In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Joseph Capone, CEO of Total Fire Protection (TFP), to discuss how his company helps businesses like Skaggs Walsh—providers of premium heating oil, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services—protect their people, property, and operations through comprehensive fire sprinkler system installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing programs. We explore why NFPA codes and FDNY compliance aren’t just regulatory checkboxes—but critical safeguards that ensure safety, uptime, and trust.
Q: Joseph, how does Total Fire Protection partner with companies like Skaggs Walsh to support their facility’s fire protection needs?
Joseph Capone:
At Total Fire Protection, we work with facility managers, property owners, and operations teams who understand that safety is non-negotiable. For companies like Skaggs Walsh—who already deliver essential services like heating, HVAC, and electrical—their operations are missioncritical. Our role is to ensure those operations never skip a beat due to preventable fire risks.
That means providing end-to-end fire sprinkler services—from design and installation to ongoing inspections, maintenance, and emergency repairs. We align each system with NFPA standards, FDNY regulations, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to make sure everything functions as intended, every single day.
Q: Fire sprinkler systems are often “out of sight, out of mind” until there’s a problem. What’s the biggest misconception businesses have about them?
Joseph Capone:
That they don’t need attention unless something goes wrong. In reality, your sprinkler system is like your HVAC or electrical infrastructure—it needs proactive maintenance to perform when it matters most.
Many people don’t realize that NFPA 25 requires routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of all water-based fire protection systems. These schedules are very specific—monthly, quarterly, annual, and even 5-year inspections. Missing even one can result in FDNY violations, fines, or
worse, system failures during a fire event.
At TFP, our certified technicians manage this entire process for our clients. We track all compliance intervals, document testing digitally, and make sure every valve, head, and gauge is fully operational and compliant. That peace of mind is invaluable.
Q: How do NFPA codes and FDNY compliance tie into operational integrity for a company like Skaggs Walsh?
Joseph Capone:
NFPA codes are the backbone of fire and life safety. For companies that store fuel, operate mechanical systems, or have complex facilities—like Skaggs Walsh—they’re not just regulatory frameworks; they’re life-saving measures.
FDNY and AHJ compliance ensures that your systems are built and maintained to the highest standards. Non-compliance can lead to stop-work orders, insurance issues, and potential liability in the event of an incident. But beyond that—it’s about protecting your people and your brand reputation.
At Total Fire Protection, we see compliance as an act of leadership. It shows you care about your employees, your customers, and your community. That’s why we don’t just check boxes— we educate our clients on the “why” behind each code and provide proactive strategies to stay ahead of violations.
Q: What makes Total Fire Protection the preferred partner for fire sprinkler installation and maintenance in the Tri-State area?
Joseph Capone:
Our reputation was built on doing what we say we’ll do—and doing it right the first time. We’ve been protecting New York’s most iconic buildings, hospitals, schools, and service providers for over 25 years.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive, multi-service model. We handle everything under one roof—sprinklers, fire alarms, extinguishers, suppression systems, special hazards, and more. That means one partner, one inspection cycle, one trusted source for all fire and life safety needs.
We also invest heavily in training and technology. Every technician at TFP is NICET-certified, and our inspection software gives clients instant access to reports, deficiencies, and next steps. It’s all about transparency and accountability.
Q: If you could leave business owners with one piece of advice about fire protection, what would it be?
Joseph Capone:
Don’t wait for a violation or an emergency to find out your system isn’t working. Compliance isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in your safety, continuity, and credibility.
Partner with a team that knows the codes, understands your operations, and truly cares about protecting your business. That’s what we do every day at Total Fire Protection—because keeping you safe is our mission.
About Total Fire Protection:
Total Fire Protection is the Tri-State Area’s leader in fire and life safety solutions, providing turnkey inspection, testing, maintenance, and installation services across fire sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems, extinguishers, and more. For over two decades, TFP has partnered with commercial, industrial, and institutional clients to ensure NFPA compliance, FDNY certification, and total protection—every day.
Learn more at www.tfp1.com.
