Hands-On Fire Protection Event
A Rare Opportunity in Central Texas
TFPA / NFSA Texas Chapter Joint Meeting
Location Details: DIFFERENT LOCATION THAN OUR REGULAR MEETINGS
Pauline Espinosa Community Hall - 170 Charles Austin Dr., San Marcos, TX
Program: Join the Texas Fire Protection Association and the NFSA Texas Chapter for a half-day immersive training program featuring hands-on training inside NFSA’s Fire Sprinkler/Valve Training Trailer and supporting classroom instruction. This event gives fire-protection, building-safety, and emergency-response professionals a unique opportunity to interact directly with fully operational systems and observe fire behavior and system operation with sprinkler activation.
Hands-On Training: NFSA Fire Sprinkler/Valve Trailer: Participants will train inside the NFSA Fire Sprinkler/Valve Training Trailer, equipped with fully functional fire protection systems and related alarm components. The trailer provides an interactive environment ideal for practical learning and skill development. Systems include:
• Wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler systems
• Class I, II, and III standpipe risers
• Multiple hose valves and pressure-reducing valves
• NFPA 13D residential sprinkler systems
• Associated fire alarm equipment
Classroom Instruction: In addition to hands-on experience, the program includes classroom instruction covering the fundamentals of water-based fire protection systems and their interfacing alarm equipment. This lesson will reinforce key concepts related to systems that will be operated in the trailer.
The Missing Link - Industry Professionals and Emergency Responders: Industry professionals often don't understand how the fire service actually uses sprinkler and standpipe systems. The fire service may not fully understand how these systems were designed for their use. Enter NFPA 13E, an official NFPA document that prescribes recommended practices for supporting sprinkler and standpipe systems during an emergency response. In the classroom session, attendees will learn about NFPA 13E, presented in a train-the-trainer format so that fire service attendees will be ready to deploy this information back home in emergency responder training programs.
Presenters:
KJ Spurlock is NFSA’s Missouri State Coordinator. A 30-year veteran of the Pattonville Fire Protection District, he retired as Battalion Chief and Training Officer and has extensive experience in operational command and training leadership. KJ also founded Command Solutions LLC, delivering emergency preparedness and disaster management training for schools, businesses, and community organizations. Having worked with the fire service and industry, KJ has a practical, collaborative perspective that connects life safety, building operations, and professional education.
Steve Howard is NFSA’s Wisconsin State Coordinator. He has over 38 years of fire service experience, including 26 years as a Chief Officer and Fire Chief of the City of Waukesha, WI Fire Department. Steve holds a master’s degree in management science and has been recognized as the 2023 First Responder of the Year and the 2025 Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Career Fire Chief of the Year. Steve is also a Fire Service Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College and was selected as the 2021 Fire Instructor of the Year.
JP Penet is NFSA’s Kansas State Coordinator. He is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and retired fire chief, with decades of frontline and executive fire service leadership experience. JP holds a master's degree in public administration and has led complex emergency operations, guided departmental strategy, and championed evidence-based fire prevention initiatives with an emphasis on promoting the life-saving value of fire sprinkler systems. He prides himself in helping first responders to better serve their communities and advocating community risk reduction.
Schedule:
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch/Business meeting
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Classroom Session and Hands-on Session
Note: Lunch will be joint session with both a.m. and p.m. classes, and BBQ will be served (included in the registration fee)
Who Should Attend This program is ideal for:
- Installers, inspectors, and designers
- Fire marshals and building officials
- Emergency responders and training officers
- Alarm technicians
- Anyone in the fire-protection or building-safety field seeking a deeper understanding and experience with fire-protection systems
Don’t miss this event. This is a rare opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, build confidence, sharpen your skills, and enhance your abilities with fire protection systems, all within a hands-on focused training environment.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 2nd at 12:00 p.m.
(NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE)
GET YOUR CEUs: TFPA members who participate in this program will receive ICC Preferred Provider and TCFP CEU credits. If you're not currently a member, TFPA membership is only $20/year to receive CEUs and other benefits.