American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has announced Martin Workman, senior vice president of product development for The Viking Corporation Inc., as the 2025 recipient of its highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award. He was selected for his years of dedication to education, training, and the development of fire protection standards. Workman was presented with this award on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition during the general session held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Workman initially entered the fire protection industry when his friend’s father offered him a job in Grand Rapids, Mich. at Peninsula Fire Protection. He spent years there contracting and by 1994, he was named vice president and part owner. During his time there, Workman discovered that he had a passion for instructing and connecting with apprentices. He soon began instructing for all levels of the company’s apprenticeship program.

Workman’s journey with AFSA began that same year when he attended AFSA’s and ABC’s (Associated Builders and Contractors) Training for Excellence committee, as a subject matter expert. Eventually, Peninsula joined AFSA as a contractor member and soon after in 1996, Workman became involved in many of AFSA’s projects and initiatives. He has also been a member of various associations, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). He has also served as a presenter, author, and trainer for ABC, AFSA, and NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research).

“Martin embodies the essence of the Parmelee Award, says past reward recipient, James Golinveaux. “His leadership within in the The Viking Corporation and the broader fire protection industry, relentlessly advocacy for fire sprinkler systems, and unwavering dedication to education and training make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor. Martin’s contributions have not only advanced protection technology and standards but have also inspired and educated the next generation of professionals dedicated to fire safety.”

“This year, we had a great group of nominations. When it came to Martin’s bio, his involvement with AFSA, his commitment to training, and glowing recommendations from James Golinveaux and Janet Knowles, one of my mentors, when I joined the Board, he was an excellent choice!” comments AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems Inc., Shreveport, La.

AFSA President Bob Caputo echoed the sentiment, stating, “Martin exemplifies the values and dedication to selfless service, whose passion for this industry is always immediately evident.”

Established in 1984, the Henry S. Parmelee Award is the highest honor AFSA bestows. It is presented to recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated themself to the professional advancement of the automatic fire sprinkler industry and to the goal of fire and life safety through automatic sprinklers. It is named for Henry S. Parmelee, who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed sprinkler head.

Click here to read the full article about Workman in the September/October 2025 issue of Sprinkler Age.