CertaSite announced today that Advanced Fire Company, Approved Fire Protection and Advanced Fire & Security have merged to form Advanced Fire, a CertaSite Company.

CertaSite is led by CEO Jeff Wyatt, who has more than 30 years of experience in the fire protection and life safety industry. He most recently served as president of Koorsen Fire & Security, one of the largest privately owned life safety companies in the industry. The company revealed Wyatt and the other members of its leadership team in an announcement yesterday. 

A three-generation family business that started with door-to-door fire extinguisher sales in 1957, the Advanced family of businesses has grown to three separate companies with a legacy of comprehensive offerings, strong customer service and a sustainable model for growth. Its solid reputation in the tristate area, along with its community-driven approach, will allow the company to grow its customer base and expand into new markets under the CertaSite platform.

One hundred and five employees are joining the CertaSite family under the Advanced brand, serving a network of more than 5,000 customers representing schools, government agencies and businesses of all sizes. Combining forces with Advanced marks CertaSite’s largest expansion since it launched in 2018.

“CertaSite and Riverside are the perfect partners to build on the foundation laid by our employees and customers,” said Advanced Owner Ronald Cruder. “As I set my sights on what is next for our company and how we could enrich our customers’ experience, shared values and a code of ethics for saving lives and securing property were key considerations in this important decision. From the beginning, our company has had a laser focus on the customer, and this partnership with CertaSite will enable us to strengthen our investments in the community and the customer experience. We are excited to expand these capabilities, and establish an even deeper presence in our community.”

The merger with Advanced Fire continues CertaSite’s expansion in western Pennsylvania. County Fire Protection joined the CertaSite family in 2018, and serves customers in Kent, Columbus, Toledo and Rimersburg, Penn. Bill Holmes, director of operations, will oversee the Advanced Fire operations.

“We are grateful to Ronald Cruder and the Advanced family for their continued partnership throughout this process,” said Jeff Wyatt, CertaSite CEO. “We are committed to preserving the legacy that these dedicated professionals built, and we recognize and respect their strong local presence. Our team will provide our new employees with development and career advancement, and expanded services and support to customers. We are thrilled to be expanding our unique brand of customer service in this market.”

CertaSite has already acquired eight fire protection and life safety companies and is actively engaged in bringing new businesses under the CertaSite umbrella.