The Statue of Liberty the most potent symbol of freedom in the
world is being protected using Apollo analogue addressable fire
detectors. The completion of the new fire detection systems that
protect the Statue and other structures on Ellis Island, New York
City, coincides with a major push by Apollo to secure more market
share in the US.
"Apollo has long believed in freedom of choice in the field of
fire detection, so to secure this project is particularly fitting
especially at a time when the US market is beginning to appreciate
the benefits of products that use an open digital protocol," says
Tim Williams, Apollo's Export Manager for the territory.
The Statue of Liberty and the environs of Ellis Island are
important historical emblems for many. Between 1892 and 1954,
approximately 12 million steerage and third class steamship
passengers entered the United States through the port of New York.
All would have seen the Statue as a symbol of their new life in the
New World and all were legally and medically inspected at Ellis
Island.
Both heritage sites have been the subject of substantial
restoration. The $87 million programme to restore the Statue of
Liberty began in 1984 and was completed in 1986, in time for the
centennial celebrations in July. The site was closed for a time
following the events of September 11 in 2001, but reopened in
August 2004. The Main Building on Ellis Island reopened in 1990
after major refurbishment and is now a museum dedicated to the
history of immigration and the important role that the island
played during the mass migrations of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. The Main Building is currently the only building open
for public viewing and is one of nearly three dozen structures on
the island.
The new Apollo-based fire detection systems are designed around
the CSimon Fire System from Computrols Inc, which received UL
Listing last year. The CSimon Fire System not only delivers cutting
edge analogue addressable fire detection and control, but also
integrates with third party devices as well as Computrols' renowned
CBAS software. Used in conjunction with Apollo fire detectors, it
was more than equal to the challenge of providing fire protection
for these complex sites.
"The new system integrated seamlessly and came online without a
hitch," said John J Culkin, President of C&S Building Services,
the authorised dealer in charge of both installations. "The system
has lived up to and exceeded the expectations of C&S and our
client, The National Park Service."
Freedom to choose
As part of its US marketing campaign, Apollo recently exhibited
at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) World Safety
Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, together with other
companies from parent group Halma's Fire & Security Division.
Apollo teamed up with Air Products and Controls and Fire Fighting
Enterprises to show potential customers just how much choice they
have, because products and components from each company can be
mixed and matched to develop a custom fire protection system.
US customers also have a real choice when it comes to
Apollo-compatible control panels. US manufacturers Computrols Inc
and Vision Systems Inc showcased their latest models at the NFPA
show. In addition, a new distribution deal covering the US and
Canada sees Apollo's Series 65 and XP95 technology bundled under
the Summit' brand.