MWAS Newsletter Q2 2025 Edition 1

WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear valued customer,

Welcome to the very first edition of the Midwest Monitor! We’re thrilled to launch this new way of staying in touch with you—our trusted partners.

As we celebrate an incredible 75 years in business, we’ve been reflecting on what’s made Midwest Alarm Services strong through the decades: our unwavering commitment to protecting people, property, and the communities we serve. This newsletter is one more way we’re deepening that commitment.

Our goal with each issue is simple—to bring you valuable insights that help you run your business with confidence every day. Whether it’s best practices for fire and life safety systems, updates on important industry standards, or tips to make compliance a little easier, we’re here to be a resource you can rely on.

After 22 years with Midwest Alarm, I’ve seen firsthand how strong connections make all the difference. Through this newsletter, we hope to share not just information, but also the shared values and priorities that tie us all together.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We’re proud to serve you—and excited to continue building a safer future, together.

Handle the Heat and Stay in the Kitchen: Understanding Your Class K Fire Extinguisher

A recent post-fire investigation at a restaurant served as a stark reminder of just how crucial it is to understand the equipment designed to keep us safe, especially when it comes to fire extinguishers. Our Industry Relations Manager, Dan Decker, attended the investigation and witnessed a scenario that, while almost comical in its irony, highlights a critical knowledge gap that could have had much more serious consequences.

The new Marshall Intermediate School, in Marshall, MO, is the first true school groundbreaking in 50 years! This state-of-the-art facility will serve third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students, replacing outdated buildings.

What makes this project even more exciting? It’s equipped with cutting-edge technology, including:

A new Fire Alarm Panel with Voice Evacuation for added safety
ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System), ensuring full radio access for emergency responders inside the building

This is a huge step forward for the Marshall community, providing the next generation of students with modern learning environments and the safest possible school for everyone. Big thanks to the teams at Incite Design Studio Group, Nabholz Construction, and All Pro Electric Technology Inc. for their hard work and partnership!

“Midwest Alarm Services has been wonderful to work with! Throughout the scheduling, installation, and inspection processes, Midwest has gone above and beyond in their service and professionalism. Branden, the technician on site, was prompt, courteous, and thorough in ensuring that the monitoring system was functioning properly. He took extra time to show the staff on site how to use the system and help troubleshoot an issue with the ceiling. Overall, all of the employees made the experience a positive and smooth one. We highly recommend Midwest Alarm Services!”

- Francine Ide, Administrator at Mayflower Heritage Christian School

Dan Decker is a highly experienced fire protection professional with over 47 years of experience in the industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Industry Affairs Manager, having served as a technician, project manager, and system designer throughout his career.

Dan is a recognized expert in the field, holding several prestigious certifications, including:

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Security Executive Council (SET)

He also possesses advanced technical certifications, including NICET Level IV in Special Hazards Layout and Fire Alarm Systems.

Dan’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his active involvement in the industry. He has been a member of the NFPA 72 Fundamentals Technical Committee since 1990, contributing to the development and advancement of fire protection standards.

We recently sat down with Dan and he shared some common questions and his answers.

Initiating Devices

Q: Regarding duct detector installation, mechanical code requires them to be installed on the return side and NFPA standards require them on the supply side. Why the inconsistency?

A: The objective is to stop AHU’s from spreading smoke from one space to another. The NFPA process and the ICC process came up with different conclusions on how best to accomplish that. The supply side detects filter fires and smoke from the outside air intake. The return side is generally highly diluted, and will not act as a single detector for the entire area.

Notification Appliances

Q: Does it matter if the strobes stay on after the audible horns or speakers have been silenced?

A: Yes. Requirements for strobes were added to NFPA 72 in 1996 to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the intent is to notify both hearing impaired (strobes) and sight impaired (sounders). NFPA 72 requires that audible and visible notification appliances deactivate simultaneously (72-10.13.2).

We recently hosted our first Customer Advisory Board at our Madison, Wisconsin branch, where we had the opportunity to spend valuable time listening to feedback from our customers. This event allowed us to gain important insights directly from those we serve, helping us better understand their needs and strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional service. We look forward to hosting more of these sessions in the future, as they provide a great platform for collaboration and continuous improvement at Midwest Alarm Services.

FEATURED INSIGHTS

Handle the Heat and Stay in the Kitchen: Understanding Your Class K Fire Extinguisher

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL

CODE KNOWLEDGE

COMPANY UPDATES

IN THE NEWS

Other News