Veterans launch new fire company

Jun 17, 2019 by Lucy Chabot Reed

Three veterans of the yachting industry have launched Fire Water Marine Services, a fire equipment sales and service company, in Fort Lauderdale.

Rob Bertolo, formerly with Preventive Fire and Safety and a senior project manager with Fire Ranger; Jennifer Jiruska, previously marine director at Fire Ranger; and Sandy Hoekstra-Handrahan, owner of water services company Yacht-Mate Products. The three are all managing partners. They consider Fire Water and Yacht-Mate Products sister companies.

Fire Water partners, from left: Jennifer Jiruska, Rob Bertolo and Sandy Handrahan

Fire Water offers sales, service, installation and inspection of fire and life safety equipment, ranging from fixed fire suppression systems and portable extinguishers to life jackets and life rafts.

“We felt there was a need in the industry for this particular service, done with integrity and sustainability,” Jiruska said.

The trio launched the company in March and had their first public exposure at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

“It takes a major disaster for the federal government to make any changes in the law as it relates to safety,” Bertolo said.

“We would like to give the industry the option of choosing safety first,” Jiruska said.

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About Lucy Chabot Reed

Lucy Chabot Reed is publisher and founding editor of The Triton.

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