b'JourneymanSprinkler Fitter A Career Joe Knew Nothing AboutFrom left are Western States Fire Protection Superintendent Gabriel Scarbrough, Area Manager Tim Runyon, Journeyman Joe Perez, and Executive Vice President Rich Charles.When Joe Perez beganJuly of 2015. Employed by Western States Fire Pro-his journey to transition out of the Army, he was unsure of wheretection, Joe chose to return to Colorado Springs, that path would lead him. Having dedicated moreCO. He has excelled as a sprinkler fitter apprentice, than 11 years to the Army and deployed on threeand as of August 2019, Joe has achieved journey- Joe Perez was separate occasions, he knew one thing for sureheman status.did not want to end up in an office environment.Joe stated that during his training, he gained anamong the rst While at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Joe received aappreciation for the physical challenges associated brochure from a fellow soldier describing thewith the work of a sprinkler fitter. He enjoyed thesprinkler tting United Associations (UA) Veterans in Pipingsatisfaction of completing his first fire sprinkler sys-(VIP) sprinkler fitter program. Although he didnttem and learning about the life safety impact thatprogram graduates know anything about being a sprinkler fitter orfire sprinklers have on the community. Fire sprin-what the job entailed, Joe had a connection to thekler systems save lives, and through their use, prop- who completed the construction industry, because his father was a pipeerty is often recoverable.insulator. Joe took the initiative to learn more andDuring Joes first week as an apprentice for West- program in July of interviewed for a spot in the VIP program, whereern States Fire Protection, he impressed his supervi-he was accepted shortly after that. Installing lifesav- sors with his skill set and passion for the trade. His2015. Employed by ing fire suppression systems was something that ap- supervisors realized that due to the training he re-pealed to him right away. ceived, he was ready to work in the field. Western States Fire Since 2014, the sprinkler fitting program at theWhen asked what his greatest success has been UA has been relocated from Fort Sill in Oklahomaon this journey, Joe said, Completing the appren- Protection, Joe to Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The program pro- ticeship and turning out as a journeyman for Local vides rigorous training for active-duty military in669 has been such a milestone. He also revels inchose to return to which they attend four 10-hour days every weekthe brotherhood and sisterhood that he has foundColorado Springs, for 18 weeks. The sprinkler fitter program consistsin the local union environment. He said, Its a lot of theory-based and hands-on training that incor- like what I experienced in the military. He gave anCO. He has excelled porates ladder safety, basic rigging methods, andexample of the generosity of this brotherhood. how to work with trade-related tools safely. Addi- Right after my first childs baby shower, my caras a sprinkler tter tionally, soldiers receive training on all modes ofbroke down. The presents in the car were stolen, joining steel, copper, and CPVC piping, which is aJoe said. I was devastated. Western States Fire Pro- apprentice, and as high-temperature plastic pressure piping systemtection, along with so many of my union brothers used extensively in fire suppression systems. Theand sisters, got together and replaced every singleof August 2019, Joe participants also receive an introduction to NFPAgift. Ill never forget that, and because of that expe-(National Fire Protection Association) Standards,rience, I help out other members whenever I can.has achieved jour-sprinkler drawings, and trade-related math. AfterFor Joe, becoming a UA sprinkler fitter has been a the 18-week program, VIP graduates will also havenatural progression from his military background.neyman status.completed an OSHA-30 certification. GraduatesHe works with his hands. He performs his craft in will go to work for a contractor as a class three ap- various environments, and he works with others he prentice in an area of the country where theyrelates to. He made the right choice. Militarywould like to settle. members are becoming the UAs next-Joe Perez was among the first sprinkler fittinggeneration leaders. Join us. program graduates who completed the program in 14 opsCAREER'