Jeff Lewis named Fire Protection Contractor’s 2025 Person of the Year

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Lauren Milliman

We are proud to share that our very own Jeff Lewis was named Fire Protection Contractor’s 2025 Person of the Year. This honor is presented every August, to an individual who has made notable contributions to the fire sprinkler industry. The recipient is someone who has been impactful during the year, engaging in education, promoting installation, or supporting fire sprinkler contractors. Fire Protection Contractor is a monthly publication for fire protection professionals. The first edition was published in March of 1978.

Jeff is the Vice President of Workforce Development at VSC Fire & Security. In 1986 he began his career as a certified firefighter. Four years later Jeff graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science in fire protection technology and began working in the fire protection contracting field.

Jeff joined VSC in 1996 and was promoted to Vice President of Inspections in 2005, responsible for supporting all inspection and testing activities at VSC. He continued his education and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with a concentration in fire science in 2012. He is a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and the National Fire Protection Association.

In 2022, Jeff began partnering with Henrico County Public Schools, after a career fair held by the Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association. From there the partnership grew, including the recently completed housing project in 2025. This project with a Building Trades Program and Henrico County Public Schools was an incredible and rewarding experience. Residential homes were constructed truly from the ground up. From the foundation to the roof, and the first ever fire sprinkler system was installed by students. Other recent projects include the fire sprinkler lab at Virginia Randolph Ace Center and fire sprinkler design and installation of the Hermitage Ace Center. 

At the center of each of these initiatives are students and connecting with schools to help attract young people into our industry as well as building programs within the schools. The outreach expands beyond Virginia, into neighboring states including Maryland with the Chesapeake chapter of the AFSA and North Carolina with the North Carolina CTE.

Tommy Clements, President & CEO recognized Lewis’s achievement stating “Jeff’s commitment and dedication to bringing the next generation of fire protection professionals into the industry is fantastic. We couldn’t be prouder of his efforts and the early results we are seeing. I join all my colleagues at VSC in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Jeff is so deserving of this accomplishment, and we are grateful for his commitment to the industry.