November 6th, 2025 Chapter Minutes

Members Meeting Minutes of Meeting #174                November 6, 2025

The AFSA Members Meeting at the Apex Entertainment, VA Beach, VA was called to order by AFSA VA Chapter President Bob Beckwith at 12:00 p.m.

AFSA members and guests present included:

Bob Beckwith – Cavalier Sprinkler

Craig Smith – Ferguson Fire

Steve McGee – AFSA

Tom Klecka – ACI

Hooper Loscomb – Eagle

MaryCatherine Coyle – Eagle

Shawn Walls – Hajoca

Adam DeSilva – Hajoca

Jason Gill – CG Fire

Chris Born – Clark Nexsen

Chris Stone – ACI

Amber Stone – Guest

Pat Dixon – Perimeter Solutions

Chris Amorese – HydroTec

Eric Pergram -Mosley

Danny Santiago – Fire Tech

Mike Fantino – Fire Tech

Cindy Wackerly – Fire Tech

Joey Doxey – JCI

Daryl Cradolph – JCI

Andre Hall – JCI

Josh Briseno – BFPE

Tim Dalton – ODFC

Alan Pierce – ODFC

Brandon Sherian – ODFC

Robert Dalton – VSC

Charlie Farr – VSC

Tony Gore – Ferguson

Jim Westbrook – Ferguson

Erka Eckhardt – Ferguson

Scott Monroe – Zurn

Anthony Mizah – Rasco

Justin Houser – VSC

David Farmer – VSC

Ashley Dawkins – VSC

Woody Witczak – Victaulic

Introduction:

Bob Beckwith opened the meeting by welcoming the board members. Bob asked everyone to introduce themselves. Bob introduced the speakers for today’s meeting Pat Dixon w/ Perimeter Solutions and Woody Witczak w/ Victaulic.

Treasurer’s report:

Craig Smith, Treasurer, reported as of 11.5.2025 the AFSA Checking account held $25,943.58 and the AFSA Janney investment account held $81,981.59

Committee Report

  • Legislative:

Hooper reported the following:

There wasn’t much going on, so not much legislatively to talk about. Hooper did

participant in the hire sprinkler coalition meeting. He plans to get more involved with

this group because of the services and equipment they provide for the fire service

folks. Hooper did check the docket in the meeting minutes for the Board of

Contractors, but there was nothing in there for us.

  • Membership:

Bob Beckwith reported the following:

No new members have been identified since our last meeting. It was mentioned of a new sprinkler contractor on the Richmond area, Veteran Fire Protection, that will be contacted.

  • Program:

Tom Klecka reported the following:

October 22nd is the date for 2026 seminar at the Chesterfield Training Facility. The newly elected Board Member replacing Tom will be working to put together another successful seminar. Ideas for topics will be appreciated.

  • Public Relations:

Hooper reported the following Sprinkler Saves:

Fire crews responded to assisted living facility in Hampton. October 2nd, Hampon Division of Fire and Rescue responded to a fire alarm at the Golden Years assisted living at 40 Hunt Club Blvd. early Saturday morning. Fire happened at 4:49 am. When crews arrived, they found smoke inside the building. Staff and emergency responders immediately began to evacuate the residents. In total more than 70 residents and two staff members were safely moved to Northampton Community Center with extra help from the Newport News Fire Department. Two people were taken to Sentara Care plex for non-fire related care. The fire itself was limited to one room at the end of a residential wing and was quickly extinguished by the building fire sprinkler system. While the facility is safe, residents will not be able to return until fire alarm and sprinkler system is fully restored. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

  • Social Media Committee:

MaryCatherine reported the following:

The VA Chapter is only six away from having a thousand followers on LinkedIn. Lots of material has been posted. Waiting on golf photos to post. Will be posting photos from the National convention, including the boat crews that Potter Electric provide for many of the VA Chapter Members. MaryCatherine still have the idea on putting together a Tec Talk Tuesday and a Member Spotlight Monday. Hoping to get this started early 2026.

  • Education/Apprenticeship:

Bob Beckwith reported in Jeffs absence:

Bob reminded everyone, the second floor at the Hermitage Center is going to be coming up, and the students in the class are going to be installing that, with Derek supervising the work. Jeff to verify if the sprinkler plans have been approved.

A lot of action going on, our Career Fair is set for February 25th. This one is going to be big, we’re inviting all central Virginia school districts, Hanover, Henrico Chesterfield, and Goochland. The goal is to make this a regional resource, so schools that have interested students come to this.

The only other upcoming event is February 11th a Virginia Beach School Career Fair which I will provide further information once received.

  • Golf:

Bob Beckwith reported the following:

Bob has provided several dates for next year’s golf tournament. It was voted by the Board, September 9th shall be the next AFSA/BSF Golf Tournament. Williamsburg National did go up in price of $2.00 per person. The Golf committee will reconvene February 3rd to start planning for 2026 Golf Tournament

  • NexGen:

Bob Beckwith reported in Dominique’s absence:

NexGen will refresh the store front at Regency and have a little social afterwards. Dominique to be setting up some type of engagements in 2026. If you or some you know is interested to belong on the NexGen Team contact Dominique.

  • Community Projects:

Bob Beckwith reported in Jeff’s absence:

The California Chapter contacted the VA chapter a house being built for “Home for the Troops” in Mechanicsville. The VA Chapter will be submitting drawings and getting sprinkler companies to provide labor for installation.

The 20th house (community project) has been sold. House #21 has started next door to

House #20, but sprinkler work is not anticipated to start for another year.

  • Scholarship:

Jason Gill reported the following:

Would also like to promote this program a bit more through social media and to make it more visible to the employees at the field, design, and fabrication level. A motion was made unanimously to open the scholarship to existing college and trade school students. Scholarship applications will be provided to our members in February.

  • Code Assistance

Bob Beckwith reported in Joe’s absence:

Go to the VA Chapter website menu there is a link “Ask the Board”. It will focus on local codes, especially in the Northern Virginia area, which seems to be the most difficult. I can provide business advice, contracting information and am happy to share operational systems, technology reviews and management practices. Looking to promote this site on social media. Also expect our Chapter to send out weekly responses from questions received to help promote this opportunity. Guaranteed response in 24 hours.

  • BSF Charity Committee

Bob Beckwith reported in George Wagner absent:

To determine what the money was used for, what do they need, what are your future needs, and who are your contacts. This will allow the Board to report back to the people and companies, donating all the money Once obtain then we can apply for tax exempt status. If the VA Chapter keeps growing another charity may be in the future.

Old and New Business

  1. Bob Beckwith mentioned how important AFSA membership is driving AHJ free membership. Our AHJ membership is outstanding.
  2. At the conclusion of each member’s meeting a certificate will be available for anyone requiring NICET points. Please identify your need to obtain a certificate when you sign in or notify Danielle Fowler prior to the meeting to be available after the meeting.
  3. AFSA Golf Tournament has been scheduled for September 9th at Williamsburg National
  4. AFSA National Convention will be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Club September 27 – 30 2026.
  5. Henrico Co Career Fair is set for February 25th at the Henrico Adult Educational Facility.
  6. Future dates for 2026 Board & Member Meetings: February 3rd, April 7th, June 2nd, September 8th, and November 3rd.
  7. AFSA VA Chapter to release the schedule dates and locations of the meetings and activities for 2026.
  8. Board to discuss Chapters Community project for 2026, “Home for the Troops”.
  9. Next AFSA VA Chapter Board Meeting April 7th at the Virginia Randolf Learning Center.
  10. AFSA VA Chapter Scholarship applications will be sent out later in February.

Speakers: Our members had two very informative speakers for our November 2025 Members Meeting which created many questions during their presentation.

Presentation Speaker: Pat Dixon w/Perimeter Solutions: Pat will discuss transitioning foam systems from AFFF to Fluorine free foams, revised basic components of a PFAS and Foam Systems.

Vendor Presentation: Woody Witczak w/ Victaulic: Woody discuss several new products that Victaulic has to offer, especially their new grooving tool, the RG-2300 and the VS2 a no calc sprinkler with a flexible hose.

Our 50/50 drawing was conducted at the end of our meeting with the results of Jim Westbrook winning $72.00 of the $144.00 total pot. Jim donated his winnings back to the AFSA VA Chapter. Thanks for your support, Jim.

There being no further business, the Members’ Meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m.