Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers


Log in

History of TVSFPE

 

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (TVSFPE) received its charter as the 29th chapter of the Society of Fire Protection engineers on May 23, 1977. It is noted that a considerable amount of time and effort was expended to establish the chapter and to perform the necessary preliminary work to be granted a charter.

The group of fire protection professionals who founded the TVSFPE conducted official business in a manner consistent with being a "chapter" prior to obtaining official chapter status.

The founders of the TVSFPE used the constitution and by-laws of various existing chapters including the Southeastern Chapter as a guide to create their own first version of these documents.

The first official meeting for the 1976-1977 business year for the TVSFPE was held on November 10, 1976 at the Knoxville Howard Johnson motor lodge on Kingston Pike.

The founding members of the "chapter" opened a permanent checking account at First American Bank of Knoxville in December of 1976.

The chapter officers for the first official year (1977) were as follows:

President: John McCormick
Vice President: Bob O'Laughlin
Secretary: J. T. Blackmon and Ken Leifhiet
Treasurer: Glenn Hoynoski

Board of Directors: Included some of the officers and Ken Dungan, Bill Joy, and David Icove.

The TVSFPE was an important member and participant in the WATTec technical conference held annually in Knoxville Tennessee. A letter dated August 4, 1977 is in the files from chapter president John McCormick requesting TVSFPE membership in WATTec. Many notable and nationally recognized speakers and moderators participated in making the TVSFPE WATTec sessions successful. It is noted that over the years, several SFPE Presidents were able to attend and participate in the WATTec sessions and associated Chapter meetings.

The TVSFPE worked to include fire protection professional from the Nashville and Chattanooga area in the activities of the chapter. In 1980, provisional officers for the Chattanooga Branch of the TVSFPE were elected.

During the 1980's the TVSFPE was an active participant in the Engineers week activities including presenting award winning Mall Exhibits for several years.

The TVSFPE has earned the Bronze Chapter of Excellence Award two times in 2005 and in 2007.  The TVSFPE was awarded the Silver Chapter of Excellence Award in 2006.

Since 2008, the TVSFPE has been awarded the Gold Chapter of Excellence.

Throughout TVSFPE's existence, the chapter has presented numerous technical seminars of various fire protection topics.

The members of the TVSFPE contribute to the mission of the SFPE and the NFPA with several members serving on technical committees and tasks forces.

Current and past members of the TVSFPE have held notable positions in the SFPE including serving as President, serving on the Executive and Qualifications boards. Members of the TVSFPE have written various technical documents for the SFPE. In Addition, the Chapter has three Fellow Members of the TVSFPE and one Life Member of the TVSFPE.

Past Presidents

Term

President

 2021-2022Scott Frazer 

2019-2020

Jimmy Landmesser, Jr.

2017-2018

Sam Barrack

2015-2016

Luke Platfoot

2013-2014

Patrick Thornton

2011-2012

Gary Sharp

2009-2010

Jim Kern

2007-2008

Monty Overton

2006

Roger Rudy

2004-2005

Mike Masters

2002-2003

Tom Christman

2000-2001

Doug Freels

1998-1999

Ken Roy

1996-1997

Jim Kern

1994-1995

Byron Briese

1992-1993

Bob Koch

1990-1991

Harvey Goranson

1988-1989

Tony Heitzman

1986-1987

Dave Mowrer

1984-1985

John Hoogesteger

1982-1983

Mike Mowrer

1980-1981

Bob O’Laughlin

1978-1979

Ken Dungan

1977

John McCormick


TN Valley Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Contact Us
TVSFPE is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.  Any such donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by IRS guidelines.

TVSFPE is a local chapter of SFPE.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software