Louis (Lou) Fiore

SSI Hall Of Fame: 2010

March 05, 2010 Scott Goldfine

Current Status
Principal, L.T. Fiore Inc.

Why He’s on the List

Pioneer in alarm communications
More than 45 years in electronics and security, including ADT and National Guardian
With Repco (1983-87) produced first UL-Listed long-range radio for central stations
President of Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), 1997-99
Former chairman of Security Industry Association (SIA) Standards Committee
Active on NFPA 72 Committee for 20+ years, and carbon monoxide detection (NFPA 720) and premises security committees (NFPA 730 & 731)
Member of International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Communications and Technology Committee
Member of numerous UL Standards Technical Panels (STPs)

Keys to Success
“Whatever success I have had and challenges I have overcome I attribute to two things: patience and perseverance. Also one must never forget that integrity counts above all.”

Being Active in Trade Associations
“During the mid-1980s I became involved with SIA on its board of directors and chaired for a while its standards committee. I have also been a judge of the New Product Showcase for many years. During that time I was asked to join NFPA 71, the predecessor of NFPA 72. I have been on this NFPA committee ever since. While I worked at National Guardian I became involved with CSAA. I was a board member, and then asked to be on the Executive Committee as second vice president. That evolved to my being president of CSAA. At present I chair the CSAA Standards Committee and am chair of the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, a position I have held for 16 years.”

How Things Have Changed
“Not to ignore the semiconductor industry, but I believe alarm communications changed everything. When I began in the alarm industry, communications was basically local and restricted by the resistance of wire, Ohm’s Law. Among other even more recent changes has been the invention of the digital communicator, circa 1975. This, I believe, was the most disruptive technology to hit the electronic security industry since its inception. Coupling this with the ever-evolving semiconductor industry, it has empowered the vast growth of residential alarms, dealers and dealer programs, third-party monitoring centers, a vast variety of equipment, etc.”

What People Might Not Know
He spends many hours a week on amateur radio, both for the fun of speaking to far-off countries and as a public service. He is involved with the training and handling of emergency messages for third parties using the American Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) National Traffic System (NTS). He has published articles in this field and was honored with the K2SE Award for public service in 2008. Says if his career had taken another path he may have become a radio announcer or DJ.

Wish for Industry Change
“The industry’s ability to grasp new technologies has always been less than aggressive. Perhaps there is good reason for this, but those that do respond quicker can reap the benefits and the rewards. I see communications leading the way to further integration with other services. The heavy use of broadband over the Internet will be the next disruptive change.”

Reaction to Being Inducted
“I am deeply honored and humbled.”

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About the Author

Scott Goldfine, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher

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Scott Goldfine is Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of Security Sales & Integration. Well-versed in the technical and business aspects of electronic security (video surveillance, access control, systems integration, intrusion detection, fire/life safety), Goldfine is nationally recognized as an industry expert and speaker. Goldfine is involved in several security events and organizations, including the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), ASIS Int'l and more. Goldfine also serves on several boards, including the SIA Marketing Committee, CSAA Marketing and Communications Committee, PSA Cybersecurity Advisory Council and Robolliance. He is a certified alarm technician, former cable-TV tech, audio company entrepreneur, and lifelong electronics and computers enthusiast. Goldfine joined Security Sales & Integration in 1998.