Services Detail Icon List

Partners


The Firefighter Air Coalition advocates for codes requiring proven technologies that improve air management in the fire service and help reduce cancer risk. We support the efforts of code compliance professionals in their code review, adoption, and implementation process.
‍

People interact at a trade show, examining products and shaking hands in front of booths. A man in a red shirt looks at items on a table to the left, while a man in a gray shirt and another man in a navy uniform shake hands in the center. Banners are displayed behind booths.

Thanks to Our Partners

The support of our members and sponsors makes it possible for the FAC to put our mission into action.  We have many opportunities available for organizations to partner with us to bring life-saving air management education, training, and technologies to the fire service.

The logo for Johnson Controls, featuring the company name in blue text to the left of a circular, abstract design composed of curved blue and green lines.
Johnson Controls
Lifeline Firehose logo featuring the text 'Lifeline Firehose' in bold black letters. To the right of the text, an orange line resembling a stylized heartbeat pulse stretches horizontally, with an image of a firehose nozzle at each end.
Lifeline Firehose
Logo displaying the word "ARCTIC" in large, black font with a stylized blue swoosh encircling the letter "A" and pointing to the letter "C". Below it, the word "COMPRESSOR" is written in smaller, blue font.
Arctic Compressor

Featured Partner

Two firefighters in full gear and oxygen masks work on an upper-level stairway, one adjusting the air tank of the other. They stand by a sign indicating "Stair 1, No Roof Access, 3 Down to 1 for Exit Through 8." One firefighter carries a large hose.
who we serve icon

Technology Partners

$20,000

New technology in air management and fireground operations is critical to firefighter safety. The FAC seeks Technology Partners that bring to market cutting-edge technology that significantly improves firefighter safety.  These partners will form the FAC Standards and Management Council to begin the establishment of  oversight and involvement pertaining to specific codes related to air management and technology for firefighters.  

Three construction workers in safety gear and hard hats discuss a large blueprint inside a building under construction. A woman points to the blueprint while two men look on. A laptop, papers, and a walkie-talkie are on the table in front of them.
Who serve icon - balance

Contractor Partners

$15,000

Contractor Partners assure air management technologies are properly installed and maintained.  Benefits include:

  • Access to FAC technical experts related to codes and standards impacting air management technology.
  • Updates and latest changes to industry codes, standards, and practices through a variety of options, including correspondence courses, hands-on classes, traveling seminars, live and on-demand webinars, and online training.
  • The FAC is a source of information on legislative activities throughout the nation, and we serve as a clearing house for information and statistics that could help promote FARS in your local area.
  • Inclusion in our listing of reputable contractors for FARS installation and service.
  • The FAC works within the industry and the media to promote an awareness of the role FARS may play in firefighter respiratory health and safety.
Three construction workers in hard hats examining blueprints at a construction site. One woman is pointing at the blueprint, another woman is observing attentively, and a man in a yellow hard hat is leaning in, focused on the plans.
Document icon

Training Sponsorship

(Cost based on audience, size and location)

FAC provides quarterly comprehensive air management training to firefighters by instructors widely recognized as the industry’s finest. We promote our training sessions to a regional audience and attract an average of 100 firefighters from 10-15 departments per session. Sponsors can introduce new technologies and fireground tools to firefighters and department leadership in this exclusive one-to-one environment.

People seated in a conference room, facing a presenter and a large projected screen. The presentation slide reads "BYODC: Perceptions, Myths, and Misunderstandings." The audience appears attentive, and the room is moderately filled, with empty seats visible.
Training icon

Training Opportunities

  • FAC Zoom Training ($2,500 per event)
  • Vendor-sponsored Zoom training ($5,000 per event)
  • Title Sponsorship of air management “Drill of the Month” ($1,000)

Become a Partner or Sponsor

Partnership and sponsorship  opportunities can be tailored to the needs of our partners. Contact us to learn more.

Contact Us
A nighttime scene shows several fire trucks lined up on a street with their lights flashing red. Firefighters can be seen standing between the trucks, illuminated by the lights. The atmosphere is intense and busy.

The Fireground, Our Mission and You

Firefighter Air:  The Fireground, Our Mission and You - the FDIC 2024 supplement this year. Please take moment to download your copy to explore new science and research, new breathing techniques and training opportunities for air management, tactical operations for high rise and much more.  Please share this information with your department.

Take a moment to check out...
Since

2022

Who We Are

Icon 01

Our mission

The Firefighter Air Coalition is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing firefighter safety through education and training on air management best practices. We promote new air management technologies that enhance firefighter safety and advocate for the implementation of codes requiring these innovative solutions.

Icon 02

Our Vision

Our vision is for all firefighters to have the tools and expertise they need to operate safely and effectively, protecting themselves and the communities they serve.

Our Mission Stands on Four Pillars

Two firefighters in full gear and breathing masks prepare for action in a stairwell labeled "Stair 1 No Roof Access 3." One firefighter adjusts the other's oxygen tank while holding a coiled hose. Both wear helmets, with one displaying the name "Murphy.

Advocating for Innovations in Air Management Technology Integration

We follow the development of air management technologies and advocate for integration into firefighting best practices. These technologies include portable breathing air, gas detection, fireground and training tools, PPE and more.

Learn More

Firefighter Air Management

The air on your back is what enables you to do your work and survive. And like every other resource on the fireground, that air needs to be deliberately planned, practiced and managed.

Learn More

It's a simple equation

Smoke is a killer. Understanding the enemy is crucial to reduce the chance of illness, disease and death.

Learn More

Principles of science and engineering

Fire science studies the causes and effects of fire,  fire management, fire behavior, and firefighter health and safety. We will bring you the latest science and research related to firefighter health and safety.

Learn More
01

Technology

02

Air Management

03

Fire Smoke & Cancer

04

Fire Science & Research

Who We Serve

Firetruck with glowing light vector icon - orange

Fire Service

The Firefighter Air Coalition (FAC) focuses on the need for smart, responsible air management. It’s our passion and our privilege to advance firefighter safety through continued education and training programs and the advancement of important life-saving air supply technology.

View detail
Services Detail Icon List

Code Compliance Professionals

The Firefighter Air Coalition advocates for codes requiring proven technologies that improve air management in the fire service and help reduce cancer risk. We support the efforts of code compliance professionals in their code review, adoption, and implementation process.

View detail
service detail icon - vector of a building

Municipal & Legislative Representatives

Codes requiring Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) are a growing trend nationwide as cities look to keeping pace with infrastructure development, fire department manpower, reduce risk, and maintain the highest level of public safety.

View detail
An orange icon featuring a fire hydrant at the center with two crossed axes behind it. There is a star on each side of the hydrant near the bottom.

FARS Installation & Maintenance Contractors

A Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) is a building installed standpipe system and distribution systems that delivers breathing air to firefighters inside large structures.

View detail
An orange outline icon depicting a smiling person wearing a tie in front of a group of buildings, representing a business or corporate environment.

Building Owners

As with most building-installed fire safety systems, the cost of FARS and the on-going testing, certification and maintenance of the system is borne by the builder and the building owner.

View detail
View all services
Arrow up primaryArrow up white

Our team is here to answer your questions and help you get started on turning your vision into reality.

Icon 05
Contact Us
Best in Class
Advancing
Firefighting
Technology

The air management insights and cutting-edge technology from Firefighters Air Coalition have revolutionized our approach to firefighting. The Firefighter Air Coalition research helps us make safety-first decisions. An indispensable tool for enhancing operational safety.

Mark Thompson

Green Bay FD
Our
Leadership

Our Leadership

Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from the fire service and industry. Each brings a unique set of skills and experience to our organization.

Scroll

Mark E. Fessenden

Firefighter Air Coalition President

Rodger Reiswig

Bill Dickson

David Rhodes

Ronald J. Siarnicki

Mark E. Fessenden

Firefighter Air Coalition President
Mark Fessenden is well known throughout the fire protection industry for his passion, dedication, and commitment to innovation. Mark currently serves as director of industry relations for Johnson Controls, Inc. His involvement with the manufacturing of active fire protection systems spans more than 25 years and is focused on the development of new technologies, codes and standards, technical services, and training. He holds three U.S. patents in automatic sprinkler and fire alarm technology. He's a member of numerous National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees and serves as chairman of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Committee on Professional Development and as vice president of the Wisconsin Chapter of SFPE. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for both the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA). In 2017, Mark received the NFPA Industrial Fire Protection Section Fire Prevention Award, and in 2021 the SFPE honored him with the Harold E. Nelson Service Award. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from New England Institute of Technology and his MBA from Corban University.

Rodger Reiswig

Rodger Reiswig is a Fellow with Johnson Controls and serves as VP, Industry Relations. With over 37 years in the fire protection industry including training, product support, application design, sales, and management experience. Rodger currently serves on numerous NFPA Technical Committees. Rodger serves as a board member for the Center for Campus Fire Safety. He is the Immediate Past Chair of NEMA’s Life Safety Signaling Section and serves as Vice-Chair on NEMA’s Plenary Codes and Standards Committee. Rodger serves as Chair of the Electronic Security Association’s Codes and Standards Committee. Rodger Co-Chairs the USA delegation for ISO TC21 for Fire Alarm Systems and IEC TC 79 Security Systems and Components Committees. Rodger holds a NICET level IV Fire Alarm Systems Certification, NICET level II Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems and NICET level I Special Hazards Layout Certification. Rodger holds certifications from Two Rivers Technologies as a Master in Telecommunications and from Eastern Technical holds a certification in Electronics Technology and Microprocessor Design. Additionally, Rodger holds both a Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Theology from Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Bill Dickson

Bill Dickson is a 30-year veteran of the high-pressure breathing air industry, currently serving as Vice President of Sales for Bauer Compressors, Inc. (BCI). Combined with his fire industry background, he has more than 40 years of experience in BCI's core market. Bill's innovative thinking has helped generate interest in Bauer's line of high-pressure breathing air products. He is the task group chair for the high-pressure breathing air team on the NFPA-1989 standards committees and participates as a voting member on other standards committees. As a certified open water diver, he holds an advanced open certification. He also likes to mountain bike, kayak, and work out in his rowing shell or on his road bike. He holds a degree in Business with emphasis on Marketing.

David Rhodes

As Editor-in-Chief for Fire & Rescue Media, David Rhodes is helping to shape the national conversation on topics important to the fire service -- from innovation to training to safety and more. He leads the editorial direction of Fire Engineering, Fire Apparatus, Firefighter Nation, and the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). David is known for his keen eye for talent, amplifying new voices while maintaining partnerships with long-established subject matter experts from the fire service and industry. David also serves as the educational director for FDIC International. His 37-year career includes 17 years spent as battalion chief with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is a Chief Elder for the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, served as an incident commander for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team, and was a task force leader for the Georgia Search and Rescue Team. David also served on the FDIC Educational Advisory Board, was a Hands-on-Training coordinator for the FDIC conference, an editorial advisor and author for Fire Engineering and Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, a columnist for Fire Rescue, an adjunct instructor at the Georgia Fire Academy, and an Advisory Board Member Emeritus for Underwriters Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute.

Ronald J. Siarnicki

Ronald J. Siarnicki is a true visionary and a tireless advocate for firefighter health and safety. His 50-year career includes his service as executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) from 2001 until 2023. In addition to managing the National Memorial Services, construction of the National Memorial Park, and the renovation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, MD, Ron was the driving force behind the Everyone Goes Home Program, designed to reduce the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Ron started his career in western Pennsylvania as a volunteer firefighter at the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. He became a professional firefighter in Prince George’s County, where he rose in the ranks to serve as chief of all 47 fire stations in the county. His many honors include the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Alan Brunacini Fire Services Executive Safety Award, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs’ President's Award of Distinction, the University of Maryland, University College Distinguished Alumnus, and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Silver Medal of Valor. Ron earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and served as a UMUC faculty member for the Fire Science Curriculum.
Our Network
International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
Fire Safety Research Institute
Our partners
The logo for Johnson Controls, featuring the company name in blue text to the left of a circular, abstract design composed of curved blue and green lines.
Lifeline Firehose logo featuring the text 'Lifeline Firehose' in bold black letters. To the right of the text, an orange line resembling a stylized heartbeat pulse stretches horizontally, with an image of a firehose nozzle at each end.
Logo displaying the word "ARCTIC" in large, black font with a stylized blue swoosh encircling the letter "A" and pointing to the letter "C". Below it, the word "COMPRESSOR" is written in smaller, blue font.
Icon 04

As an employer, the platform exceeded my expectations. We swiftly found top-tier talent for our company, thanks to the user-friendly interface and the ability to connect with candidates that perfectly fit our requirements.

Rating star

Ronald J. Siarnicki

CEO
Icon 04

The customer support from our service provider is exceptional. They're responsive and go above and beyond to solve any issues we encounter. It's a pleasure to work with them.

Rating star half

David Rhodes

Manager
Icon 04

The analytics and reporting capabilities of our software have transformed our decision-making. We now have real-time insights that were previously inaccessible.

Rating star

Bill Dickson

Founder
Icon 04

Since implementing our new software, our team has seen a 30% increase in efficiency. Tasks that used to take hours now only take minutes. It's been a game-changer for our productivity.

Rating star

Rodger Reiswig

Site Manager
Icon 04

An expert team not only meets expectations but often surpasses them, providing solutions that greatly improve efficiency and effectiveness. Leaving clients thoroughly satisfied and their lives significantly easier.

Rating star

Mark E. Fessenden

Firefighter Air Coalition President

News

Tom Merrill Discusses Big Box Warehouse Dangers with Mike Dugan

Read More

Mike Gagliano, Leading Worldwide Author, Instructor Named President of FAC

Read More

Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems Virtual Demo

Read More

Firefighter Air Coalition hosts training on air management in the Treasure Valley

Read More
See all news