From concept to completion: Telgian reveals the 10 steps to sprinkler approval

by Breaking NewsFire Engineering

Jacob Ford, Fire Sprinkler Design Team Lead at Telgian Engineering and Consulting, outlines the essential stages of system design and regulatory approval

Fire is a powerful force of nature that can be detrimental to buildings and even entire cities. To create a safer, more effective society, there must be a way to control or limit the potential danger posed by fire. That is where fire protection engineering, and one of its subdisciplines, fire sprinkler design, come into play.  

Fire engineering is a diverse field that draws on many engineering disciplines. This field encompasses a broad range of pursuits, all with the common goal of minimising or preventing fire damage, achieved through various fire prevention and protection methods. Although these two concepts may sound redundant, they each offer their own distinct advantages toward the overall goal of fire control.  

Fire prevention vs. fire protection 

Fire prevention encompasses various strategies to prevent fires from starting in the first place, including:  Risk analysis; Human behaviour in fire events; Building design layout; Programs and procedures for fire events.

Fire Protection involves systems that are put in place to protect life and property in the event of a fire. These systems can be either active or passive. Examples of active fire protection systems: Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems. Fire sprinkler and alarm systems activate in the event of a fire and provide a means of assisting in controlling the fire or warning of its presence.  

Examples of passive fire protection systems: Smoke control (smoke barriers, separation); Coatings and casings; Fire-retardant building materials (fire walls, fire doors).  

The role of fire sprinkler design 

Fire sprinkler systems are the most common form of fire protection. For these systems to be installed and effectively protect against fire, they have to be designed to a predetermined standard. That is where the fire sprinkler designer comes in.  

Fire sprinkler designers utilise many fields of engineering, including: 

  • Electrical: Electrical design fundamentals will be used when the designer coordinates integration with the fire alarm system or when coordinating power supply requirements for fire pump selection and design.  
  • Mechanical/Piping: Mechanical and piping layout skills are used to create the fire sprinkler piping system and to coordinate with elements of other disciplines.  
  • Fluid Dynamics/Hydraulics: The designer demonstrates knowledge of fluid dynamics and hydraulics by designing the system in a hydraulically efficient manner and validating it through hydraulic calculations.  
  • Structural: A fire sprinkler designer must understand structural elements and how buildings are constructed. This knowledge is crucial for routing the system, as some architectural elements cannot be covered or hidden, and piping can only be hung from certain structural members.  
  • Civil:  A basic understanding of civil engineering is required for tasks such as fire hydrant placement, soil classifications to determine the need for seismic bracing, and thrust block calculations for underground pipes. 

Key design considerations 

When a designer begins a project, they must consider the following factors.  

Building layout: Certain architectural and structural elements may limit the placement of system components; Building size will determine the number of systems needed to protect it; and portions of the building that are not conditioned or exposed to the elements may warrant the inclusion of dry or pre-action systems.  

Building occupancy and use: Different occupancies correspond to varying levels of risk and potential fire severity. The designer will select the type of system that best protects the hazard with minimal risk. For example, the designer should choose a pre-action system for a data center to minimise the potential for pipes to leak onto the servers. This system fills the pipes with air unless there is a fire event. 

Local codes and standards: Although there are national standards for the design of fire sprinkler systems, various AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) have the choice to adopt past iterations of these standards, which can vary in their requirements, and alter and amend sections of the code for their region.  

Geographic area: The location of a facility determines the need for seismic bracing on the sprinkler system if it is in an area subject to earthquakes. Also, local weather may necessitate a dry sprinkler system.  

Steps in the fire sprinkler design process 

During the design phase of a project, the sprinkler designer will go through several steps as outlined below. 

  1. Consult with the building owner/client. 

Coordinating with the building owner/client is crucial to the design process, as this is where the scope of work is determined. The owner may be able to move some storage out of their building to avoid a sprinkler system upgrade, or they may want to strengthen what they already have in anticipation of the building’s occupancy changing in the future.  

  1. Analyse the water supply. 

This is typically done by performing a fire hydrant flow test as outlined in NFPA 291. During a flow test, the person performing the test opens a fire hydrant and measures the resulting water flow. They place a gauge onto another hydrant to measure both static (no flow) pressure and residual (flowing) pressure. The designer sometimes performs this test, but it may be done by others. 

  1. Determine applicable codes and standards. 

The designer, or in some cases a consultant, coordinates with the AHJ to determine what codes and standards apply to the project’s location.  

  1. Identify the hazard or commodity. 

The commodity being protected will be a factor in determining the system type and the correct density for hydraulic calculations. 

  1. Identify the sprinkler system type. 

Based on the previous steps, the designer should have enough information to determine the best type of sprinkler system to protect the building(s). 

  1. Lay out the sprinklers and system piping. 

The design layout must follow NFPA 13, manufacturers’ data sheets, and any local codes or amendments. Based on the sprinkler layout, the designer will then lay out the system piping, making sure to connect the heads to each other via the piping and routing around obstacles in the most hydraulically efficient manner. 

  1. Perform the hydraulic calculations. 

The designer must verify the system layout with hydraulic calculations utilising the water source determined during the water supply analysis phase. The designer will calculate the most hydraulically demanding area of the system to a predetermined density (volume of water over area) that has been decided upon (typically derived from code) based on the hazard. The results of these calculations will determine if the water supply is adequate to support the system. If the supply is insufficient, the designer can upsize the piping or add a water tank/fire pump.  A fire pump will aid the water supply if a lack of pressure is the issue, and a tank will supply water if volume is the issue. 

  1. Obtain AHJ approval of the designs. 

The fire sprinkler system design needs to be reviewed and approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.  

  1. Prepare for system installation. 

The designer will then move to stock listing, which is the process of selecting the materials required for fabrication based on the design plans. Based on this list of materials, the designer will order the correct components, then the system will be fabricated and installed.  

  1.  Await system inspection and final approval. 

The AHJ performs an inspection following the system installation. The designer is typically involved during this phase directly through design and/or indirectly through answering questions and being a resource for those performing the inspection. 

Fire sprinkler design field 

The role of the fire sprinkler designer is instrumental throughout the process of developing a fire sprinkler system, making it an invaluable and much-needed role in the fire protection engineering field. Designers can find careers with engineering firms, fire sprinkler contractors, and property insurance companies. 

As long as buildings are being built, there will be a need for fire sprinkler designers, making it a stable and future-proof profession. 

About the Author

Jacob Ford, Fire Sprinkler Design Team Lead at Telgian Engineering and Consulting, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 19 plus years. He is NICET certified in Water Based Systems Layout and has worked on a wide variety of projects ranging from foam systems, clean agent, aircraft hangers, hospitals, gamma knife facility, clean rooms, large data centers, sports training facilities, etc. Starting his career as an apprentice pipefitter and moving to a designer role shortly after college, Jacob is a demonstrated leader in the fire protection field having held several leadership, training, consulting, and management roles in both the contracting and engineering sectors of fire protection.

This was originally published in the December 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Telgian at 40: From a small consultancy to global safety provider

by Breaking NewsSafety

Telgian marks 40th anniversary in Phoenix

Telgian has celebrated its 40th anniversary at its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, US, highlighting four decades of fire, life safety and security work.

The company said the anniversary event took place in November, with the press announcement issued on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

According to Telgian, the business was founded in 1985 as a small consulting firm focused on fire protection.

Over time, it has developed into a global organisation delivering services for tens of thousands of facilities around the world.

The company added that some of the world’s best-known brands now rely on its teams to help protect people and property.

Four decades of fire and life safety services

Telgian reported that its current service offering covers fire protection engineering and design, inspection, testing and maintenance.

The company also provides risk mitigation support for a wide range of occupancies.

These services are intended to help organisations manage the full spectrum of fire and life safety needs in a single programme.

According to Telgian, this approach is designed to keep facilities compliant with changing codes and standards.

The company also pointed to its focus on innovation and adaptability in response to a changing regulatory environment.

It stated that new technologies and evolving risks require ongoing development of both technical solutions and service delivery models.

Telgian said its goal is to give customers confidence in their ability to operate safely while meeting regulatory expectations.

Leadership highlights Telgian culture and future focus

Jim Tomes, CEO of Telgian Holdings, said: “Reaching 40 years is a milestone that reflects the passion, dedication, and expertise of our entire Telgian team.

“Our mission has always been clear: protect lives and enable our customers to operate with confidence.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing the industry through forward-thinking solutions and a customer-centric approach.”

Telgian described this mission as central to how the organisation plans its future growth and investment.

The company also highlighted the role of its internal culture in shaping its development over time.

Russ Leavitt, Chairman of Telgian, said: “What began as a small group with a bold vision has become a company recognized worldwide for excellence and innovation.

“We’ve earned the trust of some of the most respected brands in the world by listening, partnering, and consistently delivering.

“That trust is the foundation of our next 40 years.”

Customers recognise Telgian’s role in compliance and safety

To mark the anniversary, Telgian hosted a celebratory event at its Phoenix headquarters attended by representatives from several global brands.

The company said attendees used the event to reflect on long-standing partnerships and the role Telgian plays in their safety programmes.

Customer representatives described how the company helps them remain compliant and safe across their operations.

According to Telgian, speakers also linked this work to the experience of associates and customers using their facilities.

One senior executive from a Fortune 100 company shared: “For decades, we have relied on Telgian as our trusted partner in fire protection and life safety.

“Telgian has helped shape how we design and implement fire protection, from performance-based design to emerging risks and code development – always keeping our associates and customers safe.

“Congratulations, Telgian, on 40 years of excellence.”

Telgian stated that as it enters its fifth decade, it plans to expand technological capabilities and deepen customer relationships.

The company said these steps are intended to advance its mission to create safer workplaces and communities worldwide.

Telgian to present fire alarm system commissioning webinar

by EventsFeatured NewsFire DetectionTraining

Webinar to explore fire alarm commissioning in the US

Telgian has announced that Jim Burian, Regional Practice Leader at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, will lead a Fire Smarts webinar on fire alarm system commissioning on 14 August 2025.

According to the company, the 90-minute session will outline how commissioning ensures fire alarm systems are installed and operate according to design specifications.

The firm said the event will cover the goals of fire alarm commissioning, testing of components, documentation procedures, and stakeholder communication.

The session will take place from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time.

Registration for the session is open to fire protection professionals across the United States.

Commissioning process and testing procedures

According to Telgian, commissioning involves a verification and documentation process confirming that a fire alarm system functions according to its intended design.

The company said the session will examine how to test initiating devices for alarm conditions and tamper switches for supervisory alerts.

It added that the session will also review the verification of notification appliances during alarm scenarios.

Participants will be guided through each stage of the commissioning process.

Burian is expected to explain how commissioning impacts system performance and code compliance.

Documentation and stakeholder responsibilities

Telgian stated that the webinar will include a segment focused on documentation best practices.

The firm said this will include guidance on how commissioning information should be formatted and stored.

It added that guidance will also be given on how documents should be distributed to relevant parties.

The process is expected to include recommendations for improving traceability and accountability across stakeholders.

Telgian said documentation is a critical part of system handover.

Presenter background and qualifications

According to Telgian, Jim Burian brings extensive experience in fire protection design and compliance.

The company said he has led teams of engineers, designers and code consultants on projects across the Mid-West.

It added that he has managed product safety and compliance initiatives involving UL testing and approvals.

Burian holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

He is the current Chair of the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and an active member of AIA Chicago.

Course relevance for fire safety professionals

Telgian said the webinar is aimed at engineers, contractors, and code officials involved in fire alarm system design and installation.

It explained that the content will be relevant to both new system installations and upgrades.

The firm said the session will also provide insights for professionals involved in inspection and maintenance.

Burian will provide examples and case-based guidance during the session.

The company said continuing education credits may be available through Fire Smarts.

Telgian to present fire alarm system commissioning webinar: Summary

Telgian has announced a webinar on fire alarm system commissioning.

Jim Burian will lead the session on 14 August 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ET.

The session will cover commissioning goals, testing procedures, documentation, and stakeholder responsibilities.

Burian is Regional Practice Leader at Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and chairs the SPFE Chicago Chapter.

He has led design and compliance teams across the Mid-West.

The webinar will be hosted by Fire Smarts.

It is open to professionals involved in fire alarm system design, installation, and compliance.

Telgian announces three senior leadership promotions in United States

by Featured NewsPeople

Telgian promotes Schaid, Milbourne and Gaskill to new executive roles

Telgian Fire Safety has announced a series of internal promotions to senior leadership roles in the United States.

According to Telgian Fire Safety, the changes are part of its ongoing efforts to support business operations and organisational leadership nationwide.

Jeff Schaid has been appointed Executive Vice President, moving from his previous position as Vice President of Field Operations.

Alex Milbourne has been promoted to Vice President of Finance, having served as Accounting Director.

Dave Gaskill has taken on the role of Senior Vice President of Sales following his work as Strategic Account Executive.

Schaid to lead national business operations

Telgian said Jeff Schaid’s new role will involve overseeing all strategic and operational functions across the company’s business units.

As Executive Vice President, Schaid will be responsible for managing work teams nationwide and aligning performance through training and development.

His role will include setting goals, providing direction and mentorship, and driving consistency in performance outcomes.

The company said this marks a shift from his previous focus on field operations to a broader national remit.

Schaid has worked in multiple operational leadership roles within the organisation before this appointment.

Milbourne appointed Vice President of Finance

As Vice President of Finance, Alex Milbourne will lead Telgian’s financial management activities, according to the company.

He will oversee budget preparation, financial reporting and analysis, and payroll-related processes.

The company said Milbourne had built a strong record in financial oversight and planning while serving as Accounting Director.

His new role formalises his responsibilities and expands his remit across operational finance.

Milbourne’s appointment is intended to strengthen financial oversight and reporting across all departments.

Gaskill steps into expanded sales leadership role

Dave Gaskill has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales.

In this role, he will align the company’s sales goals with its broader strategic objectives, the company explained.

Gaskill will oversee sales planning, forecasting and budgeting, and lead business development efforts.

His responsibilities also include supporting new account onboarding and enhancing the customer experience.

According to Telgian, Gaskill’s past role as Strategic Account Executive involved working across operational and client teams.

Company statement on the leadership updates

Dan Vandergriff, President of Telgian Fire Safety, commented on the appointments: “These promotions reflect our confidence in the leadership and capabilities of Jeff, Alex, and Dave.”

He added:
“Each has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our mission and values.”

He said:
“We are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make in their expanded roles.”

Telgian promotes Schaid, Milbourne and Gaskill to new executive roles: Summary

Telgian Fire Safety has announced three leadership promotions in the United States.

Jeff Schaid has been named Executive Vice President.

He previously served as Vice President of Field Operations.

Schaid will now oversee national business operations.

Alex Milbourne has been appointed Vice President of Finance.

He was formerly Accounting Director.

Milbourne will lead budgeting and financial reporting.

Dave Gaskill has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales.

He previously held the role of Strategic Account Executive.

Gaskill’s new responsibilities include sales strategy, planning and client onboarding.

All promotions were confirmed by Telgian Fire Safety.

Company President Dan Vandergriff issued a public statement about t

Measuring modern risks: Telgian’s approach to risk-led fire protection strategy

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringFire SuppressionIFSJ ExclusivesPassiveResearch

Ralph Bless, Executive Vice President of Innovation & Excellence at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, shares insights into how engineering can shift fire safety from compliance to risk-led thinking

Industry leaders pushing for more meaningful testing protocols and a sharper focus on managing actual risk – chief among them is Ralph Bless, Executive Vice President of Innovation & Excellence at Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

Bless has been in the fire protection industry for over 43 years, beginning in sprinkler system design before moving into code consulting and engineering.

He is a licensed engineer in six states, holds multiple certifications and sits on six NFPA technical committees – currently chairing three, including NFPA 13’s Installation (SSI).

Now managing Telgian’s fire test program, he oversees all large- and medium-scale testing.

Drawing on decades of experience, including 26 years at Telgian, Bless shares how the industry can shift from a compliance-based mindset to one grounded in real-world performance and risk awareness.

In this interview, we discuss why fire testing methods need to change, how advocacy influences standards and what role engineering has in helping clients make better-informed safety decisions.

What types of clients or sectors does your team typically support in fire protection engineering?

It’s a wide range – commercial, retail, supply chain, warehousing, healthcare and some utility infrastructure, mainly power plants and similar facilities.

We also support governmental clients.

For testing, the primary focus has been on manufacturing, storage and retail.

While testing is an important part of our work, it’s actually a relatively small part in terms of revenue and overall effort.

Testing for our clients tends to be targeted on those cases that can affect one very large project or multiple sites..

Most of our testing is done at UL’s lab in Northbrook, Illinois, near Chicago, but we also test globally.

I have tests scheduled in China next month, we’re planning for Europe next year and we’re working on setting up our first test in Japan.

How would you describe the current state of fire testing within the industry?

I’d say there’s increased interest and use of fire testing across clients worldwide.

There’s growing recognition that many codes and standards are based on testing done 10 to 50 years ago and a lot has changed since then.

We wouldn’t use a 10-year-old phone today, let alone rely only on standards built on tests from 50 years ago.

While much of that data is still valid and works well for typical scenarios, technology, commodities and methods of storage and use has moved on.

We now have automated storage and retrieval systems, new healthcare setups and changes in how goods are delivered – often within hours.

That means packing more into smaller spaces and past testing doesn’t always reflect that.

One major challenge is access to nationally recognised labs that have the space, time and expertise to do the testing.

We currently test about half the year – somewhere between 20 and 25 weeks annually.

This year, we’ll probably hit 24, maybe even 26 weeks, depending on whether we can find lab space.

That’s a real issue – we’re not the only ones trying to run tests.

Where do you think current testing methods fall short in addressing real-world risk?

One of the positives with lab testing is that you can test exactly what you want – how you plan to use a space.

That’s great, but it takes time.

It can take three to nine months just to develop the test plan, agree on the scope and secure lab space.

A big challenge is limited access to labs.

Not many new labs are being built and the ones we have are getting older.

Most aren’t as tall as needed.

We’re designing buildings that are 30 meters or more – 45 meters is the tallest I’ve worked on – but most labs are capped at 15 to 20 meters.

So you have to find ways to simulate those conditions.

Lab space is one issue and having people with experience – both in the lab and on your team – is another.

You need people who understand the testing process and can guide you through it.

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is clients rushing into tests without a clear plan.

Some come to us after the fact because they didn’t know what they were trying to learn or how to use the results.

You need to ask: What are the benefits, what are the risks and how will I use this data, even if the outcome isn’t what I expected?

What does a risk-informed approach to fire protection mean in practice?

When I think about a risk-based approach to fire protection, I reflect on how most systems – sprinklers, alarms – are designed using prescriptive methods.

You open a code, a standard, or a data sheet and follow what it says.

But that’s not truly assessing risk.

A risk-based approach asks: where is the fire most likely to start and where should the sprinklers go to ensure early activation and control – not because that’s what the code says, but because it’s the most effective placement.

It’s about using the tools we have and understanding how the facility operates, so we can apply risk management methods in a meaningful way.

You need to prioritise protection based on the highest risks.

Some areas have minimal fire risk or limited operational impact.

A small corner store fire is serious, but it likely won’t affect the wider community.

But a fire in a hospital or utility could disrupt services for thousands.

That’s why the risk context matters.

We use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling to evaluate sprinkler placement and large-scale testing to validate those models.

The models have improved over the past 10–15 years, but they’re still not enough on their own.

You can’t yet rely on a model to predict how a fire will behave and be suppressed.

You still need real-world proof.

Lastly, risk-based protection requires continuous improvement.

Countless customers we’ve worked with on fire testing have returned with new innovations.

These companies want faster throughput, more compact storage and larger buildings.

All of that changes the original assumptions, which brings them back to testing again – to verify protection and reduce business interruption.

You can meet code with a prescriptive system, but that doesn’t always mean you’ve reduced risk the way you need to.

In what ways does advocacy play a part in improving fire safety standards?

Advocacy is huge.

Most of our clients are in industries that have nothing to do with fire protection – healthcare, retail distribution, manufacturing.

Their core business isn’t fire safety, but every business has a risk appetite.

Some are willing to take more risk, others are more cautious.

To advocate effectively – for the client and for the community – you first have to understand where the client is coming from and explain the benefits in clear terms.

For example, I can say: if there’s an incident, reopening this building might take six months.

But if you do it right, it might only take three or four days.

That kind of impact matters to both the business and the community.

 We can reduce the size of the fire, the risk to emergency responders and the impact to the business.

 In allowing the business to return to functioning quicker, the community can still be served by the business.

Advocacy happens in two parts.

First, with the client – building a relationship, helping them understand their risks and showing how fire protection helps meet their business goals.

Then, once we’ve done the testing and have results, we advocate to the broader community – explaining why our approach, even if different from the code, is appropriate and more effective.

One example comes from sprinkler design.

Codes are written around either controlling or suppressing a fire – not extinguishing it.

Control means the fire holds steady until the fire department arrives.

Suppression reduces it, but doesn’t fully put the fire out.

Extinguishment goes beyond that and although it’s not a design requirement, interest in it is growing.

Advocacy matters – not just for the client, but also to show the community that doing something beyond the code can make a real difference.

How can building owners or facility managers better use fire testing data in their risk decisions?

First, they need to start using it.

There’s growing interest, but many don’t realise this is even an option.

Every building code, fire code and standard I’ve worked with around the world allows for fire testing.

They need to understand where the value is and how to engage with the process.

It starts with recognising their specific risks.

Then they need to ask: how is what I’m doing different from the current standard and how can I improve protection? This ties back to the earlier risk question – just because a system is code compliant doesn’t mean it meets your risk appetite.

A code-compliant system might mean you lose everything inside the building, but the structure stays intact.

That might be acceptable in some temporary-use cases, but for most facilities we work with, that level of risk – even if technically compliant – isn’t really acceptable.

This was originally published in the June 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here. 

Telgian opens new Denver office to expand regional fire protection services

by Featured NewsPeople

Expansion driven by demand for local support in Western US

Telgian has announced the opening of a new office in Denver, Colorado, in response to growing demand for fire protection and life safety services in the Western United States.

The company said the Denver location will serve as a regional hub to improve access to services across Colorado and neighbouring states.

According to Telgian, the decision to open the new office reflects requests from clients for more locally based expertise and quicker response times.

The firm added that this move would allow it to better support both new and existing projects with its established range of fire protection engineering and code consulting services.

Appointment of Paul Seifert as regional practice leader

Telgian confirmed that Paul Seifert has been appointed as the Regional Practice Leader to oversee the new Denver operation.

Seifert is a fire protection and life safety engineer with over seven years of experience in the field.

The company noted that he is a member of several professional bodies, including the National Fire Protection Association, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and the American Fire Sprinkler Association.

Leonard Ramo, President of Telgian Engineering & Consulting, said: “Our clients are asking for more localised support and access to expert resources as they grow and expand, and we are responding.

“Opening a Denver office and bringing Paul on board are key steps in ensuring we continue to meet – and exceed – those expectations.”

Range of services offered by the new office

Telgian stated that its Denver office will provide a full range of consultancy services related to fire safety, emergency planning, and security risk management.

The services available include fire protection engineering, building code consulting, emergency response planning, and assessments of security risks for facilities and infrastructure.

The company said these offerings are designed to support clients throughout the lifecycle of a project, from initial design through to operational compliance.

It added that having a dedicated team based in the region will help improve coordination and service delivery for complex and multi-site projects.

Denver site to act as a regional delivery hub

The new location will function as a central point for operations across the wider Western US, Telgian explained.

It noted that increased activity in the construction, manufacturing, and public service sectors had created a need for expanded fire and life safety support in the area.

The firm said that the office will play a key role in servicing regional markets with a focus on reliability and responsiveness.

Telgian added that the expansion aligns with its long-term strategy to improve geographic reach and service proximity for clients.

Telgian opens new Denver office to expand regional fire protection services: Summary

Telgian has opened a new office in Denver, Colorado.

The company said the expansion was prompted by increased client demand in the Western US.

The new site will serve as a hub for regional operations.

Paul Seifert has been appointed as Regional Practice Leader.

Seifert has over seven years of experience in fire protection and life safety engineering.

He is affiliated with NFPA, SFPE, NFSA, and AFSA.

The Denver office will offer services including fire protection engineering, code consulting, and emergency management.

Telgian said the move will support better service delivery for local projects.

It noted that clients had asked for more accessible and localised support.

The company said the site will also handle security risk consulting work.

Leonard Ramo is President of Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

He said the new office and Seifert’s appointment will help meet client expectations.

The company stated that Western US sectors such as construction and public services require expanded safety services.

Telgian plans to use the site to improve responsiveness and geographic coverage.

The firm confirmed the Denver location is already operational.

Daniel Vandergriff returns to Telgian as President of Telgian Fire Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Daniel Vandergriff’s return to Telgian

Telgian CEO James Tomes recently announced the reappointment of Daniel Vandergriff as President of Telgian Fire Safety (TFS).

According to Telgian, Vandergriff’s new role includes responsibility for mergers and acquisitions, sales, finance, and vendor management within TFS operations.

Vandergriff, who has over three decades of industry experience, previously served in various leadership capacities at Telgian between 2007 and 2023, including Executive Vice President of Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

Experience prior to returning to Telgian

Before rejoining Telgian, Vandergriff served as Chief Operating Officer at HurtVet, a federal government contractor specialising in fire, life safety, and security services.

Throughout his career, Vandergriff has focused on developing and implementing operations strategies and performance metrics to achieve measurable success.

Additionally, he is a recognised expert in the fire protection and engineering field, regularly contributing through lectures and publications.

Leadership qualities highlighted

Telgian CEO James Tomes praised Vandergriff’s leadership abilities: “Dan is a visionary and results-driven business leader.

“His innovative initiatives and commitment to excellence align seamlessly with Telgian Fire Safety’s mission to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

“We are delighted to welcome Dan back to Telgian.”

Vandergriff’s qualifications and certifications

Vandergriff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Wayland Baptist University.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1995 to 2004, where he worked as a firefighter in various global locations.

Vandergriff’s professional certifications include Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Fire Officer III, ICC Fire Plans Examiner, IFSAC/ICC Fire Inspector III, and NICET II certification for Fire Sprinkler Layout and Design.

Daniel Vandergriff appointed President of Telgian Fire Safety: Summary

Telgian CEO James Tomes has announced the return of Daniel Vandergriff to Telgian, where he will serve as President of Telgian Fire Safety.

Vandergriff will oversee mergers, acquisitions, sales, finance, and vendor management.

With over 30 years of experience in the fire safety industry, Vandergriff has held leadership roles at both Telgian and HurtVet.

Telgian CEO Tomes described Vandergriff as a visionary and results-driven leader whose skills align with Telgian Fire Safety’s objectives.

In addition to his extensive professional background, Vandergriff holds degrees in Business Administration and Fire Science, alongside certifications such as CFPS and NICET II.

He also served as a firefighter in the United States Air Force from 1995 to 2004.