ATLANTA — Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, a full-service fire protection, life safety and service provider, announced the launch of its community impact platform called “What Matters”. The initiative will unify efforts across its more than 250 branches under the company’s central purpose. The platform rests on three pillars: support for employees, a focus on delivering peace of mind to local residents, and collaboration with other life safety and risk prevention professionals.
Each pillar carries specific action steps. One focuses on employee well-being, professional growth and financial incentives. The second directs resources to local safety efforts, including equipment distribution and public training sessions. The third builds ties with other life safety and risk prevention organizations, fostering a network for shared best practices and joint training opportunities.
One of the new elements of “What Matters” is backing for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). This nonprofit was established by Congress to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty, assist their families and work toward preventing firefighter injuries and fatalities.
Through its sponsorship, Pye-Barker will contribute to the NFFF’s Staff Rides program. This initiative takes participants to locations of past line-of-duty losses, presents firsthand accounts from responders, and shares insights from members of the Fire Hero Families Network about the incident’s lasting effects. Staff Rides aim to strengthen leadership and decision-making among firefighters as they highlight lessons that could help avert similar tragedies.
Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said that their Staff Rides program provides firefighters and communities a chance to honor those lost in the line of duty. He noted that every lesson learned carries the potential to save lives going forward. Stagnaro explained that Pye-Barker’s support boosts the foundation’s capacity to deliver critical training and advances their shared goal of minimizing preventable injuries and deaths.
Pye-Barker’s “What Matters” platform builds on the company’s family-centered culture and follows the introduction of its Achieving Lasting Legacy Incentive, known as “ALL-In.” This ownership program awards significant incentives to eligible full-time staff members at no charge. The program features a Safety Net Fund designed to assist team members facing unexpected crises such as illness, fire or natural disaster. According to the announcement, this fund highlights Pye-Barker’s ongoing commitment to helping its workforce flourish in the face of adversity.
At the branch level, Pye-Barker’s teams maintain a range of local outreach activities. Many branches distribute firefighter care kits and smoke detectors at no cost, host safety training sessions for residents, collect gifts for Toys for Tots and organize fundraisers supporting groups such as the American Lung Association. Branch leaders will continue these community efforts, offering protection and peace of mind aligned with each neighborhood’s needs.
In past seasons, branch teams have installed thousands of smoke alarms in neighborhoods, assembled care kits stocked with essential items for active crews and delivered on-site fire extinguisher training at community centers. Teams coordinate seasonal gift drives for local youth, support veterans’ safety workshops and raise funds through charity runs and galas.
Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, commented on the company’s role in community safety. He emphasized that their dedication to service and innovative solutions motivates staff on every project. He added that “What Matters” cements Pye-Barker’s focus on its most valued assets: employees, communities and those who safeguard both.
