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In This Issue
NBFAA News
NBFAA Announces Leadership Awards Finalists
NBFAA announced Sept. 28 the finalists for the association’s annual Leadership Awards. The winners will be revealed during the 2006 Leadership Awards Luncheon in conjunction with the NBFAA Fall Conference and Chartered States Symposium (CSA). (See Recent Press Releases for complete article).
Is Your Company on the First Line of Defense? Tell Us and Win a Free Trip to Vegas
 2003 Winner: Terry Kelley of Northwest Alarm and Normand Lallier (right) |
Each year NBFAA and SDM Magazine honor one security company that has assisted in either saving a life or averting criminal activity. These companies are given the First Line of Defense Award and receive a free trip to Las Vegas.
Has your company been on the first line of defense in your community? Have your customers’ lives been saved by equipment your company sold and installed? If so, then you could be this year’s award recipient.
The First Line of Defense Award is a great way for your company to receive tremendous amounts of recognition for a job well done.
To be eligible for the award applicants must be current NBFAA members in good standing. The incident must have occurred between Oct. 1, 2005 and Oct. 31, 2006. All entries must be postmarked by Nov. 10, 2006. For more information and to nominate your company, visit www.alarm.org today.
It’s Time to Start Promoting the Youth Scholarship Program
 Jordan Biltoft, Spokane, Wash. one of the 2006 Winners |
Each year the NBFAA awards $10,000 in scholarships to children of police officers and firefighters through the Youth Scholarship Program. The program is a great way for your local association and your company to extend good will to public safety officials in your area.
Two students are presented the scholarships each year. The first place winner receives a $6,500 scholarship and the second place winner receives a $3,500 scholarship. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and an essay.
Each and every Chartered State Association is encouraged to participate and companies in non-participating states or states without a chartered association are asked to spread the word in their communities.
“The men and women that serve this country each and every day as police officers or firefighters are heroes and national treasures,” said NBFAA President George Gunning. “The work they do in protecting our communities can never be appreciated enough. This scholarship is one of the ways we can thank our deserving public safety partners.”
Information on the award and how to participate
Alarm History 101: Electric Fire Sensors
Editor’s Note: The Alarm Industry has an illustrious and interesting history going back more than 100 years. Many do not know the history of the industry that they have chosen as a profession. Because of this we have decided to include a brief look in Member Update at some of the events that have shaped the alarm industry into what it has become today. Alarm History 101 provides information on the path the industry has taken and of the ideas that have impacted it. If you have questions about our industry’s history you would like answered send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org.
American inventors were quick to automate the detection of fires. Apparently, 1863 was the year the first electric fire detector was invented; the innovator was Alexander Ross of Brooklyn. Little is known about his device except that it was a precursor to the first electric fire sensor to receive commercial use – designed by New York’s William b. Watkins, who called his design a “modified form of the Ross model.”
Over the following years, Watkins devoted much creative energy to designing electric fire sensors and monitoring systems. By the early 1870s, he had fashioned the components for a remotely monitored fire alarm system complete with heat-sensitive detectors. Launching the first private fire alarm company in 1873, Watkins did for his field what Holmes did for central station burglar alarm protection. His company survives to this day as AFA Protective.
 Simple and Effective - The Watkins Thermostat, introduced in 1875, set a standard in fire detection that endured for decades. It is shown here with the perforated cap on and off. Heat caused the pointed metal strip to uncoil and close an open circuit. |
In 1871 Watkins received U.S. patents for several alarm system components, according to Emmons E. Douglass, a Boston fire alarm expert, including an invention that later became known as the “Watkins Thermostat.” Departing from conventional wisdom, the first and later models all operated on an open circuit. The presence of heat in the thermostat closed a contact and the circuit, activating alarms and a signal transmitter. The circuit consisted of two wires, one ground and the other carrying current.
Watkins’ 1871 thermostat was mounted in an upright metal cylinder, which encased it leaving a small window near the coil thermostat to permit heat to enter. Later models were flat in design, the heat flowing directly to the coil through perforations in the metal cap. The coil was later replaced by two strips of temperature-sensitive metal alloys – each ending with a silver-plated contact, one pointed at the flat. The basic open-circuit coil design survived all the refinements of the “Watkins systems” well into the 20th century.
In 1873, the year after the Boston fire, Watkins and several associates founded the Watkins Automatic Signal Telegraph Company in New York – the first business to offer central station fire alarm monitoring. The next year they began installing and monitoring fire alarm detectors. From the start, Watkins used a sophisticated monitoring system. Not only could he identify the building on fire but even the afflicted floor. On each floor he installed a separate circuit, mounting sensors at regular intervals. The circuits ran to separate posts on a transmitting instrument.
Watkins’ system worked so well that the New York Board of Fire Underwriters, after testing the system, agreed to grant insurance premium discounts to subscribers. Encouraged by this endorsement, Watkins opened a second central office in Boston with a partner from the insurance field – the Boston Protective company, a salvage corps equipped with soda-acid extinguishers, rubber or canvas tarps and other tools used to reduce fire losses for client insurance companies.
In August of 1874 the salvage company let Watkins turn one of its two dispatching stations into a central office. Watkins then sought the approval of the Boston Board of fire Commissioners and received it by a letter dated September 25, 1874.
The salvage corps enhanced Watkins’ service by connecting gong circuits from the central office to various fire engine houses, starting in 1877. Thus, operators could dispatch the nearest firefighters directly upon receiving an alarm signal. Ultimately, the telephone replaced all telegraph communications, though it is interesting that in the early days Watkins, could telegraph all the necessary parties.
Source: A History of Alarm Security Copyrighted by NBFAA 1979, 1980, and 1991.
Educate Your Sales Staff and Improve Your Bottom Line
When customers visit your stores they are looking for qualified, knowledgeable sales people to answer their questions and to ensure them that the system they are purchasing is going to help protect their families. A knowledgeable sales staff can go along way in retaining and gaining customers.
NTS offers a course geared towards your sales people to help them learn the elements of security technology.
Understanding Alarm Systems teaches participants about system components, detection and response. They will acquire technical training in sensors, control panels, communications, supervising stations and false alarm prevention enabling them to understand system design.
Hone Your Skills with NTS Training Courses
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NTS offers plenty of training and certification opportunities across the nation this month. Sign up for a class near you and get that extra bit of edge over your competitors. Complete course descriptions and schedules for 2006 are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development section. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS. |
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Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Oct. 11 – 12 – Doraville, Ga.
Oct. 18 – 20 – Buffalo, N.Y.
Oct. 21 – 22 – Greenville, Miss.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1)
Oct. 9 – 11 – Fairfax, Va.
Oct. 10 – 12 – Philadelphia, Pa.
Oct. 20 – 22 – LaPlace, La.
Oct. 26 – 28 – Greensboro, N.C.
Oct. 27 – 29 – Montevallo, Ala.
Oct. 27 – 29 – Memphis, Tenn.
Continuing Education
Oct. 16 – 20 – Central Station Operator – New Orleans, La.
Oct. 20 – 24 – Central Station Operator – Toronto, Ontario
Electronic Access Control
Oct. 7 – 8 – Lafayette, La.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Oct. 11 – 13 – Syracuse/Utica, N.Y.
Oct. 12 – 13 – Fairfax, Va.
Oct. 14 – 15 – Lafayette, La.
Oct. 17 – 18 – Tulsa, Okla.
Life Safety Code Course & Workshop
Oct. 19 – Tulsa, Okla.
Networking 101
Oct. 17 – 18 – San Leandro, Calif.
Understanding Alarm Systems
Oct. 13 – Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Oct. 13 – Milwaukee, Wisc.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Join NBFAA in New Jersey and New York for Mission: Possible
This year’s theme, Mission: Possible, will be continued at the 2006 NBFAA Fall Conference and Charted State Association (CSA) Symposium in New Jersey and New York.
The conference begins on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, N.J. and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, N.Y.
Conference highlights include the semi-annual CSA Symposium followed by a member reception on Sunday. On Monday members will be able to Breakfast With Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY) and attend the annual Leadership Awards Luncheon at Ruth’s Chris. Of course, there will be committee meetings and a Board of Directors meeting as well. NBFAA and New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA) will both have booths at ISC East so be sure to stop by Booths 2379 and 2380. And don’t forget to check out the Tri-Association Awards Dinner where NBFAA will help honor Charles Darsch of System Sensor as the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org. The deadline for reservations is tomorrow Oct. 6.
For a complete schedule, discount codes and to register online visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
In addition to the NBFAA Fall Conference, NBFAA’s Calendar Highlights also includes special events and annual conventions hosted by CSAs around the country. Check out the events near you in each issue of Member Update and on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org. To have your event added send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
In addition to Member Update’s NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights, you can stay informed through the online calendar located in the Information Center at www.alarm.org.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
Western Chapter Meeting
Oct. 10, 2006
Tukwila, Wash.
11:30am
Barnaby's Restaurant
16401 West Valley Hwy
Tukwila, WA 98138
(425) 251-8341
$20.00
Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
2006 TBFAA Annual Convention & Trade Show
Oct. 11-13, 2006
Park Vista Hotel
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The annual event will feature a sporting clay tournament, golf tournament, trade show, eight continuing education hours, annual meeting, luncheon, and casino party. For information on exhibiting or dealer registration, please contact Penny Brooks, TBFAA executive director, at TBFAAexdir@aol.com or at (615) 791-9590.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
12th Annual Security Show
Mirabeau Park Hotel
Oct. 13, 2006
Spokane, WA
The WBFAA show continues to grow larger each year with more vendor participation as well as attendees. They provide classes for technicians, sales and management. On Oct. 12, they will host a golf tournament and President's Reception.
- Golf and President’s Reception—October 12
- Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—October 13
- Hotel Room: (509) 924-9000
Intelligent Video Analytics for IP-Based Security Systems Free Webinar
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Oct. 18, 2006
12:00 p.m.
In this Webinar, they examine Sony's new intelligent video analytics platform for Internet Protocol (IP) -based security systems and how it integrates surveillance recorders, the company's newest cameras, and the Real Shot Manager (RSM) software to transmit object information, environmentally noise-free, for clearer imaging. They’ll review how improved workflow is achieved through "in-camera" processing and increased intelligent video analytics, plus how pushing analytic capabilities to endpoints allows for adding more cameras without choking back-end processing. For more information, and to register, click here.
2006 NBFAA Fall Conference
2006 Fall Conference and Chartered State Association Symposium
Sheraton Suites on the Hudson
Oct. 22 – 23, 2006
Weehawken, N.J.
NBFAA’s Fall Conference, which will be held Oct. 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J., will include the Chartered State Association Symposium, annual Leadership Awards Luncheon, Board of Directors meeting, committee meetings and a member reception. Make plans now to attend this annual event. Conference updates and registration information are available at www.alarm.org.
Note: The time of the Breakfast With Congressman Fosella
has been changed to 8:30 a.m. EST.
2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Razamataz and All That Jazz: The 2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Cipriani’s 23rd Street, New York City
Oct. 24, 2006
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
The joint will be jumping as NBFAA, the Security Industry Association and the Central Station Alarm Association get together to honor Charles Darsch, the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org.
The deadline for reservations is tomorrow Oct. 6.
International Association of Security and Investigative Regulators (IASIR)
IASIR 2006 Conference
Nov. 7 – 9, 2006
Halifax, Nova Scotia
This conference will provide a significant opportunity to discuss security issues with regulators from all across Canada and the U.S., as well as with other industry experts. IASIR plans to identify and explore new opportunities for developing relationships, programs and services that will help in the regulation of the security industry.
The conference rate is $195 per night for single or double occupancy. This rate will be extended to IASIR Conference attendees three days prior to the conference dates as well as three days after (based on room availability). Call Central Reservations at (800) 943-6760 or make reservations online from the link on IASIR’s Web site at www.iasir.org/calendar.htm. Be sure to mention the room block reserved for IASIR when making your reservations. Reservations must be made by Oct. 16, 2006 to get the special rate. The price after Oct. 16 is $245.
Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association
10th Annual Convention & Trade Show
Nov. 14-16, 2006
The Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, La.
The 10th Annual Convention and Trade Show will include training opportunities for members to earn continuing education units, as well as networking during the trade show. The chapter will also host a golf tournament to benefit the state’s Youth Scholarship Program. What better way to meet various industry peers and gain global knowledge?
CAA Winter Conference
2006 CAA Winter Convention & Western States Security Conference
Dec. 7 – 9, 2006
Crowne Plaza, San Francisco
Member News
The Systems Depot to Carry Carlon Products
The Systems Depot has announced the addition of Carlon products to its distribution line. Carlon is a manufacturer of fiber optic, copper and coaxial cable protection for plant construction and wiring systems.
Carlon offers a wide variety of installation products including wiring device boxes, floor boxes, flexible conduit for electrical, thermoplastic enclosures for industrial and object exchange model (OEM) applications, large junction boxes for outdoor lighting installations, and non-metallic wiring trough. Since their debut, these products have earned the approval of industry organizations and installers alike.
Carlon products will be available with The Systems Depot in October, 2006. For further details on Carlon products, visit www.carlon.com or contact The Systems Depot at (877) 797-3376.
North American Video Unveils Security System for Wynn Casino in Macau
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Stephen Wynn, the casino mogul whose copper-colored Wynn Las Vegas casino was a showcase security system when it debuted last year, is back in 2006 with a casino in Macau, now considered the Las Vegas of the Pacific Rim. The new $1.2 billion casino and 600-room hotel officially opened Wednesday, and at its core was a security system worth roughly $7 million.
:: Full Story
UK’s O Arena to Get Integrated Security System from ADT
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Visitors to the venue formerly known as the Millennium Dome will now have their safety and security guaranteed via an integrated system of closed circuit televisions (CCTV), fire detection, and public address. The O arena, near Greenwich in south London, commissioned ADT to supply the system to protect concert-goers and sports fans.
:: Full Story
Member Benefit Spotlight
On Hold, Inc.
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Member Product News
Altronix Introduces New Maxim 33 Access Power Controller
Altronix recently introduced their new Maxim 33 Access Power Controller, the latest addition to the recently introduced Maxim™ Access Power Controller Product Series.
Vector Security Revises InSite Building Alarm System Management Program
Vector Security has announced the release of the third revision of the company’s InSite building alarm system management program.
Industry News You Can Use
Burleson Considering Verified Response Policy for Alarms
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
City officials in Burleson, Texas are considering an ordinance that would keep police from responding to burglar alarms unless a person sees a crime or a security company can verify criminal activity.
:: Full Story
Dallas Tops List of Most Dangerous Large Cities
New York remained the safest of the nation's 10 largest cities in 2005, with about one crime reported for every 37 people, according an Associated Press report on the FBI statistics. The large city with the highest crime rate was Dallas, with about one crime reported for every 12 people.
:: Full Story
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
Alarm Companies Alarmed Over Cell Phone Transition
ConsumerAffairs.com
The sun is setting on the United States' first national cellular phone technology, known as Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS).
:: Full Story
Recent Press Releases
Rep. Fossella, R-N.Y. to Speak at NBFAA Breakfast
Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY), author of the College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act (H.R. 4460) will be the special guest speaker at the NBFAA breakfast on Monday Oct. 23 at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken N.J.
:: Full Story
NBFAA Announces Finalists for 2006 Leadership Awards
The NBFAA, Sept. 28, announced the finalists for the association’s annual Leadership Awards. The winners will be revealed during the 2006 Leadership Awards Luncheon in conjunction with the NBFAA Fall Conference and Chartered States Symposium (CSA).
:: Full Story
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
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