The Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) is making plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the alarm industry throughout 2008.

In 1858, Edwin Holmes founded the Holmes Burglar Alarm Company in Boston and became the first person to market and install alarms using electro-mechanical technology to detect intrusions, according to the CSAA.

The success of Holmes’ new service eventually led him to open offices in many cities across the United States. Holmes is credited for pioneering methods and business practices that remain in use today.

The alarm industry quickly spread with subsequent alarm companies following the Holmes example by developing advanced detection and central station systems, which emulated his technology and his recurring revenue service model, according to the CSAA.

Edwin Holmes’ influence extended beyond the alarm industry. Most notably, Holmes lent his early expertise to the fledgling telephone industry and played an instrumental role in the development of the first telephone company.

During 2008, CSAA will relive in detail additional moments in the birth and development of the electronic security industry. The association has developed a 150th anniversary commemorative logo, which is available at no cost for any business to use.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), which will be celebrated during the 2008 Electronic Security Expo in Nashville, Tenn. An evening reception will be held at the event on June 26.

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