Reliable Fire Equipment

What Reliable Fire Equipment does

Reliable Fire Equipment Company, founded in 1955 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, is a family-owned fire protection and security systems integrator serving the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana. The company designs, installs, inspects, and services fire suppression, fire alarm, sprinkler, and electronic security systems for commercial, institutional, and industrial customers. In 2015 the firm rebranded to Reliable Fire & Security to reflect the broadening of its offerings beyond core fire protection into integrated electronic security (access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection).

The business operates a service-driven model in which recurring inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) contracts form the revenue base, complemented by project-based installation work. Its customer base spans property management, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail verticals, with named reference accounts including Cosley Zoo and the Hazel Crest Fire Department. The firm is led by second-generation CEO Deb Horvath, daughter of founder Ernest E. Horvath, and holds Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.

The company functions as a mid-market regional integrator with 80+ employees (as of 2015) and is a subsidiary of Hiller Fire. It participates in PSA Security Network's National Deployment program, which provides cooperative access to multi-site national accounts. Its competitive position rests on 70+ years of brand trust, long-term inspection contracts, NFPA code-compliance expertise, and WBE certification that differentiate it in public-sector and supplier-diversity bids.

Name

Reliable Fire Equipment

Legal name

Reliable Fire Equipment Company

Website

https://reliablefire.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Reliable Fire Equipment is a family-owned, Alsip, Illinois-based fire protection and security systems integrator founded in 1955, serving commercial, institutional, and industrial customers across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana with design, installation, inspection, and service of fire and electronic security systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection and Security Systems Integration

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8112)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC), Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing) (BPABAHAB), Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems Integration (BPAKAGAF)

Keywords

• Fire protection systems
• Security systems integration
• Fire alarm services
• Suppression systems
• Inspection and maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Alsip

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Fire Protection Products: Sale and distribution of fire extinguishers (stored pressure, cartridge operated, wheeled units), fire alarm systems (conventional, intelligent, voice evacuation, UL monitoring), suppression systems (clean agent, industrial, explosion suppression, vehicle, pre-action sprinkler), and fire protection products (restaurant hoods, emergency lights, exit signs, fire cabinets, fire hose, SCBA, respirators).
2. Security Systems Products & Services: Sale, installation, and service of security systems including access control/card access, intrusion detection, IP video and video management, physical security information management (PSIM), identity management, and video monitoring systems.
3. Inspection, Maintenance & Professional Services: Ongoing inspection and maintenance services for fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, suppression systems, emergency lighting, backflow assemblies, and security systems. Professional services include fire extinguisher training, NFPA 72-compliant fire alarm testing, and Joint Commission compliance assistance for healthcare facilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Reliable Fire Equipment Company sells, installs, inspects, and maintains fire protection and electronic security systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, healthcare, educational, retail, and property management facilities in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. Its portfolio spans portable fire extinguishers, conventional and addressable fire alarm and detection systems, clean-agent and specialty suppression, sprinkler and kitchen hood systems, and 24/7 monitored security (access control, intrusion detection, IP video/CCTV, PSIM, identity management).

Product overview

Reliable Fire & Security is a systems integrator providing a comprehensive portfolio of fire protection and security solutions for commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, retail, and property management clients in the Chicagoland area. The company offers an integrated approach combining fire extinguishers, fire alarm/detection systems, suppression systems (including clean agent, foam, dry pipe, and kitchen hood systems), mass notification, and 24/7 monitoring services alongside security solutions including access control, intrusion detection, IP video surveillance with VMS platforms (Milestone, Salient), CCTV, PSIM, identity management, and video monitoring. Services include inspection, testing, maintenance, and training. The company operates on an integrated 'One Call Does It All' model, emphasizing systems integration where fire and security systems work together through platforms like PSIM for unified building management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fire Extinguishers Complete line of portable fire extinguishers including stored pressure, cartridge operated, and wheeled units, with bundled inspection, recharging, maintenance, and training services for commercial and industrial customers.
• Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems Comprehensive fire alarm systems including conventional and intelligent addressable control panels, voice evacuation, graphic annunciators, and UL alarm monitoring, designed for commercial, healthcare, educational, and industrial facilities.
• Fire Alarm Detection Systems Advanced detection solutions including linear heat detection, gas detection, leak detection, and VESDA air sampling systems for early-warning fire detection in high-sensitivity environments.
• Fire Suppression Systems Complete suppression solutions including clean agent systems for data centers and sensitive equipment, industrial suppression, explosion suppression, vehicle fire suppression, and pre-action sprinkler systems for special hazard applications.
• Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems that protect cooking equipment, ventilation, and suppress cooking oil and fat fires using wet chemical agents, primarily for restaurants and commercial kitchens.
• Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems Sprinkler systems using pressurized air instead of water, designed for unheated spaces, exposed building areas, garages, and freezer storage where freezing temperatures are a concern.
• Mass Notification Systems Emergency communication systems designed to alert and notify building occupants and surrounding areas during emergencies, often integrated with fire alarm systems.
• Foam Fire Suppression Systems Special hazard suppression systems using foam extinguishing agents for warehouses, marine applications, and aircraft hangars where large-area flammable or combustible liquid hazards exist.
• Access Control Systems Card access and secure entry management systems including basic proximity readers, smart cards with embedded chips, turnstiles, and gate access solutions for controlling facility entry.
• Intrusion Detection Systems Building security systems including door contacts, glass break detectors, motion detectors, and outdoor surveillance cameras designed to detect and alert on intrusion attempts.
• IP Video & Video Surveillance Network-based video surveillance systems using IP cameras including general surveillance, license plate and facial recognition, night vision, infrared, and thermal cameras with remote viewing.
• CCTV Cameras & Video Management Closed-circuit television systems with various camera types and video management solutions supporting analog, network, and hybrid configurations with local and enterprise recording options.
• Video Monitoring Systems 24/7 video monitoring services with alarm signal response, remote connectivity, and operator contact capabilities for designated personnel or authorities.
• Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) Software platform integrating various security applications and devices, enabling unified control through a single interface with improved data collection, verification, and reporting.
• Identity Management Identity management systems that manage permissions and restrictions associated with employee or student identities, with visitor access capabilities for different facility areas.
• Emergency Lights & Exit Signs Illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting systems meeting NFPA and OSHA requirements for egress illumination during power failures.
• Fire Protection Products Comprehensive fire safety equipment including fire cabinets, fire hose, fire hose nozzles, monitors, brass caps and plugs, SCBA, and air purifying respirators.
• Gas Detection Systems Fixed and portable gas monitoring systems for detecting harmful gases including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, solvents, and toxic gases in industrial and commercial applications.
• Panic Buttons Emergency alert systems, including strategically placed or hidden buttons that automatically alert police to emergency situations in commercial establishments.
• Fire Extinguisher Training Hands-on training programs teaching the P.A.S.S. method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), fire prevention strategies, and proper extinguisher selection for various fire types.
• Inspection and Maintenance Services NFPA-compliant inspection, testing, and maintenance services for fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and backflow assemblies with 24/7 emergency service availability.
• Sprinkler System Inspections Regular inspection and testing of fire sprinkler systems including backflow inspections, flow tests, and maintenance per NFPA 25 standards.
• Fire Alarm Inspection & Maintenance NFPA 72-compliant fire alarm testing, inspection, and maintenance ensuring systems are fully operational, properly documented, and ready for emergency performance.
• Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Systems Emergency communication signal boosters improving first responder radio communication inside buildings, addressing dead zones for fire department and emergency services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of fire-related deaths occur once a fire has gone beyond the beginning stages, and 95% of direct property damage occurs once a fire has progressed beyond the incipient stage. Proper fire extinguisher use in the early stages minimizes both loss of life and property damage.

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Cosley ZoominorOthers · 23 June 2025Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, Illinois is described as a 'Reliable partner.' The company visited the zoo and expressed pride in supporting it as a community partner.
• NOTIFIER (Honeywell)coreTechnology or Integration · 29 March 2019Reliable Fire & Security produced and published a NOTIFIER Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) video to raise awareness of communication system issues and BDA benefits for first responders. NOTIFIER is part of Honeywell and specializes in fire alarm and emergency communication systems.
• PSA Security / PSA National Deployment ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2017Reliable Fire & Security is a member of the PSA National Deployment program, which helps the company find personnel and parts needed to implement top-tier fire and security solutions. PSA Security is a systems integrator focused on security solutions.
• National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a Charter Member of NAFED, one of several trade organization memberships including FSSA, AFAA, SFPE, NIFAD, and NFPA.
• Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a Charter Member of FSSA.
• American Fire Alarm Association (AFAA)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a Charter Member of AFAA.
• Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a member of SFPE.
• National Association of Fire Alarm Distributors (NIFAD)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a member of NIFAD.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)minorOthers · 1 January 2015Reliable Fire & Security is a member of NFPA.
• Knox ProductscoreTechnology or IntegrationKnox is listed as a 'Trusted Partner' on the Reliable Fire & Security website. Knox Products (rapid access key boxes, tamper switches, lockers) are integrated into Reliable's fire protection offerings for commercial and residential properties.
• Milestone Systems (Video Management Systems)coreTechnology or IntegrationReliable Fire & Security uses Milestone video management systems as part of its integrated security solutions for customers.
• Salient Systems (Video Management Systems)coreTechnology or IntegrationReliable Fire & Security is a proud partner of Salient Systems and distributes their white paper on transitioning from analog to IP cameras.
• Panasonic (Cameras)Technology or IntegrationPanasonic is one of the camera manufacturers used by Reliable Fire & Security in its video surveillance systems.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• APi Group: Public safety services conglomerate whose subsidiaries (Wolverine, Koorsen, etc.) provide fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and security services; direct overlap on commercial fire protection but APi operates globally across a diversified life-safety portfolio.
• Johnson Controls (Tyco / SimplexGrinnell): Global building solutions provider manufacturing and integrating fire alarm (Simplex), suppression, and security systems at enterprise scale; competes with Reliable at the higher end of the integrator market through national service delivery.
• Cintas Fire Protection: National-scale fire protection, extinguisher service, alarm, sprinkler, and emergency lighting provider serving commercial customers across the U.S.; competing overlap is direct on inspection services but Cintas operates within a much broader uniform/route-based portfolio.

Direct peers

• Cen-Signal (Centerville Fire & Security): Midwest-based fire alarm, sprinkler, security, and monitoring systems integrator serving commercial and industrial customers; directly comparable one-call service offering.
• VFS Fire & Security Services: Regional U.S. fire and security systems integrator providing fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and inspection services; comparable services and customer-segment mix to Reliable.
• Hiller Fire (parent company): Multi-branch fire protection systems integrator operating across the U.S. with the same integrated fire alarm / suppression / security services model; Reliable is already an operating subsidiary within Hiller's network.
• Koorsen Fire & Security: Midwest- and nationally-expanded family-influenced fire protection and security systems integrator offering fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, access control, CCTV, and monitoring services — directly comparable 'one-call' operating model and vertical mix to Reliable.
• Pye-Barker Fire & Safety: Large multi-brand U.S. fire and life safety integrator (formed from the merger of Pye and Barker) specializing in fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and security services — directly comparable services, customer base, and 'one-stop-shop' positioning.

Emerging players

• Sentry Fire & Safety Supply: Independent fire protection equipment supplier and service provider focused on inspection, extinguisher service, and alarm/sprinkler installation for commercial accounts; comparable regional distribution-and-service model.

Others

• Honeywell Building Technologies: Manufacturer of NOTIFIER fire alarm panels and other life-safety systems distributed and integrated by Reliable; adjacent rather than directly competitive, but a key channel partner whose direct-to-market shifts would reshape Reliable's supply economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/reliablefire1

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reliable Fire Equipment