Pye-Barker Fire & Safety expands Mid-Atlantic presence with Absolute Fire Protection acquisition

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, recognized as the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety, and security services provider in the United States, has announced its acquisition of Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. This strategic move significantly strengthens Pye-Barker’s foothold in the Mid-Atlantic region, enhancing its capabilities to deliver comprehensive fire code-compliance solutions to businesses throughout the area. Absolute Fire Protection, Inc., renowned for its expertise in fire sprinkler services, fire alarm installation, and 24/7 alarm monitoring, is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and serves a wide area encompassing the Washington-Baltimore metro, all of Maryland, and parts of Delaware.

Founded in 1989 by Larry Cate and Dan Mathias, who envisioned starting their own business since their high school days in Maryland, Absolute Fire Protection has grown from a modest endeavor into a thriving enterprise. “From a single sprinkler job when we were 22 years old to a thriving business with more than 100 team members, we’re proud of what we’ve built at Absolute Fire,” said Cate, Co-Founder of Absolute Fire Protection. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, promising to uphold and expand its legacy under Pye-Barker’s stewardship.

Cate and Mathias have been proactive in promoting the fire protection and safety industry among youth, notably through investments in community college trade development and the creation of an advanced training facility for Absolute’s apprenticeship program. “Our team’s career paths depend on our company’s growth, and Pye-Barker’s resources will provide a new level of opportunity for everyone to progress,” Mathias, Co-Founder of Absolute Fire Protection, emphasized the positive impact of the acquisition on the company’s workforce.

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, expressed admiration for the founders’ dedication and achievements. “Larry and Dan are the type of people we admire at Pye-Barker – go-getters who worked hard to build their business and use their success to uplift others,” said Proctor, highlighting the synergy between the two companies’ values and missions.

With this acquisition, Pye-Barker not only broadens its service offerings but also reinforces its commitment to providing top-notch fire protection and safety solutions across the Mid-Atlantic. Cate, Mathias, and the highly skilled team of technicians and engineers from Absolute will continue to serve their customers, ensuring a seamless transition and continued excellence in service delivery.