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StuffMadeinMA.com • 2 0 2 1 • S T U F F 13 "The first generation builds it, the second generation maintains it or sometimes takes it to the next level, and the third generation reaps the benefits of it and usually kills it, that is the way it usually goes," Brian said. However, the Murphy family is determined to break that cycle and include their own children in the next, and fourth generation, of fire prevention and life safety services. The ser vices Each year FEI designs, installs, and maintains detection and suppression systems throughout 20,000 to 25,000 locations. Its designs can be found in places like your local mom-and-pop shop, all the way to the U.S.S. Constitution, sports stadiums, and a special room housing an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Brian said most fire protection companies focus on one expertise whether it is sprinkler systems, suppression systems, or dry chemical; but what makes FEI unique is the fact it has experience in all five major categories of prevention: fire alarms, sprinklers, clean agent fire suppressives, portable fire extinguishers, and kitchen suppressions. "We are the most sophisticated and multi-faceted in New England," he said. Focusing on commercial and industrial structures, FEI works with businesses to develop customized systems taking into account the size of the building and the products the structure holds. One FEI success story lies in Cambridge where a terrible house fire escalated and tore through four other residences before jumping to a business protected by an FEI design. The sprinkler systems activated and contained the fire, allowing firefighters to put out the fire before it could further spread to other nearby structures. "What we do really makes a difference. There is a real rewarding part to what we do," Brian said. Design meets manufacturing As a distributor and design company that has existed since the 1920s, FEI has seen radical changes in fire prevention and safety technology. Rather than just mechanical aspects, these new systems incorporate robotic and computerized components that can Continued on page 14 P H O T O | E D D C O T E A Millbury firefighter hoses down a blaze in town. Fires casualties by general incident type Percentage of National Incident type deaths in Mass. average Structures 83% 76% (Includes residential and nonresidential) Structures/Residential 78% 72% Vehicles 10% 21% Outside 7% 2% Source: U.S. Fire Administration, 2019