Fraser was honored recently in Orlando 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 Automatic Fire Alarm Association'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
A Passion for Life Safety
In his acceptance remarks, a surprised and very moved 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."
A 45-Year Career
Since 2001, Fraser has been Director of Industry Relations for SimplexGrinnell, a business
unit of Tyco Fire & Security. 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 Automatic Fire Alarm Association and the
Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and 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 Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell, a business unit of Tyco Fire & Security, provides a comprehensive array
of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security, sound and healthcare
communications systems and services. With half a million customers, 11,000 employees, 150
local offices, and over 200 years of history in the fire business, SimplexGrinnell is the
leader in the fire and life-safety industry. For additional information, visit
www.simplexgrinnell.com.
Fire
