News

(Pictured above: Bernie Till showing the effects of flammable vapors emitted from a candle.)

Bernie Till, Stan Maciaszek, and Jason Butler attended Paul Knox Middle School on October 31, 2014, for several fire protection classroom demonstrations. Fire science experiments were conducted and information was presented to the students about the field of Fire Protection Engineering.

Paul Anslow attended the 2014 SFPE International Conference and Expo in Long Beach, CA to accept the 2014 SFPE Gold Level Chapter Excellence Award. This year marks the 10th consecutive year our chapter has received such recognition from SFPE International.

(Pictured: Paul Anslow receiving the award from SFPE International President, Carl Baldassarra)

Please be aware that SFPE International has regular job postings in Fire Protection Engineering: http://jobs.sfpe.org/

Stan Maciaszek received his Past President's pin and award plaque at the September meeting.

(Pictured: Ralph Foster presenting Stan Maciaszek with his Past President’s Pin and Award Plaque)

Members of the CSRA SFPE Chapter attended the 2014 College Night in Augusta, GA, to inform high school students and parents about the vast array of careers in Fire Science and Fire Protection Engineering. Tom Allison, Jason Butler, Nick Everett, and Mark Legrand represented the Chapter at this event. Students and parents were given information on colleges that offer degrees in fire protection and career opportunities available upon graduation. Over 6,000 students were in attendance.

(Pictured, from left to right: Tom Allison, Jason Butler, and Nick Everett at our booth during the influx of students)

(Left to Right: Kevin Michael Cross, Kirk O. Sheppard, Stanton G. Hill, Joshua J. Hill, Liie Lumiste, Michael Patrick Cavin, Kevin R. Crocker, Christopher T. Burke)

Order of the Engineer: Eric Johnson, Jason Butler, and Paul Anlsow
conducted the Order of the Engineer ceremony on May 20, 2014.

Inductees: Mr. Christopher T. Burke
Mr. Michael Patrick Cavin
Mr. Kevin R. Crocker
Mr. Kevin Michael Cross
Ms. Liie Lumiste
Mr. Joshua J. Hill
Mr. Stanton G. Hill
Mr. Kirk O. Sheppard

Guest Speaker: Mr. William “Bernie” Till, MSFPE, FSFPE
Fire Protection Engineering Project Manager, Savannah River Site

Before speaking, Mr. Till welcomed the attendance of Mr. J.C. Wallace, Site Chief Engineer, Savannah River Site.

The CSRA chapter had 2 members teaching classes about fire protection for the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America March 29, 2014 at USC’s Swearingen Engineering Center in Columbia, SC.

Patrick Bradshaw taught Fire Safety merit badge which teaches scouts about fire prevention at home and away from their homes. The class also presented fire service careers that scouts may pursue when they are older including Fire Protection Engineering.

Paul Anslow taught Engineering merit badge which teaches scouts about engineering and career opportunities available to them. Paul said “Fire Protection Engineering is an easy sale to the scouts considering the demand for new Fire Protection Engineers, the starting salary, and the travel opportunities available.”

Between Patrick and Paul - 50 scouts learned about careers available to them in Fire Protection Engineering.

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers actively promotes the installation of residential sprinkler systems as a means of saving lives. Fire is one of the leading causes of death in the home. The CSRA Chapter has taken this initiative a step further by installing residential sprinkler systems in Habitat homes in Aiken, Columbia, and Georgetown, SC. The chapter has been able to do this by partnering with industry manufacturers to provide materials for the system with the chapter furnishing the design and the labor. The installation of a residential sprinkler system at the Silver Bluff Volunteer Fire Department is latest in that effort. This installation will ensure the safety of firefighters sleeping in the station. Also, it provides the fire department with a system which can be seen by the public and it will serve to disprove much of the negative information out there concerning sprinkler systems.

Members of CSRA-SFPE volunteered their time and knowledge to spread the word about careers and technology in Fire Protection Engineering at the Aiken High School Career Fair. Tom Allison, Stan Maciaszek and Mark LeGrand talked with students and showcased components used in the profession.

(Pictured: Mark LeGrand at our booth prior to the influx of students)

CSRA SFPE members reached out to the community to assist in the restoration and renovation of Christ Central's Hope and Trinity Centers in Graniteville, SC. These buildings were two of many affected by the 2005 Norfolk Southern train wreck which resulted in the release of 60 tons of chlorine gas and caused 9 deaths, 250+ injuries, and extensive damage to nearby buildings. Volunteers Jason Butler, Eric Johnson, Mark Legrand, and Gene Roe worked to provide code analysis, install emergency lights, exit signs, electrical feeds, smoke detectors, and improve drainage around the buildings. The Hope and Trinity Centers will be used for community outreach programs such as free advanced culinary training, a free GED program, a medical clinic, daycare, etc. While much progress has been made, there is still plenty of work to be done. Contact Eric Johnson if you are interested in helping. 

(Pictured: Jason Butler and Eric Johnson taking a quick break while installing conduit)