Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026, marking eight decades of growth from a small Atlanta-based fire protection supply company into one of the largest fire and life safety providers in the United States.
Founded in 1946 by two Georgia Institute of Technology graduates, the company now operates more than 250 locations across 47 states and employs more than 9,000 team members nationwide.
As part of the Pye-Barker Fire & Safety 80th anniversary celebrations, the company will be recognized during the May 31 NASCAR race in Nashville, Tennessee, through its partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and driver John Hunter Nemechek. Nemechek’s No. 42 Pye-Barker Toyota Camry XSE will feature a retro-themed wrap displaying a commemorative 80th anniversary seal alongside the names of all 9,000-plus Pye-Barker employees.
The company is also launching an “80 for 80” giving back challenge, with branches across the country pledging to participate in at least 80 community service and charitable initiatives throughout the year.
“I am humbled by Pye-Barker’s impact on communities across the U.S. over the last 80 years. We’ve been privileged to serve countless customers, safeguard thousands of livelihoods and protect millions of lives thanks to our dedicated team,” said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. “I’m proud of every team member who has been part of the Pye-Barker dream and the legacy of service they’ve created.”
Pye-Barker said its expansion has been driven by the acquisition of more than 200 companies, strengthening its ability to provide integrated fire protection, life safety and security services nationwide while maintaining local relationships with customers and communities.
The company highlighted several milestones and initiatives tied to its continued growth and employee-focused culture, including the launch of its ALL In (Achieving Lasting Legacy Incentive) Ownership Program, which the company says makes Pye-Barker the largest employee-owned company in the fire and life safety industry.
Other initiatives include the What Matters Community Impact Program, which coordinates charitable efforts across its branch network and supports industry-related causes. The company said a major focus for 2026 will be its partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Pye-Barker also pointed to its Great Place to Work® Certification, inclusion in the Inc. 5000 rankings and its No. 3 placement in the SDM 100 rankings for electronic security system providers as indicators of continued growth and industry recognition.
“80 years, and our team is only just getting started,” Proctor added. “I’m energized by the momentum we’ve built and inspired by our Pye-Barker family of certified technicians, fire and security experts, leaders, and support teams who make it possible to serve thousands of customers every day. As we look forward to the next 80 years, we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth and the ability to deliver even better full-service life safety solutions for our customers.”
