Southern California SFPE Chapter – 2025 Year in Review & 2026 Preview
The Southern California Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is proud to reflect on a year filled with technical advancement, professional growth, and community engagement. In 2025, our chapter hosted a robust lineup of events, each designed to foster learning, networking, and the advancement of fire protection engineering throughout our region.
We are delighted to recognize several outstanding members for their achievements this year. Chris Wicker was honored as one of SFPE’s “5 Under 35” emerging leaders, while Andy Griener was elevated to the distinguished rank of SFPE Fellow. Additionally, both Chris Wicker and Hunter Gildart were upgraded to Professional Member status with SFPE, reflecting their dedication and contributions to the field.
We are also proud to announce our 2024 SFPE Southern California Chapter scholarship recipients: Reagan Lawson, Alexander Ely, and Matthew Dutcher. These exceptional students were selected for their academic achievements and commitment to advancing fire protection engineering. The chapter’s scholarship program, supported by member generosity and proceeds from our annual Symposium and Golf Tournament, continues to invest in the next generation of fire protection professionals.
A cornerstone of this support is the 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held in April at Aliso Viejo Country Club. This event brought together members and industry partners for a day of friendly competition, networking, and fundraising. Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the chapter’s scholarship fund, as well as the UCI Burn Center Survivorship Program and the California Fire Museum. The tournament featured a scramble format, contests, raffle prizes, and strong camaraderie, making it a highlight of the chapter’s calendar and a vital contributor to our ability to support future fire protection engineers.
In addition to the Golf tournament the SoCal SFPE Symposium supports our scholarship. The 2025 Symposium featured a diverse program of technical presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering the latest developments in fire protection engineering. Topics included the CSU Office of Fire Safety, wildfire resilience strategies, insurance risk management, updates to Title 24 code changes, NFPA 855 standards, and innovative solutions for dual-purpose fire protection valves in data centers. Attendees benefited from the expertise of renowned speakers and had opportunities to network, share best practices, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of the field. The Symposium also played a vital role in supporting the chapter’s scholarship fund, reinforcing our commitment to fostering the next generation of fire protection engineers and advancing the profession as a whole.
This year the chapter hosted a series of engaging monthly meetings, each offering valuable technical content and opportunities for professional development. Our monthly meetings included the following technical topics:
· January: CPVC Fire Protection Applications – Mario Orlando (Spears Manufacturing) shared expertise on design, installation, and maintenance of CPVC sprinkler systems.
· February: Hazardous Area Notification – Avoiding the Big Bang! – Andrew Dodsworth (Eaton) presented on hazardous area requirements, explosion-proof devices, and intelligent power supplies.
· March: NFPA 72 2025 Edition – Key Updates and Insights – Maria Marks (Siemens) provided highlights of the new NFPA 72 edition, cybersecurity requirements, and changes in detection technology.
· May: Narrowing the Path to Conflagration: Community & Home Wildfire Risk Reduction – Steve Hawks (IBHS) addressed wildfire risk reduction strategies for homes and communities.
· June: Fire-Rated Ventilation Systems and Enclosures for A2L Refrigerants – Matt Page (Conquest Flamebar) explored codes, standards, and applications for fire-rated ventilation in HVAC and refrigerant systems.
· July: Guided Tour: Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 709 – Members participated in hands-on technical sessions in fire pump testing, standpipe flow, and valve/flow lab demonstrations.
· September: NAVFAC Updates – Kathleen Haliburton (NAVFAC SW) focused on UFC rewrites, MACC & IDIQ contracts, and pre-inspection requirements for Qualified Fire Protection Engineers.
· October: How Digitalization is Transforming Facility Construction – Max McLeod (Siemens) examined smart building technologies, digital twins, and Division 25 integration for future-ready facilities.
In December, the chapter hosted its first joint holiday luncheon with SoCal FPOs at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. The event was a festive gathering that honored past presidents, celebrated chapter achievements, and provided valuable networking opportunities for members and guests. The keynote speaker was John Barylick, one of the lead attorneys representing victims of the Station Nightclub Fire—America’s deadliest rock concert tragedy. Drawing from his experience litigating this landmark case, Mr. Barylick delivered a powerful message on the critical importance of fire protection engineering and rigorous code enforcement. He emphasized that tragedies like the Station Nightclub Fire can be prevented through diligent design, inspection, and adherence to safety standards, inspiring attendees to remain vigilant and proactive in their professional roles.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises another exciting calendar of events. Mark your calendars for:
- Holiday Mixer with SoCal FPO (December, Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel)
- Fire Alarm Class (January, Hiller, Orange)
- OSHPD/HCAI Updates (February, Virtual, Joint with NorCal & SD SFPE)
- Victaulic Vortex Technical Session (March, Local 709)
- SFPE Golf Tournament (April, Navy Golf Course, Cypress)
- NFPA 4 Joint Meeting (May, Brea FD)
A special thanks goes to Matthew Mershimer for his dedication and leadership in helping coordinate programs for both the 2025 and 2026 calendar years. His efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the success and continuity of our chapter’s events.
Thank you to all our members, sponsors, and volunteers for making 2025 a remarkable year. Your participation and support are the foundation of our chapter’s success. We encourage everyone to stay engaged, attend upcoming events, and continue advancing fire protection engineering in Southern California. For the latest updates, event registration, and more, please visit www.sfpesocal.org.
