OUR STORY
More than 33 years of founder industry experience. Approximately 23 years of SFFP company history, as of late 2026.
From his first sprinkler position in 1993 to the founding of SFFP in 2003, technical experience has shaped a practical approach to fire protection.
May–June 1993 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Education & Entry into the Fire Protection Industry · Nashville, Tennessee
Terence graduated from ITT Technical Institute in May 1993 and began his career in the fire protection industry on June 1, 1993, working for a Nashville-based fire sprinkler contractor. This marked the beginning of a career spanning residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial fire protection systems.
1993–2003 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Residential, Commercial & Industrial Systems · Multiple Locations
During his earlier employment, Terence developed experience across residential sprinkler layouts, tenant improvements, commercial properties, institutional facilities, and industrial systems. His prior-employer design experience included projects associated with Embassy Suites and Gaylord Opryland. These projects are part of his professional background and are not represented as SFFP installation contracts. His professional development also included achieving NICET Water-Based Systems Layout certifications at multiple levels.
November 1997 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Water-Based Systems Layout
Achieved NICET Level I certification in Water-Based Systems Layout, establishing an important technical milestone in sprinkler system design and layout.
January 1999 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Water-Based Systems Layout
Advanced to NICET Level II certification in Water-Based Systems Layout, demonstrating continued technical development and increased proficiency in fire sprinkler system design.
October 2001 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Water-Based Systems Layout
Achieved NICET Level III certification in Water-Based Systems Layout on October 9, 2001. This milestone represents an important advancement in professional technical qualifications and fire protection system design experience. The listed credential expiration date is December 1, 2027. Do not imply that the credential remains active beyond its verified expiration date without updated verification.
1993–2003 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Institutional, Healthcare & Educational Facilities · Nashville, Tennessee
Before establishing Safety First Fire Protection, Terence gained experience working on approximately six four-story Vanderbilt University dormitory facilities and hospital renovation projects. This experience contributed to his understanding of the technical demands associated with institutional and healthcare fire protection systems.
Various Years | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Regional Healthcare Experience
Professional experience includes projects associated with Meharry Medical College, Southern Hills Hospital, Nashville General Hospital, and Erlanger Hospital. Project dates and employers varied throughout his career. These projects are presented as professional experience and are not all attributed to SFFP.
Approximately 1999–2003 | PRE-SFFP PORTFOLIO
Specialized Institutional & Industrial Experience · Huntsville, Alabama
During earlier employment, Terence performed work associated with Redstone Arsenal and Boeing-related and NASA-related facilities. This experience broadened his exposure to specialized facilities and complex fire protection requirements. These projects are part of his earlier professional employment history and are not represented as SFFP federal contracts.
ESTABLISHED2003SAFETY FIRST FIRE PROTECTIONOctober 2003 | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Establishing an Independent Fire Protection Company · Middle Tennessee
Safety First Fire Protection was founded in October 2003, marking the beginning of an independent company built on years of prior industry experience. The Tennessee record lists the founder’s original RME licensure date as October 1, 2003, and a relationship to SFFP beginning September 30, 2003. The company began building its presence in residential and small commercial fire protection.
Beginning After 2003 | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Middle Tennessee Commercial Fire Protection Projects
SFFP’s project experience includes Love’s Travel Stops locations throughout Middle Tennessee. Reported work includes interior fire sprinkler systems and underground fire protection connections. Showcase this experience as a dedicated commercial project portfolio milestone. Do not invent individual project locations, dates, or contractual details.
Beginning After 2003 | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Custom Homes & Luxury Residential Properties · Brentwood, Tennessee
SFFP’s residential project experience includes custom homes and large residential properties in the Brentwood area. Highlight the company’s experience with residential fire sprinkler installations in higher-end homes and larger residential properties. Use appropriate residential photography that communicates the scale and quality of these projects. Do not invent specific customer names or property addresses.
Beginning After 2003 | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Local Businesses & Professional Facilities
SFFP’s commercial experience includes fire protection work for small businesses and professional facilities, including dental office projects. Showcase the company’s ability to serve local businesses with fire protection installation and related services. Use commercial interior, professional office, and dental office imagery where appropriate. Do not imply that every example represents a separate verified contract.
Approximately 2004–2005 onward | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Large-Scale Residential Sprinkler Installations · Nolensville, Tennessee
SFFP began major subdivision work around 2004–2005, expanding its residential fire protection installation experience throughout the Nolensville area. The company’s project history includes developments with more than 400 homes, along with additional neighborhoods containing more than 100 homes. SFFP continues to serve the area through residential fire sprinkler installation and related services.
Mid-2000s onward | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Technical Guidance & Community Experience · Middle Tennessee
SFFP’s founder developed municipal fire protection advisory experience beginning in Pleasant View and extending to Nolensville, Brentwood, Nashville/Metro Davidson County, Eagleville, and surrounding communities. This experience includes technical advisory work involving residential fire sprinkler requirements and local ordinance discussions. Dates overlap and are approximate. This advisory experience does not imply regulatory authority or municipal employment.
2003–Present | SFFP PORTFOLIO
Residential, Multifamily & Commercial Services
Over the years, SFFP expanded its capabilities across residential, multifamily, hospitality, and commercial fire protection systems. The company’s services include installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and underground fire protection connections. This expansion reflects the company’s continued development and its ability to support projects across multiple sectors.
2026 | SFFP PORTFOLIO
More Than Three Decades of Industry Experience
With more than 33 years of founder industry experience and approximately 23 years of company history, Safety First Fire Protection continues to build on a foundation of technical knowledge, practical experience, and commitment to fire protection. Today, SFFP provides installation and service capabilities while coordinating qualified subcontractors to support projects throughout its service area.
History and project recollections supplied by the company. Approximate dates are identified above.
Explore the experience ↗EXPERIENCE IN PRACTICE
01 / PLAN
System planning and design coordination shaped by residential, healthcare, education, hospitality and industrial experience.
02 / BUILD
Interior sprinkler work, underground piping, hydrants and water connections, with responsibilities defined for each project.
03 / MAINTAIN
Inspection, testing, maintenance and repair with clear scope and documented follow-through.
04 / ACCOUNTABILITY
RME oversight and qualified subcontractor coordination. Jurisdictional licenses, permits and project requirements still apply.
Timeline imagery connects each milestone with the settings and services in Terence’s career. Image sources & credits ↗