ANNUAL
Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts Conference
May 18 & 19, 2026
Wellsworth Hotel
Southbridge MA
Registration Fees
Full Conference Monday/Tuesday $285.00 includes Continental breakfast each day, luncheon each day, all breaks and Dinner on Monday evening
Single Day Attendance $ 115.00 includes Continental breakfast, luncheon and all breaks
Extra Dinner guest $ 65.00
Regular Registration Deadline is April 17th
$50.00 late fee will be assessed for registrations received after this date
Registration cutoff is May 1st no registrations will be accepted after this date
Please note that all registrations must be submitted online regardless of the method of payment. If you require a hard copy for internal use or to process payment a hard copy is available to be printed. Payments may be mailed with a copy of the registration form. If you require an invoice you can print from the online registration, any issues email Keith Thomas directly.
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
May 18, 2026
730am Registration Continental breakfast
9am Welcome – Opening Ceremony
930am A1- Strengthening Codes and Standards through CRR and Data-Driven Relationships -Jill Cotton President of IROL
In today's rapidly evolving landscape of fire and life safety, the success of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) depends on the strength of our partnerships and our ability to harness reliable data. Supporting fire codes through CRR requires proactive collaboration between fire departments, code officials, building owners, industry partners, and the community at large. By forging strong partnerships, we empower all stakeholders to contribute to the design, implementation, and sustained improvement of codes and compliance programs. These collaborations ensure that Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems—guided by standards Such as NFPA 25 and 72—are not just administrative processes, but integral parts of a community-wide commitment to safety. Central to this approach is the effective use of data. High-quality ITM documentation and reporting workflows provide actionable insights, enabling fire prevention bureaus and their partners to identify patterns, address gaps, and anticipate emerging risks. Data-driven decision-making allows agencies to allocate resources strategically, supporting both enforcement and proactive public safety initiatives. Through multi-jurisdictional analysis and the adoption of web-based platforms, communities benefit from real-time information sharing. These technologies enhance transparency, facilitate follow-up inspections, and strengthen cooperation among the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), local departments, and external partners. The result is a more efficient process that not only reduces administrative workload, but also leads to measurable improvements in code adherence and public safety outcomes. By prioritizing partnerships and leveraging data from fire protection systems, we create a foundation for sustainable code support through CRR. Together, we foster a culture of prevention, empower stakeholders, and build resilient communities committed to continuous improvement in fire and life safety.
A2 – In-building Emergency Responder Communications - BDA systems. Technical Overview, Inspections, 780 CMR 10th edition Requirements – Admir Surkovic RSI
Emergency Responder communication within any structure is crucial to not only the success of any operation but for the safety of the emergency responders operating. This session will provide an overview of both the technical requirements for a BDA system within a building as well as the inspection requirements per the 10th edition of 780 CMR
1030am Break
11am B1 – Codes, Standards, and Certification and Understanding What it All Means. Scott Ayers CPSC
Many authorities have difficulties understanding what product certification means. Does a product need to be listed? If so, to what standard? Should you trust the certification? What should you do if a product is not certified? What is the difference between certification and listing? This session focuses on the interaction between codes and standards and product certification. Participants will learn (1) how to determine if a product is certified and if so, to what standards; (2) tips to determine if the certifying agency should be trusted; and (3) where product certifications fall short.
B2 – Assisted Living Facilities – Bridging the Gap Joe Igoe – Code Red Consultants, Jen Hoyt, P.E. – Code Red Consultants
Assisted living facilities such as senior living, adult care, and other egress-assisted facilities have special construction requirements in the building code. These are applied at the time of building permit application and reviewed before issuance of a certificate of occupancy but what happens after the ink dries? The MA Comprehensive State Fire Code requires such facilities to have an emergency action plan which is used as a basis for staff training and periodic drills. This presentation will review the code requirements of both the building and fire codes and attempt to provide pathways to bridge the gap between jurisdictional authorities in enforcement of the on-going application of emergency action plans.
12pm Lunch
1pm C1 – Vision 20/20 Stephen Hrustich Vision 20/20
In 2008, Vision 20/20 held its first meeting, bringing together hundreds experts from across the nation to discuss the gaps in fire prevention. This landmark meeting, which also involved a number of virtual focus groups, resulted in identifying five specific strategies that needed to be addressed to help fill the gaps in fire prevention. The fire service has a strong focus towards operations, and as important as this is, prevention is also an important part of the job. Strategy 3 plays a large role in developing and promoting an understanding of the concepts of Community Risk Reduction (CRR), emphasizing that risk reduction is all encompassing and a part of every fire fighter’s daily job. Our Culture strategy works to dispel misconceptions about CRR and show firefighters this is yet another tool to create safe, healthy & resilient organizations and communities.
C1 cont – Fire Safety Watch Mike Murphy, John Ferrick Waltham Fire
This follow up segment to Vision 20/20 will give an overview of Waltham’s new CRR initiative called Fire Safety Watch. It is a PSA campaign that is a collaboration between the Waltham Fire Department, the Waltham Cable Access Channel, the Waltham High School TV Production Studio and other community partners like the Waltham Council on Aging/Senior Center. The goal of this project is community risk reduction through fire prevention video outreach.
230pm Break and visit exhibitors
3pm D1 – Fire prevention regional response for disaster events Jon Pasqualone Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association
The FFMIA have developed a framework for the effective and efficient deployment of fire inspectors to disasters. Fire inspectors play a vital role in ensuring public safety by providing building damage assessments, safety information, and public education in communities. Additionally, fire inspectors performing these actions assist the impacted community's economic recovery. Communities strive to reopen businesses as quickly as possible and fire inspector damage assessment teams help facilitate these efforts. The Department of Fire Services proposes developing a similar program for fire prevention inspectors in the State of Massachusetts. This presentation will review the FFMIA Deployment Manual's guidelines, currently used in the state of Florida, on deployment activities prior to mobilization, during the event, and demobilization of resources manual in response to natural and large area disasters. This session also calls attention to the manual's purpose to equip fire inspectors with the knowledge, tools, and procedures necessary to perform their duties with professionalism, consistency, and accountability.
530pm Social Hour – Cash Bar
630pm Dinner (Included in full program registration)
May 19, 2026
8am Registration Continental Breakfast
9am Business meeting –
930am E1 – The Fire Hazard of the Modern Vehicle Melisa Rodriguez Johnson Controls
Automobiles have been evolving over the past decade, with advancements in alternate fuel sources and changes in what materials from which they are made. Other changes include an increase in the use of plastics and synthetic materials in the makeup of automobiles. Sizes of automobiles are also trending larger, but parking structures have stayed mostly the same. These changes have led to questions about if our vehicles have changed enough to be considered a more hazardous occupancy than was previously established in NFPA standards. This presentation will review some of the changes that have already been implemented in codes and standards to address these concerns. It will also review the latest in research from both the NFPA research foundation and other organizations across the globe. Case studies of large scale parking structure fires will be reviewed to demonstrate how large an impact these fires can have for property owners and vehicle owners. We will discuss testing that has been completed on electric vehicles, robotic and automated parking systems like car stackers and what the future might hold in standards like NFPA 88A.
E2 – Interface Fire Prevention & Fire Suppression Units for Pre-Fire Street Intelligence Jack Murphy Deputy Fire Chief (ret) Leonia NJ Fire Department, Fire Engineering
Over the years, the fire service has witnessed new economically driven trends in the use of construction materials and techniques, which have diminished for firefighters the once solid footing available on building roofs and floors. Today, building risk-based analysis is more a priority for gathering building information. Every community has target hazard buildings, a fresh set of “New Eyes” from the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Fire Suppression Units can be an asset to gather pre-fire street intelligence for future battle plans. This class will examine how this family of fire can assist in leveraging building intelligence to reduce risks to firefighters and the occupants.
1030am Break
1100am F1 – Intro to using GIS in the fire service Chris Slinko GIS Coordinator | Information Technologies Town of Mansfield,
Keith Thomas Captain Mansfield FD
Intro to using GIS is an introductory training course for fire service members to educate them how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are designed to equip firefighters, officers, and emergency managers with the skills to use spatial data for improved situational awareness, resource allocation, and decision-making before, during, and after emergencies. The course will cover mapping basics, data collection in the field, and analyzing risk factors to improve tactical decision making on the fire ground.
F2 – 10 Fire Protection solutions we didn't have 10 years ago Jeffrey Hugo, CBO Vice President
Fire protection has advanced dramatically over the past decade, responding to emerging industries, new hazards, and evolving technologies. This program highlights ten significant innovations and code developments that didn’t exist ten years ago—from protection criteria for distilleries and cannabis facilities to PFAS-free foams, lithium-ion storage safety, and remote inspections. Participants will explore how these solutions emerged, why they were needed, and how they are transforming today’s fire protection strategies for both designers and code officials.
12pm Lunch
1pm G1 – Propane (LP-Gas) Code Compliance in Massachusetts – 527 CMR & NFPA 58 Ed Geswell Pilgrim Propane
This session will allow participants to understand how 527 CMR 1.00 and NFPA interact for LP-Gas. Identify key propane hazards and common violations. Apply code requirements during inspections and plan review. Use real incidents to justify enforcement decisions
G2 – Rough & Final Inspection of Sprinkler systems Jeffrey Hugo CBO Vice President
This two-hour course provides code officials and contractors with essential information on conducting field inspections for new fire sprinkler and standpipe systems. Fire sprinkler systems are installed in stages, and periodic on-site inspections are required as the work progresses to ensure compliance with approved construction documents. The course will cover the visual and physical inspection requirements of the 2019 (or most currently adopted) edition of NFPA 13. Participants will learn how to apply this and other standards effectively during inspections of sprinkler installations. (This is a two hour session, participants are encouraged to bring a copy of NFPA 13)
2pm Break
230pm H1 – The Unseen Threat: Recalled Sprinklers, Code Change, and the Road to Fire Safety
Captain Joshua Hetzler, Fall River Fire Department Inspector Jeff Medeiros, Fall River Fire Department Assistant Chief Brad Cronin, Avon Fire Department
On July 13, 2025 a tragic fire at the Gabriel House in Fall River, claimed the lives of ten residents. This session will discuss this fire and the issue of recalled sprinklers. The fact is that millions of these sprinklers are still in currently in service in sprinkler systems throughout the world and that a gap currently exists in the codes and standards to get them identified. The current efforts of the Fall River Fire Department to initiate industry wide change to close this gap will be presented and a call to action for all fire officials to assist in this effort and prevent any future life loss from this problem.
H2 – Rough & Final Inspection of Sprinkler systems -Cont Jeffrey Hugo
330pm Conference ends
Vendor Day
Monday May 18th
Plan to visit with our Vendors during the day.
Their support helps to make our conference a success.
Vendors will be available from 8am to 5pm
ACCOMODATIONS
Hotel Accommodations – Wellsworth Hotel 129.00 plus tax
Lodging reservations made directly with Hotel – 508-765-8000 Please state Fire Prevention Association of MA when making reservation.
Reservation must be made by April 16, 2026
Do not include the hotel and conference registration fees together.
Please read carefully: All registrations received after April 17th, 2026 will be assessed a $50.00 late fee. Deadline to register will be May 1st, 2026
Anyone canceling their registration up to ten days before the beginning of the conference will receive a full refund of their fees minus a $35.00 cancellation-processing fee. All cancellations must be in writing. Telephone cancellations will not be accepted unless a letter of cancellation immediately follows them. Email cancellations will be accepted. The FPAM will charge conferees a $25.00 return check fee to cover administrative costs.
Additional Conference information can be found at:
Conference questions may be directed to
Rick Tustin; email rltustin@comcast.net or 339-221-3629
Please make checks payable to F.P.A.M.
Return registration form with full payment to:
FPAM Conference Registration
PO Box 136
Mansfield, Ma 02048-9998
Credit card payments may be made via PAYPAL at