R. Bruce Fraser, director of industry relations at SimplexGrinnell (a business unit of Tyco Fire & Security), was recently awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) in recognition of exemplary service and leadership in the fire and life safety industry.
Fraser (in photo, on right, with Robert Boyer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AFAA, on left) was honored in Orlando, FL at a joint breakfast of the AFAA and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). In presenting the award, AFAA president Tom Hammerberg said of Fraser: “Once in a while, an individual comes along who stands above the crowd. Your dedication and lifetime contributions are an inspiration to all of us committed to improving fire safety in America.”
The AFAA’s mission is to be the foremost industry advocate organization dedicated to improving the quality, reliability, and value of fire and life safety systems. The plaque given to Fraser describes the qualities and contributions that led to his selection by AFAA for the Larry Neibauer Lifetime Achievement Award:
* Impassioned and articulate advocacy for recognition of the positive impact automatic fire detection and fire alarm systems have on fire safety in buildings
* Service on numerous technical committees, boards and councils
* Promotion of and participation in industry research and education on all levels
* Being a friend and mentor to many people throughout the fire protection community
In his acceptance remarks, Fraser thanked the 200 attendees at the breakfast and all the people with whom he has worked over the years. Reflecting on the award, Fraser said: “Our industry and what we do is so important, and we really do make a difference. The professionals I work with on a daily basis are just incredible. There are so many individuals in our industry who are so deeply committed to and passionate about fire protection and life safety. I am both proud and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the industry alongside such dedicated people.”
Dean Seavers, president of SimplexGrinnell, says he has the utmost respect for Fraser as a senior executive with the company, an advocate for the highest standards in fire protection, and an individual of great character and integrity. “Bruce is an icon in the fire and life safety industry. His contributions over five decades to SimplexGrinnell and the fire and life safety industry are simply immeasurable. We’re honored that he has chosen to spend his entire career with our company, and proud that AFAA selected him for this great honor.”
Since 2001, Fraser has been director of industry relations for SimplexGrinnell. Prior to that, he spent 39 years with Simplex, which was acquired by Tyco in 2001. During his 45-year career, Fraser has held various technical, operations, and management positions. He has authored numerous articles and delivered many presentations related to research, technologies, and trends in fire protection and life safety. He actively serves the industry through participation in various industry and codes and standards organizations.
Fraser serves on the Board of Directors of both the AFAA and the SFPE, and he is also a member of the Advisory Board for The Center for Campus Fire Safety. He is a member of the National Fire Alarm Code Technical Correlating Committee, and serves as a member of the NFPA Technical Committees on Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems, Life Safety Code, Telecommunications, Clean Rooms, and Premises Security. Additionally, he is a member of ASME A17.1 Elevator and Escalator Safety Code, Emergency Operations Committee. He also is a past president of the New England Chapter of the SFPE.
