award, Chief Pendleton and Chief Schell will each receive a $1000 stipend to further their fire sprinkler advocacy and educational efforts.
This financial support will help them continue their work in promoting the importance of home fire sprinklers and educating decision-makers.
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) has been providing comprehensive, non-commercial, educational resources for 26 years.
These resources emphasize the life safety benefits of home fire sprinklers and are available at no cost on HFSC’s website.
The Fire Sprinkler Initiative, a project of the National Fire Protection Association, aims to require the use of home fire sprinklers and enforce fire sprinkler requirements for new construction nationwide.
