About SCFSA
Several sprinkler contractors who saw a need for local representation formed the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association in 1990. South Carolina was part of the Carolinas Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association from its beginning until 1990.
Although the association was not officially formed until 1990, the seed was sown in 1985 when a group of contractors approached Representative Moffat Burris requesting legislation to require that sprinkler contractors be licensed. Legislation was drafted and introduced in the 1985 session. C O Hipp of Crawford Sprinkler Company of SC and Doug Greer of American Fire Protection, Inc. were instrumental in getting the legislation passed and signed into law on June 21, 1985.
The law came under scrutiny and was challenged by other mechanical trades between 1986 and 1990. The need for a local association was established.
The original membership consisted of sixteen (16) contractor members, ten (10) associate (supplier) members and two (2) auxiliary members. Bob Summers of Crawford Sprinkler Company was named the associations first president and Dwight Hayes was hired as the executive director. In addition committees were formed to address the needs of the association. The association was then incorporated under the laws of South Carolina and in 1992 it received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
The association has focused on design issues and the review of drawings by the State Fire Marshals office. It has worked with the State Fire Marshals office to provide education to the authorities having jurisdiction on the state and local levels.
The associations main focus is still on education of its members, the regulators and the public. We work very closely with the Carolinas Chapter of the AFSA and are involved on several community service programs, such as Habitat for Humanity projects, a scholarship program, and sponsors seminars on the NFPA codes several times a year. For several years the two associations have held a joint convention.
Since 2000 we have been an affiliate of the American Fire Sprinkler Association. Their link can be found on the links page.