Do you have what it takes? Compete among the best Fire Sprinkler Design Technicians in the country for the title of Top Tech! Design Technicians are a crucial part of the success of the fire sprinkler industry, and NFSA’s Top Tech aims to celebrate the best of the best of those who make it happen.
Every other year at the North American Fire Sprinkler Expo (NAFSE), NFSA searches for the most knowledgeable Design Technicians in an exciting game show-style competition that always draws a crowd! The winner receives a cash prize, national recognition, and bragging rights.
The competition is held in three stages:
- Online Examination
- Onsite Written Examination
- Game Show Elimination Round at NAFSE
If you excel in your knowledge of NFPA 13 standards, can optimize spacing for uniquely shaped rooms, or have mastered suction pipe sizing for fire pumps, we encourage you to sign up!
Congratulations to our Past Winners!
2025 – Individual
Winner: Mike Morey – Shambaugh & Son
Runner-up: Andrew Gorgol – Ryan Fire Protection
2023 – Individual
Winner: Mickey Ferguson, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Runner-up: Eric Ginder, Hill Fire
2019 – Individual
Winner: Steve Frederick – Rioux Fire Protection
Runner-up: Dan Wilder – Western States
2017 – Individual
Winner: Chris Crivello – Truvue Inspection Technologies
Runner-up: Richard Dinwiddie – Fire Tech, LLC
2015 – Individual
Winner: Steve Frederick – Rioux Fire Protection
Runner-up: Fred Blanchard – BCE Engineers
Note: 2013 and earlier were regional team competitions – 2015 and on were individual
2013 – Great Lakes Team
Jeffrey Curlee, F.E. Moran Fire Protection, Carterville, IL
Matt Johnsen, USA Fire Protection, Libertyville, IL
Scott Schiesser, Ryan Fire Protection, Noblesville, IN
2011 – New England Team
Chris Lowen – Arden Engineering
Marc Ruggiero – SimplexGrinnell
David Smith – Vixen Fire Prot.
2009 – Northeast Team
Michael Mackey – SRI
Marc Ruggiero – SimplexGrinnell
David Smith – Vixen Fire Protection
2007 – Florida Team
Rudd Milam – Wiginton Fire Protection
Ray Vance – Wayne Automatic
Ricardo Vasquez – SimplexGrinnell