Society of Fire Protection Engineers Blog

March 30, 2010 is the Deadline to Submit Presentation Abstracts for the SFPE Engineering Technology Conference

2010-03-09T09:17:00.003-05:00

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is seeking high quality presentations to be presented at the SFPE Engineering Technology Conference being held on October 4-5, 2010 at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Engineering Technology Confernce highlights advanced and cutting-edge presentations on practices in fire protection engineering that are used to protect people, property and the environment from fire. This is the ONLY forum designed to address today's challenges in fire protection engineering.

Presentations will be selected based on quality and relevance to advancing fire protection engineering practice. Abstracts should be approximately one page and provide sufficient details regarding the scope, results, and applications to determine the quality and applicability of the engineering concepts that would be presented. Presentations should be noncommercial in nature.

Abstracts are due March 30, 2010. (Abstract Guidelines) Submit all materials to Julie Gordon, SFPE, 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 620E, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA or via email at jgordon@sfpe.org.

SFPE Member Makes Engineering Week Presentation at Arizona High School

2010-03-02T08:36:00.005-05:00

As part of the Greater Phoenix Area Engineering Week activities, SFPE Professional Member Scott Grainger made two presentations about the profession of fire protection engineering at the Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Arizona. Both presentations were made to the High School’s Introduction to Engineering classes.

“Both classes were very responsive,” said Grainger. “There were lots of questions and interest shown by the students and the teacher.”

If you or your local SFPE Chapter is interested in making a presentation about the profession of fire protection engineering at a local high school, please contact SFPE Headquarters at chris@sfpe.org if you need assistance.

SFPE Chicago Chapter Participates in DuPage Engineering Week EXPO

2010-02-24T14:46:00.005-05:00

The Chicago Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) participated in the 26th Annual DuPage Area Engineers Week Expo. This event was held on February 20, 2010 at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus in Wheaton, Illinois.

The expo provides children and adults alike with the opportunity to experience and explore the many fields of engineering through a series of interactive displays and presentations.

“Local career events like this play an essential role in getting the message out that fire protection engineering is an exciting rewarding career,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz.

During this event the members from the SFPE Chicago Chapter passed out numerous copies of the SFPE Guide to Careers in Fire Protection Engineering and the Chemistry of Fire DVD.

March 26, 2010 is Deadline to Submit an Application for the Sarah B. Bryan Memorial Scholarship

2010-02-16T16:26:00.001-05:00

The Sarah B. Bryan Memorial Scholarship provides at least one annual scholarship award of at least $5,000 for female undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland.

Each applicant must:

Be a female undergraduate with sophomore, junior, or senior academic standing in the
Department of Fire Protection Engineering

Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 grade points upon submitting her application

Have a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering

Have relevant fire protection experience

The deadline to submit an application is March 26, 2010. To find out more and to download an application go to http://sfpe.org/upload/fpe_s_bryan_scholarhsipbro_final.pdf.

European Students Can Still Apply for the Erasmus Mundus International Master in Fire Safety Engineering

2010-02-10T10:30:00.005-05:00

The first application round for the International Master in Fire Safety Engineering (IMFSE) was a real success. More than 100 non-European students applied for the program.

The deadline for non-European students is now closed, but European students can still apply through the application forms available through this link.

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A Bachelor's degree or a recognized equivalent from an accredited institution (minimum 3 years full-time study or 180 ECTS credits) in civil / structural / mechanical / electrical / chemical / industrial engineering, material sciences, chemistry, physics, applied physics, architecture, urbanism and spatial planning or a related discipline. Students in their last year of such a Bachelor programme will however also be considered.

Sufficient English language ability.

The two-years program starts for the first time in September, 2010.

Further information can be found on: http://www.imfse.ugent.be

SFPE Participates in NASFM Green Buildings Working Group

2010-02-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has received an Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the US Department of Homeland Security for a project entitled "Fire Safety and Green Buildings: Bridging the Gap." Its objective is to develop and share information for both code enforcement officials and first responders to address the fire safety gap that currently exists in the interface between established fire safety practices and the new building technologies and criteria being employed in "green" building design.

SFPE is part of a Working Group that will advise on the project and develop an agenda for needed educational materials; development of an interactive forum/online clearinghouse for outreach and sharing of information; and guideline publications for use by authorities having jurisdiction and first responders.

To find out more visit the NASFM website at http://www.firemarshals.org/.

The SFPE LinkedIn Group Now Has Over 1,000 Members

2010-02-01T09:52:00.005-05:00

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) LinkedIn Group now has over 1,000 members. It's been less then two years since the group was started and less than a year since this group became officially affiliated with SFPE.

According to LinkIn, LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. Members can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals.

“The group has evolved to a forum where people can get answers from the very experts in the field - something that I myself have found useful many times,” said SFPE LinkedIn Group Administrator Michael Stromgren. “I urge you to use this collaborative resource - start discussions, spread the news and connect!”

To find out more about this Group go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=96627&trk=hb_side_g.

How to Study for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam in Fire Protection Seminar to be Held on March 15-16, 2010

2010-01-26T09:48:00.005-05:00

The two-day (SFPE) How to Study for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam in Fire Protection Seminar will be Held on March 15-16, 2010 at the 6th Annual SFPE Greater Atlanta Fire Safety Conference. The Conference will be located at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia.

The goal of this seminar is to assist each attendee in formulating a preparation strategy for obtaining a passing grade in the PE Exam in Fire Protection. The seminar scope includes an overview of the exam process, a review of each of the five fire protection topics comprising the technical scope of the exam, and a discussion of resource materials such as handbooks, fire codes and standards. The second day of the course will be a sample test workshop, including determining the solution to a sample problem from each of the five subject areas.

To register and to find out more about the seminar and the 6th Annual SFPE Greater Atlanta Chapter Fire Safety Conference go to https://sfpeatlanta.org/events_conference.htm.

SFPE Issues a Call for Presentations for its 2010 Engineering Technology Conference

2010-01-21T08:26:00.004-05:00

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is seeking high quality presentations of cutting-edge fire protection engineering practice and tools to be presented at SFPE Engineering Technology Conference being held October 4-5, 2010. The Conference will be part of the SFPE 2010 Annual Meeting that will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, LA, USA.

“This is the premier annual educational event for professionals who use science and technology to make our world safe from fire,” said Chris Jelenewicz, Engineering Program Manager at SFPE. “This is truly a unique educational opportunity.”

Presentations will be selected based on quality and relevance to advancing fire protection engineering practice. Abstracts should be approximately one page and provide sufficient details regarding the scope, results, and applications to determine the quality and applicability of the engineering concepts that would be presented. Presentations should be noncommercial in nature.

Abstracts are due March 30, 2010. Submittal requirements can be found at www.sfpe.org.

SFPE Executive Director Presents Charter to Jacksonville Chapter

2010-01-18T06:57:00.005-05:00

SFPE Executive Director, Allan Freedman, presented our newest chapter its charter on January 14, 2010 in Jacksonville Florida. The chapter formed in February of last year.

Present in the photo are the 2009 Chapter officers including President Steve Kowkabany P.E. of Neptune Fire Protection Engineering, Vice President Zarko Ognjenovic, P.E. of Milton J. Wood Fire Protection and Secretary/Treasurer John Ordile, P.E. of W.W. Gay Fire Protection.

The chapter started last year with twelve members and are adding more each month.

Freedman noted that “this chapter is hitting on all cylinders. In addition to bringing local area FPEs together, the chapter is successfully building a network with Jacksonville area fire departments, AHJs, architects, contractors and others.”

The chapter’s signature annual event is offered in partnership with the Jacksonville Fire Department. The day-long program brings FPEs and invited guests to the fire department’s major training center for a mix of classroom and hands-on demonstrations of fire fighting techniques and to see fire protection systems in action.

Registration is Now Open for the 8th International Conference on Performance-Based Codes and Fire Safety Design Methods in Lund, Sweden

2010-01-14T10:16:00.014-05:00

The 8th International Conference on Performance-Based Codes and Fire Safety Design Methods will be held on 16-18 June 2010 in Lund University, Sweden.

Performance-based fire protection design continues to grow in use and acceptance. However, fire protection engineering has not reached the state of other engineering disciplines, where performance-based design is the norm. Because it is an advancing field, major new developments occur at a rapid pace.

Starting in 1996, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), along with several partner organizations, has held a biennial conference to showcase the state-of-the-art in performance-based code approaches and engineering design methods. In 2010, this conference will return to Sweden, a country that boasts more fire engineers per capita than any other nation in the world.

"This conference has earned a reputation among the fire protection engineering community as the preeminent event for information on the leading-edge technology in the areas of performance-based design methods,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris
Jelenewicz.

Papers will be presented on newly emerging technologies, as well as perspectives on approaches that have worked well, and approaches that have not worked as well as originally desired. Advance Registration is available through Friday, 30 April 2010. To register and find out more information click HERE.

Robert Jönsson, FSFPE, Takes Office as President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers for 2010

2010-01-12T10:08:00.007-05:00

Robert Jönsson takes office as President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) for 2010. Jönsson currently is the Chairman of the Department of Fire Safety Engineering and Systems Safety at Lund University in Sweden.

Jönsson who will become the first SFPE president to reside outside North America has served on the Society’s Board of Directors since 2002 and is an SFPE Fellow. SFPE Fellows represent a distinguished group of members who have attained significant stature and accomplishment in engineering.

“At Lund University Jönsson has made significant contributions to the profession of fire protection engineering by advancing the science and technology that makes people and property safe from fire,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz. “He is widely recognized for making the program at Lund University one of the preeminent fire safety engineering schools in the world.”

In 1981 Jönsson became a faculty member at Lund and was promoted to Department Head in 1985. He was the driving force behind the planning and implementation of the fire protection engineering program and is still course manager for a number of courses. He was also responsible for starting an MSc program in Risk Management and Safety Engineering at Lund.

Jönsson holds an MSc in Civil and Structural Engineering from Lund University and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley he studied structural engineering and mechanics under the supervision of Professor Brady Williamson. He previously served on the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning where he was responsible for the formulation of the Swedish Building Regulations.

Changes Approved to Canons of Ethics for Fire Protection Engineers

2010-01-08T11:46:00.002-05:00

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Board of Directors has approved changes proposed by the SFPE Ethics Committee to the Canons of Ethics for Fire Protection Engineers. The complete text of the Canons can be found at http://www.sfpe.org/Profession/Canon.aspx. The changes can be summarized as follows:

In Canon 4, "respects the environment" was changed to "considers consequences to the environment." This change was made because "respects" is an undefined term which may be interpreted differently by different people.

In Canon 6, "their professional qualifications" was added to the list of items that fire protection engineers shall be honest and truthful in presenting. Misrepresentation of professional qualifications was the subject of a recent ethics complaint.

In Canon 12, an editorial change was made to reflect that the Canons are not a "code."

Canon 15 was deleted because it was redundant with Canon #5.

The SFPE Mid-South Chapter Seeking Information About Scholarship Information

2010-01-06T15:04:00.002-05:00

The SFPE Mid-South Chapter is considering starting a scholarship program and we wanted to canvass the chapters to gain information from those chapters that have already established a program. So I guess the posting would be something like the following.

“The Mid-South Chapter located in Memphis, TN would like to get information regarding the establishment of a scholarship program. We are asking those chapters that have already established a program provide information concerning their scholarship program. In particular we would like to get examples of written programs, information on the recipient selection process, a process of selecting qualifying college programs, financial control and funding, IRS implications and other related topics. Please send information to Jerry Vuoso at jerryvuoso@att.net. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Guylene Prolux Appointed to the Order of Canada

2010-01-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced the appointment of Guylene Proulx to the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is the highest civilian award in Canada. To find out more go to http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13469.

Guylène Proulx, who passed away on December 1, 2009 received her Ph.D. in architectural planning/environmental psychology from the Université de Montréal in 1992, following which she joined the Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada (NRC) to conduct research in human factors related to fire. For that research, she received international acclaim from all of the diverse interests in the fire safety community.

Her research included investigations in: human response to fire alarms, fire alarm audibility and signal recognition, effectiveness and impact of voice communication messages on evacuation, typical actions taken after fire alert, evacuation movement, timing of escape, time to start evacuating, social interaction during emergency, performance of fire warning systems and photoluminescent marking, evacuation strategies for various occupancies and peoples with disabilities.

The conduct of her research involved numerous evacuation drills and case studies including post-event investigations. After the 1993 underground garage bombing at the World Trade Centre in New York, Guylène was invited to be part of the investigating team. That incident resulted in the development and implementation of photoluminescent exit path markings, a new evacuation strategy and systematic fire drills for emergency preparedness in the WTC towers. These are believed to have saved many lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks. She was invited, as an expert, to join the NIST WTC Investigation to lead the research on occupant response and evacuation. She was also called upon to investigate the Cook County Administration Building fire, which occurred in 2003, in Chicago. That investigation of human behaviour and evacuation during the fire resulted in recommendations to improve fire safety and evacuation for high-rise buildings, many of which were implemented immediately. Guylène’s further research on photoluminescent marking through large scale evacuation drills provided valuable data and guidance for the evaluation and installation of photoluminescent exit stairway markings in buildings, which are currently being used around the world.

Guylène was a great communicator of fire protection engineering and fire safety science and an ambassador for the entire profession by raising public awareness of fire safety issues. She gave more than 300 presentations on hundreds of topics. She was an effective teacher; serving as an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Fire Protection Engineering at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She also helped develop and teach the SFPE Short Course on Human Behavior in Fire Emergencies.

Dr. Proulx was the recipient of numerous significant awards from NRC and the Government of Canada for efforts in sharing research findings and promoting fire safety, including the 2007 Public Service Award of Excellence from the Government of Canada. She was a role model to her fellow colleagues at NRC. Less than a week before her death, she was informed by the Office of the Governor General that she had been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, the most prestigious award given to Canadian civilians in recognition of “a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation”.

Guylène was passionate about giving back to her profession. She was a member of SFPE’s Board of Directors and of the Education and Scientific Foundation Board of Governors. She was a Past President and Board member of SFPE’s National Capital Region Chapter. As well, she was a key member of SFPE’s Task Group on Human Behavior in Fire. She served on the IAFSS Management Committee, and was a technical editor for the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook. She was also a member of the ASME A17 Task Group on Use of Elevators for Occupant Egress, a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society and served on the Editorial Board of Fire Technology.

Guylène Proulx was considered by all who knew her to be one of the pre-eminent researchers and communicators in the field of human behaviour in emergencies. Her enduring legacy, as stated by her international colleagues at the time of her death, is the body of her work. In addition, all will miss her warm and friendly personality, her joie de vivre, her positive attitude, her insight and her charm. She was an inspiration and a role model to all of us in the profession. She will indeed be missed.

Meet the 2009 SFPE Fellows and Honorary Members

2009-12-17T15:14:00.010-05:00

Pictured Above (left to right) Lee DeVito, Bob Bill, Takeyoshi Tanaka, Joseph W. Janiga, Allyn Vaughn, J. Sargent Slicer and Morgan Hurley

Pictured Above (Left to Right) 1984 SFPE Fellow J. Samuel “Sam” Slicer and 2009 SFPE Fellow J. Sargent Slicer.

As 2009 comes to an end, we will take one more time to congratulate the SFPE 2009 Fellows and Honorary Members. SFPE Fellows represent a distinguished group of members who have been recognized for their significant accomplishment and stature in the profession of fire protection engineering. Fellows have been members of the Society for at least 10 years and have been nominated by their peers.

The SFPE Fellows for 2009:

Andrew H. Buchanan -- University of Canterbury
Lee C. DeVito -- Firepro Inc.
Morgan J. Hurley – Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Joseph W. Janiga – FM Global
J. Sargent Slicer -- Slicer & Associates
Takeyoshi Tanaka -- Disaster Prevention Research Institute
Allyn J. Vaughn -- JBA Consulting Engineers

Fellow is the highest grade of SFPE membership. Fellows lead our profession in their technical accomplishments and in their service to the profession.

The SFPE Honoarary Member for 2009:

Bob Bill -- FM Global

SFPE Honorary Members are a distinguished group of individuals who either have rendered exceptional service to the Society or have made substantial and outstanding contributions to fire protection engineering. The grade of Honorary Member may be conferred regardless of age or prior membership status in the Society. This grade of membership carries with it all of the privileges of the grade of Fellow in the Society.

On an interesting side note, J. Sargent Slicer is the son of J. Samuel “Sam” Slicer. Sam became an SFPE Fellow in 1984.

Draft Guidelines for Substantiating a Fire Model for a Given Application Available for Public Review and Comment

2009-12-15T09:34:00.004-05:00

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has completed draft guidelines for substantiating a fire modal for a given application. These draft guidelines are now available for public review and comments.

Whenever an engineer uses a computer fire model, it is necessary for him or her to ensure that the model is appropriate for the situation modeled. In some cases, the modeler is fortunate in that they can refer to a published evaluation report that is sufficient. However, in most cases, it is up to the modeler to demonstrate that the model is appropriate.

This guide will provide a framework that can be used to determine if a fire model is suitable for use for a specific fire protection application. Currently, there is no formal process by which fire models are approved. It is therefore incumbent upon the user of the fire model to determine the suitability of a fire model and, if required, upon the authority having jurisdiction to evaluate the acceptability of that determination. This guide serves both the user of the fire model and the consumer of the results of the fire modeling.

"These guidelines address definition problem for which modeling will be used, selection of a candidate model, verification and validation of the model for the application of interest, and consideration of uncertainty on the model results,” said SFPE Technical Director Morgan Hurley, P.E. “Extensive appendices provide descriptions of fire phenomena that are commonly modeled and techniques that are typically employed by fire models to predict those phenomena."

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers began developing these guidelines in June, 2007. The draft guidelines and a comment form can be downloaded from www.sfpe.org. Comments are due on March 31, 2010.

Guylene Proulx

2009-12-09T09:19:00.002-05:00

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of SFPE Professional Member and member of the SFPE Board of Directors Guylene Proulx on December 1, 2009.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at Notre-Dame-de-la-Guadeloupe Church, 14 de la Guadeloupe Street, Gatineau (Hull area), on Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive condolences at the church starting at 10 a.m. For those wishing, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Many thanks to the staff at the Centre de sante et de services sociaux de Gatineau for their care. For information COOPERATIVE FUNERAIRE DE L'OUTAOUAIS: 819-568-2425, cfam@cfo.coop or fax: 819-568-2426.

More information can be found at
http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=137079883

Applications are Now Open for the International Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering Program

2009-12-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

The Universities of Edinburgh (UK), Ghent (Belgium) and Lund (Sweden) submitted a winning proposal for an Erasmus Mundus Master Course in Fire Safety Engineering. The initiative is carried by Prof. Bart Merci (Ghent University), Prof. Jose Torero (University of Edinburgh) and Prof. Robert Jönsson (Lund University).

The curriculum is a two-year program. The classes in the first semester cover basic topics in Fire Safety Engineering (FSE) and can be attended in Ghent or Edinburgh. All students spend the second semester in Lund, where emphasis lies on enclosure fire dynamics, risk analysis and human behavior. In the third semester, classes are again taught in Ghent (for general FSE) or Edinburgh (with focus on structural engineering in the context of FSE). The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis, hosted by one or more of the three institutes.

The program starts for the first time in September, 2010. Applications are now open for both European and non-European students. To find out more go to:

http://www.imfse.ugent.be/index.asp

http://www.sfpe.org/upload/iternational_masters.pdf

Deadline to Nominate Someone for SFPE Fellow or Honorary Member is January 15, 2010

2009-11-23T09:12:00.004-05:00

Fellow is the highest grade of membership in SFPE. To be eligible to become a Fellow, individuals must have been a professional member for at least 10 years, have a record of significant accomplishments and stature in the fire protection engineering profession. Elevation to the grade of fellow requires nomination by at least five fellows or professional members, review by the SFPE Honors Committee, and action by the SFPE Board of Directors.

SFPE Honorary Members are a distinguished group of individuals who either have rendered exceptional service to the Society or have made substantial and outstanding contributions to fire protection engineering. The grade of Honorary Member may be conferred regardless of age or prior membership status in the Society. This grade of membership carries with it all of the privileges of the grade of Fellow in the Society.

If you would like to nominate someone to be a Fellow or Honorary Member Nominations must be received by January 15, 2010 to be acted upon in the same calendar year.

To find out more go to: http://www.sfpe.org/Home/Membership/Levels.aspx#fellow.

The 2009 SFPE Annual Meeting, Professional Development Conference and Exposition to Commence on Sunday, October 18, 2009

2009-10-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

The 2009 Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Annual Meeting, Professional Development Conference and Exposition will be held on October 18-23, 2009. This event will be held at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The following is the schedule of events:

Sunday, October 18

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. -- Senate Meeting featuring the Chapter Excellence Awards
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. -- SFPE Annual Business Meeting featuring the Hat’s Off Award Presentations

Monday, October 19

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. -- SFPE Engineering Technology Conference
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. -- SFPE Awards and Honors Luncheon
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. -- SFPE Fellows Reception

Tuesday, October 20

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -- SFPE Engineering Technology Conference
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -- Exhibitor “Tech Talks”
12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. -- SFPE 7th Annual Engineering Technology Exposition

National Fire Protection Association President and CEO to be Named Society of Fire Protection Engineers Person of the Year for 2009

2009-10-13T12:11:00.005-04:00

At its Annual Awards Luncheon, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) will recognize James M. Shannon as SFPE Person of the Year for 2009. Shannon is the president and CEO with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Awards Luncheon will be held on Monday, October, 19, 2009 at the SFPE Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The SFPE Person of the Year Award was created in 1973 to recognize significant achievement in fire protection. The award winner must come from beyond the membership of SFPE.

“Shannon has shown great leadership in the development of coalitions and initiatives that are focused on protecting people, property and the environment from fire,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz.

Shannon organized the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes, which is a national group committed to saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing the threat of cigarette-ignited fires. As a result of their efforts 99.8% of the U.S population is now or soon will be better protected from cigarette fires.
He also established the Fire Sprinkler Initiative as a means to provide resources for the fire service and other sprinkler advocates who want to demonstrate the need for home fire sprinklers in their communities.

“These efforts, in addition to NFPA’s standards and education efforts have made
significant contribution to improving fire safety throughout the world,” said Jelenewicz.

Past SFPE Persons of the Year include: Movie & Television Star Dick Van Dyke, University of Maryland’s Dr. John L. Bryan, Former FDNY Fire Chief Daniel A. Nigro and former Director/Under Secretary for the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency R. David Paulison.

Rolf Jensen & Associates to Receive the Society of Fire Protection Engineers 2009 David A. Lucht Lamp of Knowledge Award

2009-10-12T12:02:00.004-04:00

Rolf Jensen and Associates (RJA) will be awarded the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) David A. Lucht Lamp of Knowledge Award at its Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, October, 19, 2009 at the SFPE Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Lucht award honors an organization, company or individual that has contributed substantially to increasing the opportunities for higher education in fire protection engineering. The award is named for David A. Lucht in recognition of his 25 years of leadership and dedication to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Center for Firesafety Studies and his tireless efforts on behalf of the fire protection engineering profession.

“Since 1985, RJA has been substantially contributing to increasing the opportunities for higher education in fire protection engineering by providing support for scholarships and the scientific laboratory facilities at the University of Maryland,” said Chris Jelenewicz, SFPE Engineering Program Manager. “Most recently, RJA has pledged $100,000 toward a state of the art fire sciences laboratory at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.“

To find out more about the SFPE Professional Development Conference and Exposition go to http://www.sfpe.org/Education/2009TheAnnualMeetingProfessionalDevelopmentConferenceandExpo.aspx.

Archibald Tewarson to Make Invited Guise Medal Lecture at the SFPE Professional Development Conference and Exposition

2009-10-09T11:13:00.006-04:00

Dr. Archibald Tewarson who is a research scientist with FM Global (FM) will be awarded the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Arthur B. Guise Medal on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the SFPE Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Arthur B. Guise Medal recognizes eminent achievement in the advancement of the science and technology of fire protection engineering and is named in memory of the achievements of Arthur Guise, who singularly developed dry chemicals for use as fire extinguishing agents.

"Tewarson has advanced the science of fire protection engineering through his studies on the flammability of materials and the development of measurement methods and
apparatus for generating engineering data on a wide range of materials,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz.

Tewarson has been a research scientist with FM for over 40 years. He has published more than 140 papers on topics ranging from the flammability and smoke generation of plastics to fire safety in mines to the fire hazards of electrical cables to examining the fire properties of materials used in ships, aircraft and automobiles. One of his more popular publications is his chapter in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, “Generation of Heat and Gaseous, Liquid and Solid Products in Fires,” He has updated this chapter for each of the four editions of the handbook.

SFPE Chapters are Invited to Support the SFPE Educational & Scientific Foundation

2009-10-07T09:56:00.011-04:00

The SFPE Annual Meeting and Professional Development Conference is approaching. Every year at the Annual Business Meeting, Chapters are invited to demonstrate their support for the SFPE Educational & Scientific Foundation (E&SF) by making a financial contribution.

The mission of the E&SF is, "To advance the science and practice of Fire Protection Engineering internationally, by advocating and supporting engineering research, technology transfer and education."

The Educational & Scientific Foundation serves to protect the heritage of the fire protection engineering profession and to enhance the legacy of our generation of fire protection engineers to future generations. The Foundation is currently involved in several projects that serve both the heritage and legacy of the profession.

If your Chapter plans to make a contribution to the Foundation at please contact Allan Freedman at SFPE Headquarters. Each Chapter that is making a contribution will present its donation at the SFPE Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.