Security Magazine logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • MANAGEMENT
  • PHYSICAL
  • CYBER
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • SECTORS
  • EVENTS
  • MEDIA
  • MORE
  • EMAG
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Security Newswire
  • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
  • Leadership Management
  • Enterprise Services
  • Security Education & Training
  • Logical Security
  • Security & Business Resilience
  • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
  • Access Management
  • Fire & Life Safety
  • Identity Management
  • Physical Security
  • Video Surveillance
  • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
  • Cybersecurity News
  • More
  • COLUMNS
  • Cyber Tactics
  • Leadership & Management
  • Security Talk
  • Career Intelligence
  • Leader to Leader
  • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • Annual Guarding Report
  • Most Influential People in Security
  • The Security Benchmark Report
  • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
  • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
  • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
  • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
  • Banking/Finance/Insurance
  • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
  • Education: K-12
  • Education: University
  • Government: Federal, State and Local
  • Hospitality & Casinos
  • Hospitals & Medical Centers
  • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
  • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
  • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
  • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
  • Industry Events
  • Webinars
  • Solutions by Sector
  • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Polls
  • Photo Galleries
  • Videos
  • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
  • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
  • Call for Entries
  • Classifieds & Job Listings
  • Continuing Education
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsor Insights
  • Store
  • White Papers
  • EMAG
  • eMagazine
  • This Month's Content
  • Advertise
Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS: Neural Network Rings a Bell

April 2, 2006
A neural network approach to an integrated intelligent life safety design now protects the unique all-volunteer Elkins Park Fire Company in Cheltenham Township, Pa., just north of the Philadelphia city line. It proudly protects 45,000 people in a primarily residential area of eight square miles.

The company has quite a history. It went big-time in 1913 with the purchase of the first motorized pump in the township. In 1920, a second fire truck was obtained, and the company has continued modernizing and expanding ever since.

The township has five fire companies in all. And the firehouse is a venerable landmark in the township, a three-story brick building built about 1890. The building is valuable, but even more important is the costly modern fire equipment housed there, and life safety aspects in the three-bedroom apartment on the building’s top story, which is rented out to firefighters. As building codes require, the apartment has its own local smoke and heat detectors, which are not connected to the rest of the building.

An intelligent integration strategy had to handle a historic site, expensive equipment and a harsh interior environment – all without false alarming, reported integrator Jodie Girsh, who is at the 1892 Elkins Park fire bell. Above right, the Elkins Park Firehouse was originally built in 1892.

Previous incident

A few years ago, a serious-sounding fire alarm originated in the firehouse. The siren started to go off, shorted out, sparked and came down and the first floor was filled with smoke.

Firefighters on the premises quickly dealt with the problem, but it was clear that the heat detectors with which the working part of the station was fitted weren’t adequate to the need. A modern, smoke detector-based alarm system for the firehouse became a priority for the department and its directors.

A number of suppliers were asked to bid, but most were reluctant to participate. They felt that smoke detectors in the firehouse would frequently trip and false alarm because of heavy emissions from the massive diesel fire trucks housed, maintained and moving in and out of the garage. The building also featured a meeting hall where heavy smoking would take place, another questionable area in terms of false alarming.

Bill Obrecht (right), Elkins Park Fire Chief, and firehouse manager Tom Robinson at the Elkins Park Fire Department. The decision-makers overcame significant challenges in the life safety integration plan.

False alarm concerns

Girsh Alarm Co., an Elkins Park life safety and security company formed in 1977, was brought in as the only group willing to install and guarantee smoke detectors in the firehouse basement. A distributor of fire protection equipment made by Faraday, a component of Siemens Building Technologies Inc., Florham Park, N.J., Girsh Alarm was unconcerned about false alarms; according to owner/partners Jodie Girsh and Harry Girsh, the detector was guaranteed against it.

Apart from its regular business with commercial, organizational and residential life safety, intrusion/security, surveillance and access control system alarms, Girsh does regular work in a number of firehouses in Cheltenham and its surrounding areas.

“We wanted to see if we could put smoke detectors in the garage bays where we would normally put thermal detectors,” said Harry Girsh. “Nobody thought you could have smoke detectors with the massive diesel fire trucks driving in and out. But Faraday’s detector is designed for use in garages.”

Elkins Park fire alarm panel features analog/addressable detectors and a unique neural network.

Neural advantages

A neural network enabled the detectors to perform with maximum efficiency in a parking and service garage environment, where conditions include airborne dust, a high level of diesel fumes and possible cigarette smoke. After installation, the detectors were set for the appropriate environment. They could be further adjusted from the alarm panel.

The Elkins Park MPC-6000 intelligent fire alarm panel, installed about a year ago, features analog/addressable detection, programming and memory capability. Its base configuration includes one analog/ addressable loop with four notification appliance output circuits. The intelligent signaling line circuit loop supports up to 252 addressable inputs as well as signal/ relay outputs; 504 inputs/outputs total.

There is built-in self-diagnostics. The control panel, in the dispatch office at the firehouse, was set to poll the system every 70 seconds. During this process each detector on the system was set to self-check for sensitivity and report whether or not it was dirty and/or properly calibrated. In case of a dirty sensor, the panel was set to immediately signal the need for maintenance.

Proving performance

Never disturbed by diesel fumes, as of press time, the smoke detectors have gone off only once, when ballast on a fluorescent light failed, emitting a small whiff of smoke and sending several detectors into alarm. Girsch has also remained helpful to the fire company, assisting firefighters in troubleshooting nuisance alarms in other township residences to prevent systems from being shut down.

With the amount of equipment the fire company has, and considering the value of the 19th century building, a good system is essential. The new alarm system has brought the company premises up to date in a good way.

From Security Magazine Editor Bill Zalud –

Our author has gone through years of fire fighting and technology experience. For over 40 years, Bill Obrecht Sr., has volunteered as a firefighter, many as Fire Chief, for the Elkins Park Vol. Fire Co. of Cheltenham Township in suburban Philadelphia, Pa.

But last year, he faced a personal challenge you should know about.

It started on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, as Elkins Park Fire Company Chief William Obrecht Sr. was assisting his brother and life member of the Elkins Park Fire Company Robert Obrecht complete a home repair in nearby Abington Township.

At 1:56 P.M., a fire department unit was dispatched to 8227 Cadwalader Avenue in Elkins Park, Cheltenham Township. Bill immediately recognized the address as his neighbor’s and responded as he had done for the last 43+ years as an Elkins Park volunteer firefighter. While in route, the address reported was changed to 8231 Cadwalader Avenue, Fire Chief Obrecht Sr.’s home. The first arriving units were met by heavy smoke and fire conditions, and a subsequent floor collapse. Exterior operations were initiated as heavy fire extended through the walls and into the attic.

Despite the valiant efforts by all emergency responders, the home was a total loss.

A fundraiser was organized by fire company members and chaired by Board Director Dr. L. Roy Newman. Held at the Congregation Rodeph Shalom Hall, the fundraiser was an overwhelming success with more than 300 in attendance. Attendees were members and friends from the Elkins Park Volunteer Fire Department and community firefighters who also responded to the initial fire call.

Security wishes the hard-working chief the best in the future.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Logical Security
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

Popular Stories

Rendered computer with keyboard

16B Login Credentials Exposed in World’s Largest Data Breach

Verizon on phone screen

61M Records Listed for Sale Online, Allegedly Belong to Verizon

Security camera

40,000 IoT Security Cameras Are Exposed Online

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Red spiderweb

From Retail to Insurance, Scattered Spider Changes Targets

2025 Security Benchmark banner

Events

July 17, 2025

Tech in the Jungle: Leveraging Surveillance, Access Control, and Technology in Unique Environments

What do zebras, school groups and high-tech surveillance have in common? They're all part of a day’s work for the security team at the Toledo Zoo.

August 7, 2025

Threats to the Energy Sector: Implications for Corporate and National Security

The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of virtually every bad actor on the global stage.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Access Control Systems Remain a Core Priority for Integrated Security Solutions

    See More
  • camera surveillance

    How a 0G network can help home alarms systems provide the highest quality protection

    See More
  • ASIS Examines Integrated Systems Management in Webinar

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • intelligent.jpg

    Intelligent Network Video: Understanding Modern Video Surveillance Systems, Second Edition

  • Career Network (60 days)

  • Career Network (30 days)

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!