President's Message
President’s Newsletter
September 2026
Dear FPAM Members,
As we move into the fall season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous work being done by fire prevention professionals across Massachusetts and to share a few exciting updates from the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts.
Thank You for an Excellent Public Fire & Life Safety Conference
On behalf of the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, Sheryl Hedlund, and all of the members of the Public Fire and Life Safety Education Task Force for an excellent conference.
The conference provided our members with valuable training, new ideas, practical resources, and an opportunity to network with fire and life safety professionals from across the Commonwealth. The time and effort that goes into planning and delivering these educational opportunities is significant, and FPAM greatly appreciates everyone's dedication.
A special thank you goes to everyone who attended, participated, presented, and helped make the conference a success. Your commitment to educating our communities and preventing fires and other emergencies is what makes our profession so important.
Re-Credentialing Process
FPAM would also like to recognize State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier for their continued willingness to work with FPAM as we move forward with the new fire prevention re-credentialing process.
This has been an important issue for our membership, and we appreciate the open communication and collaboration between FPAM and the Department of Fire Services. Working together, we can help ensure that fire prevention professionals have a clear understanding of the requirements and the continuing education opportunities necessary to maintain their credentials.
FPAM will continue to communicate updates to our members as additional information becomes available.
Congratulations to Vice President Brad Cronin
I am also proud to announce that FPAM Vice President Brad Cronin has been recommended to participate in the state Single Staircase Working Group.
Brad's experience and commitment to fire prevention make him a strong representative for our profession. FPAM is proud to have our members participating in important discussions that may impact fire and life safety throughout Massachusetts.
We look forward to Brad bringing the perspective of Massachusetts fire prevention professionals to this important effort.
2027 Annual Fire Prevention Conference
Planning is already underway for the 2027 FPAM Annual Fire Prevention Conference, which will be held in May 2027.
FPAM is now accepting requests and proposals from individuals interested in presenting at the conference.
We are looking for knowledgeable and engaging speakers who can provide our members with practical information, current issues, innovative programs, case studies, and training that can be brought back to their communities.
If you have a topic you believe would benefit Massachusetts fire prevention professionals — or know someone who would make an excellent presenter — we want to hear from you.
Speaker requests are now being accepted. Additional information regarding submission requirements and conference details will be shared with the membership as planning progresses.
Looking Ahead
FPAM continues to grow because of the involvement and commitment of our members. Whether you are a veteran fire prevention officer, a newer member of the profession, an educator, an investigator, or someone working in fire and life safety, your participation helps strengthen fire prevention throughout the Commonwealth.
Thank you for everything you do every day to protect our communities, educate the public, enforce the code, investigate fires, and advance the fire prevention profession.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming FPAM meetings, training programs, and, of course, the 2027 Annual Fire Prevention Conference.
Stay safe and keep up the great work!
John Sjostedt
President
Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts