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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

"FCIA offers the opportunity to connect with others and build meaningful relationships while continuing to grow and advance the industry.  My goals for this year are big ones, but ones that I know will benefit each and every single person and Member company, not to mention the global impact they will have on fire and life safety in general." ~ Alan Mcdurmon

 

Thank you, I’m humbled that I’ve been given the opportunity to be the FCIA Board President for the 25th Anniversary year. This position is an honor and a task that I do not take lightly. 

The FCIA is so much more than just getting CEUs for FM & UL or ULC accreditation. 

FCIA offers the opportunity to connect with others and build meaningful relationships while continuing to grow and advance the industry.  And, let’s face it, most people have no idea what we do, so it is refreshing to be around others who understand our trade. 

Since the very beginning, the FCIA has been blessed to have a long line of passionate and driven individuals who have filled this position before me, people one could argue who were more qualified to serve in this role than I am. As big as my shoes are, it will be a daunting task to fill theirs based on all they accomplished, but it is a task that I am up to.  I am eager to leave my mark, as so many before me have done already.

Over the years, each President comes in with his/her own agenda.  For myself, I’m focused on continuing the development of and investment in the Firestop Education Program (FEP) we’ve worked on over the past few years to make certain it’s given the attention required to create the most comprehensive Firestop education program ever created.  This will only benefit our industry and increase fire and life safety in buildings around the world.

Along with that, FCIA and our membership should be working alongside FM, UL, and the fire-resistance-rated and effective compartmentation manufacturers to help train Fire Marshals and Code Officials at all levels to excel at inspecting.  This will, by default, establish our Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special Inspection Agency members as the true experts in our field and will ensure that FCIA Members are contacted on all projects.

Yes, my goals for this year are big ones, but ones that I know will benefit each and every single person and Member company, not to mention the global impact they will have on fire and life safety in general.

With that being said, I look forward to the opportunity and working with all of you over the next year.  My charge to each of you is simple:

The association is only as good as what you put into it.  Many of us have been ‘Members’ for a long time, but that’s the extent of it.  I challenge each of you to join a Committee, get involved, and bring forth change.  The opportunity is now.  If you’re waiting for that KNOCK ON THE DOOR, here it is.  Our fists are big, and so is the knock.

I’ll conclude with this:  We all need a mentor.  Find someone to mentor.  It doesn’t make you weak, it helps us all grow, and makes the world a better place.  My favorite quote is this one from Ayesha Siddiqi:

“Be the person you needed when you were younger.”

I challenge each of you to be just that. 

Here’s to a year to remember!

Alan Mcdurmon, 2024 FCIA Board President
Firestop Contractors International Association