OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — William Allen Fritts, Sr., deeply admired for his more than 30 years of professional service and dedication to the fire and security industries, passed away March 18. He was 68.
Fritts, who was inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, served more than two decades in three operating divisions of Pittway Corp., eventually becoming president of Notifier. He is credited with growing Notifier into the largest fire alarm system manufacturer in North America and establishing its international business throughout the world. Fritts eventually became president of Honeywell Fire Systems.
Fritts was widely lauded for his work in advancing industry unity as president of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and involvement with the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA).
In 2009 for his induction into the Hall of Fame, Fritts told SSI, “Some attributes that have helped me become successful are a very hard work ethic and surrounding myself with the best people. Also, it’s important to become a strategic partner with your customers by demonstrating on a daily basis you’re an essential component of their business. It’s very important the customer views you as an asset and a tool to help them grow their business. If you are successful you will become part of their business and the DNA of their company.”
Life safety was so central to Allen Fritts’ life that he even spent his personal time devoted to the cause as a volunteer fireman.
Fritts was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to Ruth and Turk Fritts on June 6, 1950. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pam Fritts; son William Allen Fritts Jr. of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Patricia Poulin and her husband Richard Poulin of Northford, Conn.; Wesley Fritts of Atlanta; and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Catherine Poulin.
He is also survived by his brother Vance Turk Fritts Jr., and his wife Donna of Columbus, Ohio; and his sister Ruth Gaziano, and her husband Chuck Gaziano of Atlanta. He also had several nieces and nephews.
Fritts graduated from Druid Hills High School and then attended TMI. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged, according to an obituary. After his military service, he began his career in the fire alarm industry in Atlanta.
Fritts’ career took him to Texas, New York and finally Connecticut. He retired from Honeywell in 2013, having served as vice president of sales prior to being named president. He received many honors and awards throughout his career, including Honorary Deputy Chief from the Fire Department of the City of New York.
Fritts was dedicated to the Durham (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Company and served the community for 20 years as secretary and chaplain. His devotion and love of the department, its members and the town of Durham will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched, the obituary states.
He achieved great professional success throughout his life, but Fritts was most proud of time spent with friends and the devoted personnel of the department, the obituary states.
Memorial Service
A celebration of Fritts’ life will be held at the Durham (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Department on March 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Chattanooga, Tenn., at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Allen’s memory may be made to the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 154, Durham, CT 06422.
