‘Tis the season… for frozen pipes! While this time of year brings festive celebrations and cherished memories, it also comes with its fair share of challenges—like the risk of frozen sprinklers wreaking havoc on your property. When temperatures drop and adequate heat is not provided, pipes can freeze, burst, and cause significant water damage to your belongings or facility.

At Metropolitan Fire Protection, we know emergencies don’t wait for convenient times to happen. That’s why our team is on standby 24/7, ready to spring into action whenever you need us. Whether it’s the middle of the night, a weekend, or a holiday, we’re here to provide fast, effective solutions to protect your property and give you peace of mind.

When a bank on Chicago’s North Side faced an unexpected burst pipe last week during our first cold snap, they knew exactly who to call. Our team arrived promptly, not only addressing the immediate issue but also conducting a thorough inspection to identify and repair vulnerabilities before they caused further damage. This proactive approach saved the bank time, money, and additional headaches.

It’s this level of service that sets us apart. We don’t just fix the problem in front of us; we go the extra mile to ensure your facility is set up for long-term success.

If disaster strikes, remember—we’re just a phone call away. With 24/7 emergency service and a dedicated team of professionals, Metropolitan Fire Protection is your partner in winter preparedness.

Let us help you keep your property safe and secure this season. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an inspection before the temperatures drop even further!

Behind the Scenes with Nicholas Schaaf at Metropolitan Fire Protection

Every great installation starts with a great design and at Metropolitan Fire Protection, design and engineering is where the magic happens. For Nicholas Schaaf, a NICET Certified Fire Sprinkler Systems Designer, a great design masterfully balances code integrity with exceeding client expectations.

With 12 years of experience, Nicholas has built an impressive portfolio that spans diverse projects, including commercial spaces like the Den Theatre and Skokie Hospital, as well as numerous private homes on the North Shore. This breadth of experience equips him to design and engineer fire sprinkler systems for any space, no matter the challenges. As Nicholas puts it, “My job is to find solutions based on what’s available and turn a difficult concept or idea into a simpler one by designing an easy-to-understand plan for anyone to use.”

Because no application looks the same, Nicholas always starts with extensive research before beginning his design. “Each project is so different so I have to gather as much information as possible to manage and creatively solve design problems,” Nicholas says. He also strives to stay up to date on any changing regulations or new fire suppression technology to provide the highest level of service to his clients. “I am always reviewing the latest NFPA, IBC, and local codes pertaining to the project location, taking refresher training courses throughout the year, and coordinating with construction teams to meet the latest criteria for an accurate and complete system design,”
Nicholas says.

Not only is a great design efficient, it is also full of collaboration. When Nicholas creates a design, he always keeps his fitter and installation teams in mind so the plan can be executed perfectly. He says, “However practicable, I strive to make every project as easy as possible for our fitter to visualize and understand what needs to be done. When the plan reaches a job site, it should be accurate and useful for reference, being quick to read and effective for answering foremen or other tradesmen questions.”

Nicholas takes the most pride in projects where he can tackle complex challenges and transform them into clear, straightforward solutions. “When I can draw details (sketches) of system components like a riser or fire pump room, I’m very satisfied with a chance to clearly communicate and teach about the most complicated parts of a design,” Nicholas says. “Each of these projects have a completely different dynamic and design which rewarded me with a lot of teamwork and challenged me to produce some of the most necessary drawings and plans of my time.”

For expert-designed fire sprinkler systems, Metropolitan Fire Protection is the team to call. Get in touch with our team by calling 847-758-9820.

We have some exciting new arrivals to the Metropolitan Fire Protection family!
Dave Johnson and Marina Rossini, our new Senior Project Managers will be leading our brand new Fire Alarm division! Dave and Marina bring to Metropolitan Fire Protection over 50 combined years of experience in the Fire Alarm world and will be handling the estimating, sales, and project management of all projects.

Dave has been a member of Local 134 for 32 years. Being a former electrical contractor business owner himself, Dave knows all aspects of the business when it comes to Electrical and Fire Alarm. Dave prides himself in customer service and strives to do whatever it takes to get the job done the right way for his clients!

Marina has worked in fire protection since 2004, and has specialized in fire alarms for the past 15 years. Customer service is one of Marina’s top priorities, making her an ideal fit at MFP. She lives by the quote, “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you is your trademark.” Marina ensures that her clients’ needs are met from start to finish, providing them with confidence in MFP’s services.

We are thrilled to welcome Dave and Marina to our team as we launch our new fire alarm division. Their extensive experiences and go-getter attitudes make them both valuable assets, and we look forward to their contributions. Please join us in welcoming Dave and Marina to MFP!

Here at Metropolitan Fire Protection, we believe there isn’t enough time to cover everything about fire prevention in just one week, especially when it comes to fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinklers are widely recognized as the single most effective method for suppressing fires before they have a chance to spread, but their effectiveness is often downplayed by all kinds of myths, like they activate at random times or cause thousands of dollars in water damage. We’re here to put those rumors to rest with some fast fire facts to show how effective fire sprinklers truly are.

Fast Fire Facts

Fire sprinklers are the unsung hero in fire protection systems, reducing death and injury rates, saving your possessions, and being a better alternative for the environment. Let’s take a look at why:

Lower Death & Injury Rates

The NFPA reported in 2024 that in properties with automatic extinguishing systems like a fire sprinkler system, the civilian fire death rate per fire was 90% lower, and the civilian fire injury rate was 32% lower. Additionally, they reported that the rate of firefighter injuries per fire was 35% lower. A big factor behind this statistic is that sprinkler systems can control the fire quickly, or put the fire out entirely. From 2017 to 2021, fire sprinklers were effective at controlling the fire in 97 percent of fires in which they operated.

Protecting Your Possessions

Contrary to popular belief, fire sprinklers are more effective at saving your personal items than any other fire prevention method. Most people expect that when a sprinkler system is activated, the entire facility’s sprinklers go off, causing thousands of dollars in water damage, when in reality, fire sprinkler systems are activated by the heat in individual areas, so only the closest fire sprinkler would activate in a fire. The American Fire Sprinkler Association reports that the average fire loss in a house with a sprinkler system is $2,166 as opposed to $45,019 in a home without the protection.

Environmentally Friendly

The most shocking fact about fire sprinkler systems is that they’re better for the environment than you might expect. While a fire sprinkler system uses a large volume of water to suppress the fire, it is notably less than a fire department would use. THe American Fire Sprinkler Association says sprinklers reduce the amount of water used to fight a fire by up to 90% as well as water and air pollution generated by a fire.

Check It Once, Check It Twice

Now that you see how much a quality fire sprinkler system can benefit you and your business, let’s make sure it’s working properly! Take some time to go through our checklist and make sure your system is working well

Check Water Pressure and Supply

Verify that the water pressure meets system requirements and the water supply is adequate, including any water tanks or backflow prevention devices

Look For Visible Damage or Leaks

Conduct a visual inspection of sprinkler heads and pipes for signs of leaks, corrosion, or physical damage. Repair or replace any damaged components immediately.

Schedule Professional Inspections and Maintenance!

Call the MFP team! We can help maintain your sprinkler system so you save money, save time, and most importantly, save lives. Contact us today!

Chicago, September 23, 2024 — At Metropolitan Fire Protection, we know that our success starts with our people. From our crew out in the field to our administrative team behind the scenes, every person plays an important role and contributes to our company’s success. That’s why this month, we hosted a company barbeque for all the hard workers that go above and beyond for our clients. With lots of food and even more laughs, we were able to unwind and spend quality time with one another.

Our company barbeque wasn’t just about enjoying great food and good company—it was also an opportunity to recognize the dedication our team has for providing top-tier service. Our team is made up of individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, but they all share a common goal: getting the job done right and ensuring the safety and protection of our clients’ homes, businesses, and properties. Their commitment to high-quality service is what sets us apart from other fire protection companies.

We believe that the strength of our team lies in the strong relationships we’ve built over the years. With over 30 years in business, annual events like this allow us to step away from the daily hustle and reflect on how far we’ve come as a team. This camaraderie is what makes Metropolitan Fire Protection a great place to work, and it’s reflected in the quality service we provide to our customers.

Looking to the future, we’re excited to continue providing exceptional fire protection services to our clients, backed by the same hardworking team that came together to celebrate this month. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories, jobsite features, and opportunities to meet the people who make Metropolitan Fire Protection what it is today.

Chicago, April 22, 2022 —As part of the City of Chicago’s ORD21, the largest redevelopment initiative in O’Hare International Airport history, Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) is playing a key role in one specific improvement project included in the $8.5 billion effort: upgrading the airport’s extensive pedestrian tunnel system.

Built in 1977, the seven underground tunnels connect the airport’s three main terminals and serves as the primary arteries for passengers and the public either walking into the airport from parking facilities and the O’Hare Hilton or taking the CTA Blue Line.

For the last three years, MFP has been working with F.H. Paschen, Inc., the general contractor on the project, to retrofit the tunnels with a cutting-edge new commercial sprinkler and fire suppression system—all while the airport remains open. According to Brian Ferguson, MFP’s executive vice president, the company’s team of designers, engineers, and fitters coordinates closely with Paschen to carry out “a carefully choreographed plan” for the installation so passengers and construction can coexist.

“Completing a job of this scale while also accommodating the safety, accessibility, and mobility of the public can be extremely challenging,” said Ferguson. “Sections of tunnel are closed on a rotating basis, so we do whatever it takes to adhere to the schedule. Over the course of the project, we expect to install several miles of piping and nearly 500 commercial sprinkler heads. That makes us proud—even if no one will ever see our handiwork behind the beautiful new interiors that transform the tunnels into a more welcoming experience.”

All seven modernized pedestrian tunnels are expected to be completed and open to the public in 2022.

Chicago, February 22, 2022 —As Elk Grove Village continues its growth as one of the highest concentrations of data centers in the Midwest, Metropolitan Fire Protection (MFP) is lending its expertise to help create safe, high-tech facilities for the new businesses moving in. Most recently, the company has been contracted to install state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire suppression systems for data centers in the Elk Grove Technology Park.

For these providers of mission-critical development, facilities management, and construction services to enterprise and hyperscale cloud computing customers, MFP installs sophisticated pre-action sprinkler systems that protect the data centers’ IT servers, telecommunications systems, and switch racks as well as special hazard systems specifically suited to the unique infrastructure requirements of each Technology Park facility.

“As businesses continue to demand more and more sophisticated technology, the need for state-of-the-art facilities to house all that computing power is growing as well. MFP is keeping up with the demand, demonstrating our ability to tackle the complex challenges of keeping their buildings, equipment, and people protected,” said Sean Harrison MFP’s Project Manager. “We’re constantly expanding our range of expertise and experience to accommodate the rapidly changing fire protection demands of the digital world.”

Chicago, July 20, 2022 —Beginning in 2016, Metropolitan Fire Protection (MFP) was part of what is widely considered the largest historical redevelopment project in the United States—the reinvention of Chicago’s iconic Old Main Post Office. Working with the general contractor, BEAR Construction Co, on the project, MFP served as the design-build contractor for demolition, planning, and installation of an updated and fully compliant fire protection system at the site.

Completed in 2019, the massive redevelopment effort transformed the 2.8 million-square-foot building from an historic but unused Windy City landmark into a sought-after business address for a variety of global brands and emerging enterprises. To prepare spaces in the building for leasing, a dedicated 12-member team of MFP project engineers and sprinkler fitters led by George Shaw, the company’s current director of operations, installed new fire safety systems throughout the full interior shell of the structure as well as in finished common areas and shared public spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot conference center, fitness complex, food hall, and multi-acre rooftop park.

 “The Old Main Post Office presented unique challenges above and beyond its sheer size,” said Shaw. “In addition to designing, fabricating, and installing all the components of the new fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, we installed seven deluge systems to protect the giant fans handling exhaust from the train tracks that run below the building to Union Station. Whatever it takes, we figure out a way to make it work. And we are very proud to have contributed to such a high-profile project in Chicago.”

Chicago, April 12, 2022 —Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) has been awarded a five-year extension on its contract to inspect, test, and maintain the fire sprinkler systems at 12 Pace bus terminals in the Chicago metro area. The facilities, located throughout the six northeastern Illinois counties served by the public transportation and paratransit provider, range from Pace’s 30,000 square-foot paratransit facility in McHenry to its 176,000 square-foot South Division garage in Markham.

“Working with us over the past five years has allowed Pace bus management to experience firsthand the safety dividends of a well-maintained fire sprinkler system,” said Robyn Wehrle, MFP inspection and testing coordination manager. “Our certified Local 281 Sprinkler Fitters provide the specific expertise needed to follow proper protocols for buildings housing gasoline-powered vehicles and keep both the people and the buses protected.”

At the 12 Pace garages, MFP conducts all quarterly, semi-annual, annual sprinkler system inspections, including five-year obstruction investigations, monthly fire pump churn, and annual fire pump testing governed by state, municipal, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines. The scope of work includes testing wet, dry, and deluge systems, as well as any hydrants located on the Pace premises. In addition, MFP’s union sprinkler fitters are on hand to ensure all equipment is up to code and rapidly make repairs to the sprinkler systems.

Chicago, April 15, 2022 —Completed in 1935 during the Great Depression, the U.S. Post Office & Courthouse in Binghamton, NY, once symbolized the government’s efforts to project a strong federal presence in American cities despite the era’s economic challenges. Designed by local architects Conrad and Cummings, the building featured Neoclassical and Art Deco details befitting its authority and dignity—from a two-story oak-paneled courtroom to a magnificent marbled lobby with eight murals commissioned by the Treasury Department Section of Fine Arts.

Now the building—a registered national landmark maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and still in use—has been upgraded to 21^st century safety standards. For the project, Chicago-based Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) was contracted to design and fabricate a state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire suppression system, remove outdated sprinklers, and install the new components—all while respecting the architectural integrity of the historic four-story building.

MFP designed a detailed schematic for the installation and then fabricated the system components in its Chicago facility before shipping them to New York. Then an experienced team of MFP technicians remained on site in Binghamton for the six-month installation. Work on the project was completed in early 2022.

“Though all postal operations were relocated to another Binghamton facility in 1967 and parts of the interior were remodeled for office use by other federal agencies,” said Brian Ferguson, MFP’s executive vice president, “principal public areas with historic significance had been left untouched since it was built. Our challenge in the project is one we’ve faced numerous times before: bringing an existing structure up to and beyond current standards while protecting original fixtures and finishes, maintaining legacy design aesthetics, and being sensitive to the safety and workflow of current tenants.”