SimplexGrinnell Recognized by Society of Fire Protection Engineers

BOCA RATON, FLA. (Oct. 17, 2006) - SimplexGrinnell, an industry leader with a long history of supporting academic institutions that educate fire protection engineers, last night received the 2006 David A. Lucht Lamp of Knowledge Award from the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).

The Lamp of Knowledge Award, established in 2005, recognizes an organization, company or individual that has contributed substantially to increasing the opportunities for higher education in fire protection engineering. This year's presentation was made to SimplexGrinnell at SFPE's annual awards and honors banquet in Elliott City, Maryland.

"We are deeply honored to have been selected by SFPE for the David A. Lucht Lamp of Knowledge Award," says Dean Seavers, President of SimplexGrinnell.

"The commitment to education is an important part of our heritage, and a cornerstone of the approach we take today as a fire and life-safety company.

All of us at SimplexGrinnell thank the Society for recognizing the company's ongoing support in educating fire protection engineers and advancing the protection of life and property."

David Evans, P.E., FSFPE, Executive Director of SFPE, says: "Education is core activity for SFPE, and SimplexGrinnell has an exemplary record of supporting higher education opportunities for fire protection engineers. SimplexGrinnell helps to foster fire protection engineering education and activities of SFPE that help to keep people and property safe from fire."

The Lamp of Knowledge Award is named after David A. Lucht, the recently retired founding director of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) graduate degree program in fire protection engineering. During his 42-year career in fire safety, Professor Lucht spent over 25 years building and growing WPI's Fire Protection Engineering Program and the Center for Firesafety Studies.

"SimplexGrinnell exemplifies the ideals of the Lamp of Knowledge, and is certainly a fitting recipient for the 2006 award," Lucht said. "It's important to note that the fire protection engineering program we built at WPI would not have been possible without the relationships that were established with business and industry. All of us involved in fire protection engineering appreciate the exceptional commitment SimplexGrinnell has made to higher education and the industry as a whole."

SimplexGrinnell's selection for the Lamp of Knowledge Award reflects the strong relationships the company has cultivated over the years with some of the nation's leading institutions for fire protection engineering education and graduate research, including WPI and the University of Maryland.

SimplexGrinnell's involvement with those two universities, and fire protection and safety engineering technology academic institutions such as Oklahoma State University, has included financial contributions, hands-on internship opportunities, donation of fire alarm and suppression equipment, support for student research projects, and the provision of lecturers for specialized courses.

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers, established in 1950 and incorporated as in independent organization in 1971, is the professional society representing those practicing the field of fire protection engineering. The Society has approximately 4,500 members in the United States and abroad, and 59 regional chapters. The purpose of the Society is to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering and its allied fields, to maintain a high ethical standard among its members, and to foster fire protection engineering education. For additional information, visit www.sfpe.org.