Code Compliance Professionals

Steps to Adopting the FARS Code

Modify the model code to meet the specific needs of your jurisdiction.

The code language will need to specify the height and size of new construction projects that will trigger the FARS code. Most jurisdictions require FARS in buildings of 75 feet or more above grade for a mid- or high-rise building, and 250,000 square feet or more for a horizontal structure.

The code language must also specify locations within the structure for certain system components. You can work with a FAC advocate to understand the specifics of FARS and what may work best in your jurisdiction.

It is wise to determine whether other cities in your state have already adopted FARS. Use the Code Tracker to search by state.

Code Implementation

After code adoption is complete, the process of code implementation begins. That involves putting the code through the plan review and commissioning process and providing SOPs for annual inspections and re-certification over the life of the system.

Create a Plan Review Process

A plan review process should be created by a professional engineer licensed in your state and submitted to the reviewing authority for approval, along with a process for field testing and commissioning.

Ensure the System Function as Planned

Inspections, plan review, and commissioning are a continuing operating process for certification and re-certification over the life of the system, and should be made a part of your department's SOPs.

Click on the following to see an example of a regional code: North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)

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Leadership

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Mike Gagliano

Firefighter Air Coalition President

Rodger Reiswig

Bill Dickson

David Rhodes

Ronald J. Siarnicki

Trish Garges

Mike Gagliano

Firefighter Air Coalition President

Captain Mike Gagliano has more than 33 years of fire/crash/rescue experience with the Seattle Fire Department and the United States Air Force. He began his career in 1986 with the United States Air Force, and then joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1990.
Captain Gagliano has written numerous fire service articles, is co-author of the bestselling book Air Management for the Fire Service and the SCBA chapter of the Handbook for Firefighter 1 & 2. He is a member of the Fire Engineering/FDIC Advisory Board, was the 2008 FDIC Keynote Speaker and teaches across the country on Air Management, Fireground Tactics, Leadership and Company Officer Development.
He also co-hosts the popular Fire Engineering radio webcast “The Mikey G and Mikey D Show” and partners with Anne Gagliano, his wife and noted industry speaker, to teach strategies for developing and maintaining a strong marriage/family. Together, they are co-authors of, Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage.

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.

Trish Garges

Trish Garges is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Johnson Controls, where she leads the marketing strategy for Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS), in addition to multiple global fire suppression product portfolios. With deep experience in product marketing and integrated marketing communications in the fire protection space, Trish excels in developing holistic strategies that align with business objectives and drive market growth.

Trish holds an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Villanova University. Her previous roles include managing regional marketing teams and executing successful integrated campaigns that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. She has played a pivotal role in launching new products and optimizing marketing efforts through actionable market research and customer insights.

As a member of the board of directors for the Firefighter Air Coalition, Trish is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission dedicated to all things firefighter air. Her passion for public safety and her extensive marketing expertise uniquely position her to contribute to the Coalition’s initiatives and support the vital work of firefighters across the nation.

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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.

Rodger Reiswig

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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.

Mark E. Fessenden

Firefighter Air Coalition President

Code Compliance Professionals

"I think (FARS) is just amazing, and it's amazing to me that we haven't had the system in place before. This allows firefighters to get the (air) they need to survive and help other people to survive."