Todd Short and Adam Levine recognised for their tireless commitment to fire safety

The American Fire Sprinkler Association has announced the recipients of its 2023 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year and Young Professional of the Year awards.

Redmond Fire Department Fire Marshal, Todd Short, has been bestowed the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award.

This recognition comes for his lifelong dedication to fire safety and his efforts in educating the public on the benefits of fire sprinklers.

As assistant fire marshal for the Redmond, Washington, Fire Department, Short played a crucial role in the adoption of the city’s residential fire sprinkler ordinance.

This ordinance mandates the installation of fire sprinklers in all newly built single- and multi-family homes.

He also contributed significantly to the creation of the Best Practices Forum. This forum facilitates industry collaboration on fire sprinkler best practices, from permit application to final inspection.

Industry professionals and fire sprinkler advocates unite

Short’s commitment extends beyond his local jurisdiction. He’s an active participant in the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals, International Residential Code Technical Advisory Group, and currently leads the Washington State Fire Marshal Coalition.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association developed the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to commend individuals not directly in the fire sprinkler industry but have made significant contributions towards advancing the sector.

Adam Levine named AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year

Meanwhile, Adam Levine, P.E., president of Capitol Fire Sprinkler, Woodside, New York, has earned the accolade of Young Professional of the Year for 2023.

Levine is celebrated for his technical prowess, professionalism, and leadership skills, both in his business and at the national level.

After graduating with a degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, Levine joined Capitol Sprinkler full-time in 2009. Later, he secured his MBA in entrepreneurship in 2011 from Baruch College.

Levine is also a respected member of the NFPA 14 Technical Committee and volunteers his time to maintain the standards set by NFPA.

Fire sprinkler industry celebrates upcoming talent

Kevin Hall, senior manager of engineering and technical services for AFSA, commended Levine: “Adam volunteers a significant amount of time to the industry and has facilitated AFSA’s involvement with the New York Fire Sprinkler Contractor’s Association.”

Both Short and Levine will receive their respective awards during the general session at the AFSA42 Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, scheduled for September 6-9 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

For more information about the event and to register, visit the AFSA42 website.

About the American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association is an organisation that aims to promote the adoption and proper use of fire sprinklers. Through advocacy, education and awareness, the association works to ensure that fire sprinkler systems are more widely understood and utilised to save lives and property.

IFSJ Comment

Awards such as these are crucial in recognising the contributions of those working tirelessly to advance fire safety.

The honourees, Todd Short and Adam Levine, demonstrate the vast impact individuals can make towards fire safety, from local ordinance change to national-level influence.

We congratulate both recipients on their well-deserved accolades.

Their accomplishments remind us of the significant role fire sprinklers play in protecting lives and property.