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August 10, 2018

2018 Hall of Fame Honorees

Pictured L-R: Rick Coppola, Sr. Sales Representative, Oliver Fire Protection; Chairman, PenJerDel NFSA Chapter and 2018 Honoree John Waters

Congratulations to the 2018 NFSA Mid-Atlantic Region Area II Hall of Fame honorees!

Five outstanding individuals have been inducted into the National Fire Sprinkler Association Area II Hall of Fame.

The leadership of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) Mid-Atlantic Region recently selected the 2018 honorees based on their dedication to promoting fire safety and commitment to advancing the fire sprinkler concept which saves lives and property.

“The leadership of the NFSA Mid-Atlantic Region created the Hall of Fame as a way to honor and remember those who have done so much for the fire sprinkler industry locally,” said David Kurasz, Executive Director of NJFSAB and the PenJerDel Chapter. “The inductees are extraordinary people doing even more extraordinary work.”

The Hall of Fame was established in 2010 and has inducted 23 members since its inception. The 2018 recipients were honored with a special plaque and recognized during an awards banquet and ceremony.

2018 Honorees:

  • John Waters, Chief Fire Official of the Upper Merion Township Fire Department in Pa., and Field Service Coordinator to the NFSA. Waters has been a tireless advocate for years. His efforts in Upper Merion led to nearly every building being sprinklered. He did not stop there, however, and has since worked throughout the state of Pennsylvania to advocate for fire sprinklers.

    Pictured L-R: Kent Mezaros, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the NFSA and CEO of Quick Response Fire Protection, Freehold; Honoree Mike Stango and Carole Stango

  • Mike Stango of Accu-Fire Fabrication in Morrisville, Pa.  Stango has spent 49 years in the fire protection industry. His professionalism and dedication served as an inspiration to all of those in his company and the industry. He also helped to advance the mission of NFSA with his service on the Board of Directors.
  • Charlie Hamilton of Northeast Fire Protection in Blairstown, N.J. Hamilton been in the fire sprinkler industry since the 1970s. One of his numerous accomplishments during his 40 plus years of service included selflessly working to help his local American Legion Hall with their fire protection system. Hamilton is known for always doing the right thing, no matter what the risk. (No photo available)
  • Vina Drennan of Common Voices in New York, N.Y.  Drennan was honored for her bravery and turning her personal tragedy into a powerful message. After her husband, Captain John Drennan, passed away responding to an apartment fire, she worked throughout the country to advocate for fire sprinklers. Her successful advocacy will continue to save lives every day.

    Pictured L-R: Vickie Pritchett, NFSA Director, Outreach & Government Relations; 2018 Honoree Vina Drennan and her grandchildren Emily and Abigail

  • Jim Dalton, Director of Public Fire Protection and a Senior Policy Advisor for the NFSA. Dalton was recognized as one of the greatest champions of the fire sprinkler cause. His work in Washington, D.C., ensured that fire sprinklers had a place in tax reform. He continues to advocate for sprinklers even after retirement. (No photo available)

Congratulations to this year’s inductees, without their hard work and dedication, the work of the NFSA and NJFSAB would not be possible.

August 10, 2018

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