Our founder Harry Azano was raised in the family fire protection business. In 1960, at age 13, he began working part-time with fire suppression and extinguishing systems. At 17, he became a partner, and at 26 he became the principal owner serving the commercial fire protection needs of businesses throughout Connecticut.
During this time, Harry completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at The University of New Haven receiving degrees in Fire Science and Security Management. Desiring to work with up-and-coming electronics and automatic fire alarm systems along with teaching, Harry ventured into a new role: Professor of Fire Science at UNH. For 19 years Harry continued his role as professor as well as a security and life safety consultant in the private sector with the collaborative life safety and security consulting practice he founded in 1984, “The Professionals.” He continues to be a sought-after consultant for projects that include the United Nations, The State of New York, numerous government facilities including court houses, legislative office buildings and countless commercial properties throughout the region.
In-demand, Harry accepted an assignment at the prestigious John Jay School of Criminal Justice in NYC. Not only did the position as adjunct professor include the instruction of students in this highly selective graduate program, it included Harry as the author of three of the six programs in the Security Management curriculum. Harry did not stop with authoring educational and informative courses; he was also the first individual to have a book published on fire safety and security for high-rise buildings.
Fire Safety & Security in High Rises
- Introduction
- Recent High Rise Disasters
- The Challenge of High-Rise Buildings
- The Role of the Security Force
With exceptional understanding and practical everyday knowledge of how these two normally disparate areas should come together as a team to improve safety and security, this book explains in great detail the risks that face all types of occupancies and how to best plan to avoid, deter and, if necessary, respond in a time of crisis.
The FDNY has been lauded for their ability to handle times of crisis like no other organization in the world. When the NYC Fire Training Academy on Randall’s Island needed to get an objective view point on training, they turned to our founder Harry Azano for three years of training and education at this world-renowned academy.
More About The Professionals
As The Professionals has grown over the last 25+ years, the development of a division dedicated to electronic systems was developed. Today, this division has the ability to serve your fire alarm and detection needs from design through implementation, with every aspect is accomplished in-house.
Former NYC certified high-rise fire safety director Harry Azano oversees every aspect of our fire alarm division, from approvals and acceptance testing to on-going service, inspection, and monitoring. He brings unmatched experience and a lifelong dedication to providing safer, more secure environments. Our experienced team of has the unique benefit of working side-by-side with someone who was nearly born into the fire protection field.