Earlier this year, Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell of Central York Fire Services was awarded the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Bringing Safety Home award.
This annual award, co-sponsored by the NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, honors individuals committed to advancing home fire sprinkler education.
Schell, the first Canadian fire service member to receive the award, was recognized for his efforts to promote the life-saving benefits of residential sprinkler systems.
The award included a $1,000 stipend, which Schell allocated toward producing a community educational video on home fire sprinklers in collaboration with Professor Scott Pugsley of Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology.
The six-minute video, titled Living With Home Fire Sprinklers One Year Later, highlights a newly constructed Ontario subdivision where every home is equipped with a fire sprinkler system.
In the video, Central York residents share their experiences living with home fire sprinklers.
The testimonies aim to provide relatable insights for viewers, with homeowners describing how sprinkler systems contribute to their peace of mind.
One resident notes feeling safer while sleeping, knowing the sprinklers would activate if a fire broke out on another floor.
Schell also appears in the video, stating: “Fire sprinklers not only protect you but also your family and firefighters in the event of an emergency.”
The video integrates personal stories with factual information, presenting a compelling case for the installation of home fire sprinklers.
Schell and Pugsley provide technical details and practical benefits of the technology, enhancing public understanding and encouraging more homeowners to consider adopting this safety measure.
The video project supports Central York Fire Services’ broader efforts to engage the community in fire safety measures.
Schell’s goal is to use personal accounts and expert information to reach a wider audience, advocating for home fire sprinklers as a proactive safety measure.
According to the NFPA, Central York Fire Services has been actively promoting residential fire safety, especially in light of Ontario’s 121 fire-related deaths last year, most of which occurred in homes.
The community-focused video is designed as an educational tool that encourages discussions around fire safety.
By highlighting real experiences, the project aims to resonate with the public and build trust in fire sprinkler technology as a reliable safety measure.
The NFPA’s Bringing Safety Home award, along with the accompanying stipend, facilitated the production of this video, exemplifying the type of initiative the award was established to support.
By collaborating with local partners, Schell has created an enduring resource that will continue to educate Ontario residents on fire safety practices.
The Central York Fire Services’ effort reflects the award’s purpose of empowering fire safety leaders to extend their outreach and impact through community-focused projects.
The NFPA’s Bringing Safety Home award recipient, Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell of Central York Fire Services, used his award stipend to create an educational video on home fire sprinklers.
In partnership with Professor Scott Pugsley of Seneca Polytechnic, Schell’s six-minute video, Living With Home Fire Sprinklers One Year Later, presents the benefits of home fire sprinklers through residents’ testimonials and expert commentary.
The video aims to increase awareness and encourage broader adoption of residential sprinkler systems.
This project reflects Central York Fire Services’ ongoing efforts to promote fire safety in response to the high rate of fire-related deaths in Ontario homes.
