By Craig Anderson

DOVER — His promotion of fire sprinklers inside Delaware homes has received national recognition, but Paul Eichler’s advocacy is far from over.

For six years, the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition chairman said he has urged government officials at all levels, builders, water companies, insurance agents and Realtors to consider the value of sprinklers.

And his efforts weren’t unnoticed. Mr. Eichler, 57, of Dover, has received the 2021 Bringing Home Safety Award by the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

“The whole idea for the sprinkler system is to activate within a minute of the fire, starting to control the fire and (allowing) the occupant the appropriate notification that something is going on (and that) they need to call 911 and get the fire department on the street,” he said.

“That sprinkler system will keep the fire in check, while the firefighters are traveling en route.”

Mr. Eichler received a $1,000 grant with the award to continue advocacy and educational efforts throughout Delaware.

The Dover Fire Department volunteer firefighter and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, operations battalion chief said his passion for sprinklers began after witnessing homes rendered uninhabitable due to blazes.

“The destruction of a fire is devastating,” he said. “It’s just sad to see someone burned out of their home. Secondly, it’s even worse, obviously, if someone is injured or killed as a result.”

A co-worker in Anne Arundel County nominated Mr. Eichler for the award without his knowledge a year ago.

“My notification was from an email from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, saying congrats, and it took me a moment to read through it and come to realize what in the world they were talking about,” said Mr. Eichler, who is also an instructor at the Delaware State Fire School.

“I had passing knowledge of the award from past recipients but never even gave it a thought that I would be eligible or considered for it.”

The winner’s push for increased residential fire sprinklers is never-ending, said Lorraine Carlo, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy and HFSC president.

“On any given day, Battalion Chief Eichler can be found talking about the need for built-in fire protection for Delaware’s new homes,” she said. “He uses his voice to educate, encourage and inspire safer communities, and we are pleased to recognize these life-safety efforts.”

Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission member Bill Kelly, who has served as chief for the Hartly and Claymont fire companies, said Mr. Eichler “indeed is worth all of the accolades regarding his personal commitment and passion with his educational efforts and doggedness on this most valuable crusade of working towards every home in Delaware — and of course, the occupants — (being) protected by sprinklers.

“There are certainly many of us who support him with this, but Paul undoubtedly coordinates and provides the consistent front of the effort. Fire sprinklers are a benefit to the environment (and) save property, occupants and firefighters.”

Furthermore, Kevin McSweeney, the University of Delaware’s fire marshal, said Mr. Eichler “is recognized for his tireless efforts with the Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition. This is a well-deserved recognition for him, while shedding light on the group he proudly serves.”

The difference-making results came from Mr. Eichler’s “countless hours” spent working with DFSC, Mr. McSweeney said.

“As a lifelong firefighter himself, he sees firsthand the effects on families just how devastating fire can be,” he said. “He’s attempting to break down paradigms with the reasons why not to install fire sprinklers in new homes.

“He attends meetings of municipal governments that constantly amend out the newer building code requirements that would require sprinklers be installed in new homes during construction.”

Through Mr. Eichler’s efforts, Mr. McSweeney said, DFSC “includes, but is not limited to, members from state and local government, firefighters from all Delaware counties and some from Maryland, insurance representatives, sprinkler system contractors and the National Fire Sprinkler Association and National Fire Protection Association. He continually strives to get laws passed to have fire sprinklers installed to prevent the loss of life to homeowners and firefighters alike.”

While the number of volunteer firefighters has decreased in Delaware, the impact of fire sprinklers has grown ever more crucial. Clayton Fire Co. President and Past Chief Kevin Wilson saluted Mr. Eichler for his foresight on their importance.

“Paul has seen the fire service go from large numbers of volunteers to a much (smaller) number of volunteers that can respond and ... career departments doing more with less,” Mr. Wilson said. “Paul realized that sprinklers can help everyone. (It’s) a win-win for the fire service and for the homes they protect.”

Also, Mr. Wilson said, “Sprinklers are like the little firefighters in everyone’s home, Paul once told me. They are on the job 24/7, and we should make sure our residents are as protected as they can be. Paul, when no one stood up, said, ‘I will,’ and has championed the cause for quite a few years now. Paul is not afraid that sprinklers will take our jobs but (will) be there to help us better do our jobs.

“Paul has the knowledge and experience to talk about the issue and make folks listen.”