Pavion
Transforming Safety with Innovative Fire Protection Solutions

Pavion’s reputation as a one-stop fire protection, security, and critical communications solution provider is a culmination of decades of leadership experience. This achievement is facilitated by the stewardship of esteemed legacy brands such as Firecom, boasting the design, installation, management, and support of one of the world’s largest fire alarm systems. Another contributor to this status is AFA Protective Systems (AFA), which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. It truly solidifies Pavion’s status as one of the most experienced and distinguished fire alarm companies serving enterprise customer requirements.

At the Cutting Edge of Offering Comprehensive Safety Solutions.

The company’s reach and expertise extend to 60+ U.S. locations and 22 countries. From design planning to technology integration, including research and development, ongoing testing, inspection, maintenance, and central station monitoring, Pavion relies on its robust in-house professionals, forgoing the need for subcontracting for the majority of the work it delivers.

“A feature unique to us is our ability to limit installed obsolescence. The solutions include backward compatibility, ensuring the systems remain relevant and functional. That’s why our systems never become obsolete,” says Ralph DioGuardi, Vice President and General Manager of Firecom, a Pavion Company.

Enhancing First Responder Communication: BDA and ARCS Systems

Another area where the company plays a crucial role is fortifying first responder communication through bi-directional amplification (BDA) used across the world, and auxiliary radio communication systems (ARCS) specifically designed for New York City.

One distinguishing aspect of Pavion’s approach is the notion of supervised antennas. This provides visual verification to first responders that the BDA system is functional—an added value to facilitate rapid fire control and enhance responders’ safety.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has been a valuable partner and innovator in ensuring buildings are constructed to prioritize life protection during threats. Pavion’s collaboration with the FDNY cements its position as a leader in developing tailored solutions prioritizing safety for first responders, building owners, and occupants alike.

Carbon Monoxide Detection: A Crucial Safety Measure Given its colorless and odorless nature, carbon monoxide (CO) detection is indispensable to fire safety and public welfare. While the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes the need for CO detection, the FDNY has taken further strides with Local Law 191, implementing more stringent requirements.

Pavion has exhibited leadership in this area.

“By engineering Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) certified solutions in-house and maintaining a well-stocked inventory of vital parts, we ensure prompt availability of CO detection components,” says Alan Rosenkoff, Chief Marketing Officer, Pavion.

Unifying Communication for Crisis Management Pavion also leads in the area of mass notification that integrates various methods like signage, text messaging, emails, and interfacing with existing paging systems. In many facilities, sub-entities often operate independent voice evacuation systems for distinct building sections, leading to potential confusion during emergencies. Pavion’s mass notification capabilities allow for more holistic communication.

Two scenarios highlight its importance. The first involves false alarms, where the activation of the fire alarm system may not necessitate evacuation. In these instances, the company’s mass notification system instructs inhabitants to minimize panic through public address systems. The other scenario is in case of an actual fire. In such cases, it emphasizes calm, conscientious communication to reduce anxiety. Depending on the size and layout of the building, the system then directs the evacuation or sheltering process.

Supporting Clients with a Subscription-Based Model

From design planning to technology integration, including research and development, ongoing testing, inspection, maintenance, and central station monitoring, Pavion relies on its robust in-house capabilities, forgoing the need for subcontracting

Pavion’s subscription services model is a breather for clients with limited capital budgets. A compelling example of the model comes from a longstanding client, owning multiple buildings in Brooklyn, NY. Confronted with aging fire alarm systems and scarce replacement parts, they frequently incurred significant fire watch expenses. Despite recognizing the need for a system overhaul, capital constraints hindered their plans. The subscription model enabled them to undertake essential updates without immediate capital budget considerations while delivering a lower total cost of ownership.

“Pavion Subscription Services are available for all the technologies we deliver, uniquely enabling our customers to accelerate new solutions into their infrastructure,” says Alan Rosenkoff, Chief Marketing Officer. “We help our customers ensure their systems operate at optimum performance while keeping them current and aligned with their preferred technology refresh lifecycle.”

The customer-centric approach doesn’t stop with financial flexibility. Pavion has launched a customer portal that enables clients to create service incidents and track service through a streamlined interface. Slated for expansion into additional business units, this customer portal represents a significant innovation setting it apart.

Success at Pavion is a collective effort stemming from collaboration between engineers, sales, and installation teams that engage with customers from the project’s inception. Through continuous problem-solving across all phases, Pavion is committed to maintaining its leadership in the fire protection industry.