Commitment to Excellence
At Northwest Fire Suppression (NWFS), we focus on providing you the very best solutions in fire suppression and fire alarm systems. We have served the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years with uncompromising quality and support, resulting in an enhanced customer experience. Our business is built upon long-standing and strategic relationships with a diverse set of customers, including contractors, architects, developers, building owners and operators.
While we take pride in the top-quality products we support, our expertise sets us apart. All our Designers, Project Managers and Technical Representatives are factory-trained and NICET Certified ranging from Level II through Level IV in Fire Alarm and Special Hazards Suppression disciplines. In short, you can be assured that every contact you make with NWFS will be with a knowledgeable expert who will help you solve your business problem.
Our channel partners include the most highly regarded names in the fire suppression and fire alarm industry. Their products that we support are unsurpassed for both quality and reliability. Learn more about our products.
Our Leadership Team
John Durkin, President
The career John has enjoyed for over 30 years has provided an exciting and varied experience. It began in 1978 in sales of Pre-Engineered Fire Suppression Systems. As time went on, he was promoted and ultimately was named Fire Protection Division Manager. His duties included managing four fire protection offices throughout the Pacific Northwest. The company he founded, Northwest Fire Suppression, Inc. continues to be a leading Fire Protection Company in the Pacific Northwest.
John is active in a number of industry related associations, having served on the board of directors of a number of them. The associations include the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors, National Fire Protection Association and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
John’s family members include his wife of 25 years and two children, as well as the family dog, Franky.
Erin Hedrick, Operations Manager
Erin Hedrick began her management career at 19, working in retail. After 3 years, she moved up to managing an office and all employees at a local welding manufacturer. 13 years later, Erin made the decision to challenge herself, and accepted a position with Northwest Fire Suppression, Inc. Erin has been employed at NWFS for over 10 years, is the Operations Manager, Service/Maintenance Coordinator, Bookkeeper, and responsible for all Human Resource issues.
Erin is married with 2 children, enjoys going on vacation to Mexico, and running in her free time.
Steve DeFacci, Fire Alarm Sales
Shortly after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology in Illinois, Steve moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and began his career in the Building Systems Integration business. At 24, Steve sold his first significant sized project that consisted of a Fire Alarm Life Safety System with Voice Evacuation and complex Smoke Control Containment and Removal in a dual High Rise Office Building complex.
Over the past 25+ years Steve has held various positions of responsibility including General Manager of offices of several national and worldwide manufactures within the Fire Alarm and Detection Industry.
One of Steve’s most recent significant projects was the successful implementation of a multi-discipline fire suppression system in a telecommunication industry facility where Northwest Fire Suppression was responsible for providing and installing a Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Suppression System, Water Mist Suppression System, Fire Detection System and a Fifteen Zone Clean Agent Fire Suppression System.
Steve is very knowledgeable on code requirements within the Fire Alarm System industry and is often called upon to participate in Design/Build type projects where all design and implementation of Fire Alarm and Detection is the responsibility of the Contracting Community. Steve is also active in the local Chapter of the Automatic Fire Alarm Association.
Steve has been married for over 25 years and has two children.
Why Choose NWFS
We at NWFS happen to think Fire Protection and Fire Alarm is critically important. Each day thousands of our service clients rely on NWFS for their fire suppression and fire alarm protection. Our list of high profile customers include: NW Natural, Comcast Cable, the University of Oregon and Verizon to name but a few. There’s a reason these customers have chosen NWFS. We have earned their trust.
As both a systems installer and service provider with unparalleled experience in the fire alarm and engineered systems segment of the fire protection industry. We take satisfaction in knowing our customers have one less concern to worry about in managing their day to day business!