New executive leadership announced at Rosenbauer America

by Featured NewsPeople

Rosenbauer America has announced new executive leadership with the appointment of Mark Fusco [left] as President and Randy Brummel [right] as Executive Vice President Operations effective immediately.

The American custom fire truck builder said the new structure will allow it to expand its growth plans and further focus on operational excellence, dealer development, financial discipline, customer satisfaction, and serving first responders.

Fusco joined Rosenbauer as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing in early 2021 from John Deere & Company where he led the agricultural leader’s eastern United States business division.

His direct oversight now includes the organisation as a whole, and essential functions including customer service/aftersales; dealer municipal, airport, government and export sales; marketing; RTX, new product and technology development; finance; IT and systems engineering.

Brummel has extensive expertise in supply chain, manufacturing, and the fire industry. His newly created operation role reports to Fusco and is accountable for Rosenbauer’s four factory units in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. This includes operations, supply chain, inside sales, and human resources.

Commenting on his new role as President, Fusco said: “It is truly an honour and privilege to serve as Rosenbauer America’s President.” He added: “Rosenbauer’s family culture and mission are why I joined the company almost two years ago. The new organizational structure is a natural progression for the company and well positions the leadership strengths of Randy Brummel, and many others within the organization.”

Society of Fire Protection Engineers announces newest fellows

by Featured NewsPeople

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), the professional society for fire protection and fire safety engineering, has announced its newest class of Fellows and 2022 award recipients. 

Fellow membership represents the highest professional honor of SFPE and is given to individuals who have amassed significant accomplishments and stature in fire protection engineering.  SFPE members elevated to the status of Fellow in 2022 are:

  • Warren D. Bonisch, PE, FSFPE; Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
  • Dale C. Hansen, PE, FSFPE; Harrington Group
  • Gavin Horn, PhD, FSFPE; UL Fire Safety Research Institute
  • Peter L. Senez, PEng, FSFPE; Senez Consulting
  • Victoria B. Valentine, PE, FSFPE; American Fire Sprinkler Association
  • Steven D. Wolin, PE, FSFPE; The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.

The SFPE also announced its “5 Under 35” recipients for 2022. Those named represent the industry’s top rising leaders who give back to both the fire protection engineering profession and the community.  The 2022 recipients are:

  • Spence R. Carter, PE; Idaho National Laboratory
  • William A. Clay, PE; Burns & McDonnell
  • Jessica L. Doermann; ARUP
  • Ruggiero Lovreglio, PhD; Massey University
  • Yu Wang, PhD; The State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, China University of Science and Technology

Finally, SFPE is announced nine award recipients:

  • Daniel L. Arnold, PE, FSFPE; Seneca Fire Engineering – recipient of the SFPE John J. Ahern President’s Award
  • Brian W. Ballweg, PE; Hays Company – recipient of the SFPE Hats Off Award
  • Sean S. Donohue, PE, PEng, FSFPE; Jensen Hughes – recipient of the SFPE Harold E. Nelson Service Award
  • Jeffrey L. Harrington, PE, FSFPE; Harrington Group (ret.) – recipient of the SFPE Rolf H. Jensen Award for Outstanding Committee Service
  • Robert Jönsson; Prof. em., FSFPE; SWECO – recipient of the SFPE David A. Lucht Lamp of Knowledge Award
  • Gary Lewis; City of Summit, New Jersey – recipient of the SFPE Fire Protection Person of the Year Award
  • Guo-Qiang Li, PhD; Tongji University – recipient of the SFPE John L. Bryan Mentoring Award
  • Jack Poole, PE, FSFPE; Poole Fire Protection – recipient of the SFPE D. Peter Lund Award
  • Stanis Yu, UL Solutions – recipient of the SFPE Hats Off Award

Commenting on this year’s round of appointments and awards, icole Boston, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, said: “Our global community waits in anticipation each year for the announcement of who will be elevated to the status of SFPE Fellow, and – as the most prestigious professional honor bestowed by the Society – Warren, Dale, Gavin, Peter, Victoria, and Steven are most deserving of this highest distinction.

“While our community has many, many talented engineering professionals, these six new Fellows and 14 award recipients represent some of the brightest, most involved, and most impactful engineering professionals.”

The awards will be presented by Beth Tubbs, President, SFPE, during the SFPE Annual Conference & Expo in Detroit, MI, USA, on October 12-14, 2022.

Fire protection company Bull Products appoints new CEO

by Featured NewsPeople

Bull Products has announced the appointment of Sandy Damm as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) whose primary role will be to spearhead the company’s growth plans within the fire protection market.

Damm brings more than 25 years of experience and is an entrepreneurial individual with vast international expertise across several continents, including Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Bull Products is recognised in the industry for manufacturing and supplying fire safety equipment, namely wireless fire alarms, extinguishers, first responder trolleys and other associated products primarily to the construction industry.

Damm will lead the next stage of the business’s growth plans, with the intention of increasing the size of the organisation fivefold by 2028. He has previously undertaken roles including Managing Director, CEO and Divisional Managing Director during his career, and in turn has held P&L responsibilities ranging from £5m to £90m revenue on behalf of privately invested, family-owned and multinational firms.

Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “From the very beginning of the recruitment process, I was attracted to the family values of the company and the quality of the people within the organisation. Ultimately, we are making the world a safer place with our products and this is something I’m very proud to be associated with.” 

He continued: “I’m excited to bring my international experience to help deliver the ambitious growth plans including driving the company to be one of the top three players in Europe and the Middle East, whilst also nurturing and developing the expert team at Bull. I ultimately want the company to become an authority within the industry, contributing to educating new talent within the industry.” 

Damm’s role will be linked to Bull Products’ sister company Cygnus where he will also play a pivotal role in developing the UK brand into international markets as well as building a strong team who strive on performance and results.

National Fire Protection Association elects Russell Leavitt as Chair

by Featured NewsPeople

During the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) annual conference, Russell B. Leavitt, Executive Chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc. was elected to the role of NFPA Chair of the Board, a position he will hold for two calendar years.

NFPA Board Members are selected based on business industry experience, as well as the respect of peers in the safety community, a proven commitment to the association’s goals and an appreciation for the relationship NFPA must maintain with society as its needs evolve.

As NFPA Chair, Leavitt will work with the association as it delivers information, knowledge and training nationwide. Leavitt has served in a variety of positions for NFPA for over three decades, most recently as 1st Vice Chair. In addition to this leadership position within the organization, Leavitt also serves on the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge and Installation Technical Committees, as well as on NFPA 3, NFPA 4 and the Cultural Resources (NFPA 909 and 914) Technical Committees.

Commenting on his appointment, Leavitt said: “I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the outgoing chair, Amy Acton. It is an honour to serve with my fellow board members, the executive leadership team, and all of the associates of NFPA. There are no individuals anywhere who have more passion or a greater commitment to making the world a safer place to live and work.”

NFPA Immediate Past Chair, Amy Acton, said: “Having the great fortune to work alongside Russ on the NFPA board, I know he will continue to bring forward his deep expertise, drive, and passion for the mission of the NFPA. As the Chair, he will help advise and support the organization as it works to expand its impact and continues to make this world a safer place.”

Leavitt is a senior instructor for the NFPA, American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and Fire Smarts, and he conducts fire and life safety seminars both nationally and internationally on a variety of related subjects. Examples include Expo Fire Protection Mexico & International Congress and International, EduCODE International Conference, Fire Sprinkler Americas Conference, and FireCon, among others.

During the course of his career, Leavitt has also authored numerous industry training materials and informational articles including “Fire Safety Codes and Standards: What You Need to About NFPA.”

Sebastian Wolf takes over from Dieter Siegel as CEO at Rosenbauer

by Featured NewsPeople

After eleven years at the top of the Rosenbauer Group, Dieter Siegel will be stepping down as CEO at his own request and in agreement with the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board took note of his decision and thanked Dieter Siegel for his merits, particularly in the area of e-mobility and the associated strategic realignments of the Group.

As of August 1, 2022, Sebastian Wolf will take over as the new CEO. He has worked for the Group since 2008 and will continue to hold the position of Chief Financial Officer.

Hochiki invests in Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions

by Featured NewsPeople

Hochiki has announced plans to make significant investments in their people to support the Middle East, Africa, and European regions in order to develop the expertise they can bring to their customers in 2022 and beyond

Shinsuke Kubo, Hochiki’s Managing Director for the Middle East operation based out of Dubai, will now take up the role of Commercial Director for Hochiki Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. His new role will be based out of the UK head office in Gillingham, Kent, with regular visits to the Middle East, where Kubo will continue to play a key role in the strategic development of this region and remain as a board Director.

In this new role, Kubo will be focused on leading the product management team to develop the company’s road map to ensure it meets the needs of customers. He has already set up his key team with David Brown as Product Manager and Robert Head as Commercial Product Manager, who between them bring over 40 years’ experience of working with Hochiki and within fire safety.

The team will work closely with teams in Japan and the Research and Development arm of the business. The constant feedback between customers, Japan and R&D teams will enable Kubo to realise his ambition to take Hochiki to the next level for its customers.

Kubo commented: “I have enjoyed a fantastic career with Hochiki for the last 28 years (Japan 17 years, US 7 years and Dubai 4 years) and have gained experience of the industry and our customers across the globe, so I am excited to start here in the UK. My focus will be on learning more about the market here in the UK and across Europe, including exports, in more detail and I’m looking forward to meeting with our customers to learn directly from them on how we can improve our products and services, that customer insight is what drives everything we do here at Hochiki”

Both Graham Lowe, Hochiki Europe’s Managing Director and Kubo’s priority throughout this transition and beyond is to ensure that customers continue to receive the absolute best service and products from Hochiki, and so Shahab Anjum Head of Sales Middle East and his team will continue to support in developing Hochiki’s sales within the region.

In addition to the excellent service that the commercial team deliver and as part of the business’ continued commitment to investment in the region a brand-new role of ‘Country Manager Middle East,’ has been created. With the interviewing process underway, this role will be dedicated to supporting and growing the region.

Institution of Fire Engineers creates alternative fuels coordinator role

by Featured NewsPeople

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the launch of a new dedicated alternative fuels coordinator role.

The IFE has appointed its Technical Support Manager, Paul Trew, as the dedicated alternative fuels coordinator. Trew will be responsible for developing a knowledge pool which explores alternative fuels and energy storage systems including hydrogen, electric vehicles, and lithium-ion batteries.

His new post will ensure members have quicker access to the latest guidance and advice via technical updates and put IFE are at the forefront of consultations for the new standards and regulations needed to keep pace with change.

The IFE said that the introduction of the role comes at a crucial time with the world changing at a faster pace than ever before driven by the challenges raised by climate change and sustainability. “We are seeing the adoption of alternative fuels have implications for the fire industry, and as the international professional body for those in the fire sector, it is our role to assess these changes, identify their impacts and educate our members,” it said.”

Working with IFE members, volunteers and branches from around the world as well as external partners, Trew will create a resource to support members and the sector in understanding the impact of alternative fuels on fire safety and engineering.

Commenting on his appointment, Trew said: “Our world is changing and innovations are constantly being introduced as we strive for a more sustainable future. With new investments in hydrogen infrastructure, renewable energy and other green technologies, come new risks.

“The IFE is committed to working with its members and other partners to help raise standards and ensure continued safety. With a dedicated resource in place to focus on alternative fuels, the IFE will provide a flow of knowledge which is critical to our sector and in turn will enable members to advance their knowledge, improve their competence and raise standards across the industry.”

FireQual appoints Steve Skarratt as its new Qualifications Manager

by Featured NewsPeople

FireQual has announced its latest appointment to the Senior Management Team: Steve Skarratt, in their new position as Qualifications Manager, joins the organisation from his former role as Head of Prevention and Protection Training at The Fire Service College.

Throughout his career, Skarratt has been heavily involved in training and development including acting as Interim Head of Learning and Development at the College, and prior to that, Curriculum and Qualifications Manager at the Fire Protection Association.

The addition of Skarratt will aid in accelerating FireQual’s plans to add to its existing suite of available qualifications and will continue the developments made since its establishment in September 2020.

Nic Preston, Director of Qualifications, said: “We are thrilled to add Steve to the FireQual team. His tenured career up to this point will be invaluable in helping drive forward both FireQual and the future of fire and life safety qualifications.”

“It is essential that where possible the industry has robust yet accessible qualifications available for areas which do not have a current provision, or where new working practices require new forward-thinking qualifications to meet industry needs. The addition of Steve and his experience, especially pertaining to training and development, further strengthens the support FireQual can provide to the fire and wider life safety sector.”

Steve Skarratt commented: “I am excited to join FireQual at this very interesting stage of its growth. I trust my experience within the fire industry will benefit the organisation in helping to develop qualifications that will maintain and raise practitioner skills in what is an important time for the fire protection industry. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this will present.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority appoints new Chair

by Featured NewsPeople

Councillor Phil Tye was formally appointed as Chair to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority at the meeting of the Authority at the Service’s Headquarters in Washington. 

Tye will work with other members of the Fire Authority and Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther to create a safe community for residents and businesses in Tyne and Wear. 

Cllr Tye has been a Councillor in Silksworth since 2006 and replaces Cllr Tony Taylor who stepped down as Chair earlier this year. 

Speaking about his appointment, Cllr Tye said he was looking forward to working with the Chief Fire Officer and getting to know the Service in more detail. 

He said: “It is an exciting time to be part of the fire and rescue service and I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Fire Authority. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is a great organisation that has a fantastic reputation at a both a local and national level.  I share their vision of creating the safest communities here in Tyne and Wear and look forward to the future.” 

Cllr Carole Burdis, who represents the Valley ward at North Tyneside Council, was also appointed as the Authority’s Vice-Chairperson. 

Other new members of the Fire Authority include: 

  • Cllr David Wood CBE – Newcastle, Walker 
  • Cllr John Usher – Sunderland, Redhill 

Chief Fire Officer Lowther today welcomed the new members and said he will continue to work hard to deliver the best service to the communities he serves. He said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Cllr Tye, and all the new Authority members, from myself and everyone at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. 

 “It is an exciting time to be a part of the Service as we are investing in new ways of working, new technology and people. There are also a number of challenges ahead of us but I look forward to working closely with Cllr Tye and the new members of the Authority. 

“I hope that together we can continue to achieve our strategic goals and continue to create the safest communities across Tyne and Wear.” 

The responsibility of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority is to ensure the Service performs efficiently and in the best interest of the public. It is made up of elected members from across Tyne and Wear, as well as the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness. The Authority hold public meetings on a monthly basis with a number of sub committees also taking place throughout the year.  

Association for Specialist Fire Protection elects new governing Council

by Featured NewsPeople

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced the election of its new Council, following its Annual General Meeting, held at Saddlers Hall, London on 7th July.

Council members are elected each year, while the chair and vice chair remain in place for a two year term. The Council now comprises:

  • Chris Miles – UL (Chair)
  • Clive Miles –  CLM Fireproofing (Vice Chair)
  • Clive Atkins – Fire Protection Coatings Group
  • Carrie Blackshaw   – Minster
  • Sharon McClure – Avesta Scotland
  • Nigel Morrey – Etex Building Performance
  • Robert O’Byrne  – Tennants Building Products
  • Jamie O’Hagan – Structural Fireproofing Systems
  • Ian Outram   – CPG Europe
  • Philip Sargent   – IFC Certification
  • Bob Westcombe – Rockwool

ASFP CEO Steve Davies welcomed the appointment of the new Council: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new ASFP Council. While we continue to thank our returning Council members for their continuing support, we particularly welcome those who are newly elected.

“The ASFP Council plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction of the ASFP and we welcome the important input we receive from members who give up their valuable time. As the Association grows and we develop new services, this engagement is vital to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of members from every category.”

The ASFP is governed via a structure involving an Executive Board and the Council, with day-to-day management and operation, the responsibility of the CEO and Officers.

The ASFP Council sets strategy and structure and delegates management of Association to the Executive Board. This Board is composed of the ASFP Chair and Vice Chair, CEO and Business manager.