Fire Protection Program Ignites Robust Career

Jack Fairchild happened to learn about the fire protection program during a tour of Delaware Tech, and his instant interest and connection to it launched a robust career. Now director of the Philadelphia office of JENSEN HUGHES, one of the world's largest fire protection and life safety engineering and consulting firms, Fairchild hopes to increase awareness about fire protection so future professionals don't have to rely on luck to learn about the field.

"It is very, very rewarding work, because you are advancing safety, which helps your fellow man," Fairchild stated. "The industry is small and niched, but demand continues to outpace supply, so it can also be very lucrative."

Fairchild's first step in creating awareness about fire protection is explaining how it differs from the more commonly found programs of fire science.

"Many community colleges have fire science degrees, but very few offer fire protection engineering technology," he explained. "The name is nuanced, but the difference is substantial. Fire science focuses on producing firefighters, while fire protection engineering technology focuses on building systems."

Fairchild started at Delaware Tech in 1996 after a fortunate and insightful discussion with a campus advisor.

"I stumbled on the program accidentally," Fairchild shared. "When the advisor showed me the program, I was just drawn to it. It was the right fit for me."

Landing a job as a fire sprinkler designer after completing two semesters of study, Fairchild switched to evening classes and completed his degree in 1999.

After graduation, Fairchild continued to obtain various industry certifications and moved on to a larger sprinkler contracting firm before advancing to manager of fire protection and life safety for Ballinger, an architectural engineering firm. In 2016, he was hired by JENSEN HUGHES to open a corporate office in Philadelphia.

At JENSEN HUGHES, Fairchild is responsible for day-to-day office operations and is heavily involved in writing and creating codes and standards that often are adopted as industry standards by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

A member of the College's fire protection advisory board, Fairchild is passionate about his experience at Delaware Tech and securing a successful future for what he considers a vital and important program.

"Throughout my career, I have talked about the important foundation my Delaware Tech education has provided," said Fairchild. "The program was instrumental to both my success and the success of many others in this industry."