The Last Word with Jennifer Divelbiss  

May 1, 2026
The Last Word with Jennifer Divelbiss

Jennifer Divelbiss, Director of Marketing at Stat-X Fire Suppression talks about education, in-person interaction and reflects on her first year in the role  

What role does in-house fire testing play in addressing real-world fire risks? 

One of the biggest advantages of having in-house fire testing is that it allows us to see how suppression systems actually perform under real conditions. 

Fire protection ultimately has to move beyond theory and demonstrate effectiveness against the hazards it is designed to address.

Testing gives engineers, distributors and end users confidence that systems perform as intended and provides data which supports system design and application guidance. 

Jennifer Divelbiss

In-house fire testing also allows us to evaluate emerging risks as industries evolve, whether in industrial facilities, critical infrastructure or energy-related applications and ensure that solutions are grounded in observed fire behavior rather than assumptions. 

Why is education becoming so important in fire protection today? 

The field is changing quickly and with that comes a growing need for clear, accessible information. Engineers, safety professionals and facility operators are navigating new hazards, evolving codes and increasingly complex risks. 

A key part of my role is developing and organizing educational resources that explain fire hazards, detection strategies and suppression approaches in practical terms.

Jennifer Divelbiss

That includes maintaining a large library of technical content and expanding webinars so more stakeholders can access reliable guidance on fire protection solutions and how they are applied in practice. 

Why are trade shows still valuable in a digital world? 

Trade shows still offer something which digital communication cannot fully replace: real conversations. 

Speaking directly with engineers, distributors and end users provides a clearer understanding of the challenges they are facing and the questions they have about protecting their facilities. 

Those discussions often shape the topics upon which we focus on educational materials and technical resources, helping us to understand how different solutions are being implemented in the field. 

For our team, trade shows are as much about listening and learning as they are about sharing information. 

What has stood out most during your first year at Stat-X? 

Definitely what has stood out the most is how eager people are to learn about emerging risks and solutions.

There is such a growing awareness that hazards are evolving- particularly as electrification, automation and energy storage become more common.

Jennifer Divelbiss

Engineers and safety professionals are asking thoughtful questions about detection, suppression and how different systems work together to prevent incidents from escalating. 

This level of engagement reinforces the importance of education and clear technical communication.

When people understand the science behind these risks and the tools available to address them, they are far better equipped to design effective fire protection strategies. 

This article was originally published in the April edition of Fire & Safety Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

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