FSSA Family,

As we wrap up another incredible year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your engagement and participation in 2025. I also want to take a moment to thank the veterans in our FSSA family for their service to our country.

Technical Director Transition:

Tom Wysocki is stepping down as our technical director, effective immediately. I want to personally thank Tom for all he has done for FSSA, it has been an honor and privilege to work with him. Tom plans to attend the 2026 Annual Forum to wrap up his time with us properly.

Jessica Hubert with Guardian Services, Inc. will serve as interim technical director. Jessica's deep knowledge of our initiatives and her long-standing relationship with Tom will ensure a smooth transition. 

Recent Technical Committee Achievements:

The October FSSA Technical Committee Meeting in Baltimore was outstanding with 41 members and guests participating. A special thanks to Pam Boyer and the BFPE International team for their exceptional hospitality.

Key Technical Highlights:

• NFPA 855 Victory - Our NITMAM on battery safety was approved. We've formed a standing Battery Technology Task Group led by Kevin Kelly.
• Critical EPA/AIM Act Deadlines:
• January 1, 2026: Only recycled HFCs allowed for system recharges
• June 1, 2026: Technicians working with HFCs require documented training
• Active Code Development - Public input period open until January 7, 2026 for NFPA 12/12A/2001 and NFPA 75
• White Papers Advancing - Deep fat fryer protection, foam fact sheet updates, and gas detectors white papers are all progressing.

Earlier 2025 Highlights:

• FSSA Clean Agent Total Flooding Systems white paper set download records
• Successfully submitted EPA comments on powdered aerosol listings
• Membership growth across ALL categories
• Three new international MOUs secured

2026 Annual Forum - Fort Lauderdale, February 12-16:

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors:

3S Incorporated • Fike Corporation • Fireaway Inc. (Stat-X Fire Suppression and UltraSense Sensors) • Gene Ptacek and Son Fire Equipment • Great Lakes Building Systems, Inc. • Healey Fire Protection, Inc. • Johnson Controls • Kidde Commercial • Koorsen Fire & Security • Meetings USA • ORR Protection Systems, Inc. • Protex Central, Inc. • RAN Fire Protection Engineering, PC • Ryan Fireprotection Inc. • SSi Fire Solutions • The Hiller Companies • Victaulic • Viking Group, Inc. • Wesco HMB • Worthington Enterprises • XDS Fire

Sponsorship opportunities still available:

• Forum Luncheon
• Business Track Takeover
• General Educational Session
• Wi-Fi Sponsorship 
• Golf Hole Sponsors
• and more.

If you haven't registered yet, don't wait! Secure your spot.

From my family to yours, wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a safe, prosperous new year.

Bob Ballard
FSSA President