Jeffery L. Hudson of Shawnee, KS, joined the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote the adoption of fire sprinkler legislation across the United States. Mr. Hudson will primarily cover the Western region.

“Fire sprinklers decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by about 80 percent and significantly reduce injuries and property loss,” said Gary Keith, NFPA’s vice president of field operations and education. “Being a seasoned firefighter and a proven leader in the fire service, Jeff is just the guy NFPA wants out there championing our fire sprinkler cause.”

Mr. Hudson comes to NFPA with 36 years of experience in the fire service. Starting his career as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Shawnee, Kan., he worked his way up the ranks to Fire Chief, a position he held for the past ten years. Hudson attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, and holds an associate’s degree in fire science, a bachelor’s in management and a master’s in public administration. He has served in high-ranking leadership roles for a number of reputable fire associations and committees including the Kansas Association of Fire Chiefs, the Johnson County (KS) Fire Chief’s Association, the Fire Marshal’s Association of Kansas and the Eastern Kansas Multi-County Task Force.

Mr. Hudson was also featured in NFPA's "Faces of Fire" campaign, an effort designed to put a face on the life-saving impact of home sprinklers. While Fire Chief in Shawnee, KS, one of his firefighters was the first in the community to die in the line of duty.