PATTERSON, N.Y. (October 21, 2010) – The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the longest-tenured fire sprinkler advocacy organization in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Bernie Arends to the position of Inspection and Testing Specialist.
In his position, Arends will work with jurisdictions where NFPA 25 has been adopted to improve its enforcement. Arends will report to NFSA Vice President of Engineering Kenneth Isman, P.E.
“Bernie is an extremely well-rounded individual whose innovative ideas are the best way to put ‘more teeth’ into the enforcement of NFPA 25 at the local level,” said NFSA President John Viniello. “The enforcement of this standard, where it is adopted, is critical to assuring these vital life-saving safety systems perform as designed when called upon. There is no doubt that Bernie will excel in this position and we are absolutely delighted that he accepted this new position.”
Arends holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit and a degree in Fire Science from Oakton College. He also served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as an intelligence officer. He has more than 38 years of experience in the Fire Service and has held a variety of positions, most notably those of firefighter, paramedic, shift commander and fire marshal. Most recently, Arends served as Fire Inspector for the City of Highland Park, Ill., and he also worked in the private sector for a large fire sprinkler contractor as Manager of the Service and Inspection Division. He is a member of many professional fire service organizations in his home state of Illinois and has worked closely with the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board.
About the National Fire Sprinkler Association
Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the voice of the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA leads the drive to get life-saving fire sprinklers into all buildings; provides support and resources for its members – fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers; and educates authorities having jurisdiction of fire control matters. Headquartered in Patterson, N.Y., NFSA has regional operations offices throughout the country. www.nfsa.org.
