This issue of Working Pressure is our Fire Protection issue. It is very apparent how the trades of plumbing and fire protection coincide. Plumbers install systems that use clean, safe potable water to sustain life and health. Sprinkler fitters install systems that save lives using water when the unthinkable happens. My grandfather was a Captain with the City of Milwaukee Fire Department, my son is a fourth-year sprinkler fitter apprentice, and I myself am a plumber. We all have water as the basis of our chosen profession. Fire protection systems save lives. My hard hat is off to my brothers and sisters installing, maintaining and testing these systems. ASSE 5140 is the professional qualifications standard for fire sprinkler cross-connection control testers and ASSE 15000 is the professional qualifications standard series for water-based fire protection systems. Certification to ASSE 15010 is a nationally recognized, third-party certification that covers the qualifications and approval of qualified individuals who provide inspection, testing and maintenance for water-based fire protection systems. The committee for ASSE 15000 is made up of industry professionals in the fire protection field, and I want to thank them for their leadership, dedication, and service to ASSE International.
I would also like to thank all of those who have applied to join ASSE committees. Your expertise is needed for the continued success of our standards and certifications programs. Protection of public health and safety is the heart of ASSE. “Prevention Rather Than Cure” is our motto and mission — from the manufacturer, designer, tester and installer, we work together professionally, and often unnoticed, to keep potential danger at bay.
Our 2026 ASSE Mid-Year Meeting will be in St. Louis at UA Local 562’s Training Facility. I had the pleasure of touring the building a few years back, and it is an impressive institution of learning in the piping industry — second to none. In closing, thank you for sustaining your dedication in support of our society. See you in St. Louis!
