Judges

Frederick Kauser’s career spans four decades, a period marked by his extensive involvement at every level of the American fire services. Beginning his journey on the front lines as a firefighter and paramedic, Kauser quickly distinguished himself not only by his hands-on abilities but also by his capacity to manage and innovate within fire stations. His roles evolved over the years, culminating in senior administrative positions where he was responsible for making pivotal procurement decisions. This background lends his current advisory role with Esteri Group a profound authenticity and insight—an understanding rooted in real-world experience and the day-to-day challenges faced by fire departments. Kauser’s unique perspective is shaped by years of working directly with fire hoses and managing the logistics and safety protocols inherent to emergency services. His transition from operational duties to overseeing equipment acquisition has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of what modern firefighters need to be both effective and safe on the job. In this interview, he draws upon that experience to explain why equipment like the Hosemaster is not just an upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift in fire service technology.

Bernie Higgins brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, fire safety, and risk management to his role as Operations Director at The Ethical Fire Safety Risk Management (TEFSRM) Group Ltd. With a distinguished career that has spanned decades, Higgins now provides executive-level support and guidance across multiple sectors, helping organisations assess risk and implement comprehensive fire safety strategies grounded in both regulatory excellence and operational insight. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Higgins plays a pivotal role in shaping fire safety standards on both a national and international scale. As Chairman of the British Standards Committee FSH/17 and the European Standards Committee CEN/TC 192, he is at the forefront of harmonising firefighting equipment standards across Europe. His leadership in these positions is marked by a deep understanding of technical requirements, regulatory frameworks, and the practical realities faced by modern fire services. Higgins’ influence extends well beyond boardrooms and standards committees. Over the course of his career, he has built enduring relationships across the UK fire sector and with international counterparts, fostering a spirit of collaboration that drives strategic innovation. His work has consistently bridged the gap between high-level policy and frontline implementation—ensuring that safety protocols are not only rigorous, but also realistic and adaptable to real-world challenges. At the heart of Higgins’ approach is a combination of critical thinking and refined interpersonal skills. These attributes have made him an effective leader in navigating complex risk environments and in building multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering resilient, high-performance outcomes. Whether advising corporate partners, working alongside public agencies, or contributing to European regulatory development, Bernie Higgins brings unmatched expertise and a long-standing commitment to enhancing fire safety and operational integrity across the sector.

With 10 years experience in publishing and editorial across B2B, B2C media and fiction publishing, working for the likes of Thomson Reuters and Headline Publishing Group, Rebecca is well versed in high quality content. As the Managing Editor at Hand Media International, Rebecca has been pioneering the content strategy across our B2B and B2C industry niches, including security, fire, confectionery, bakery, housebuilding, international trade and country music. Rebecca’s primary focus is on ensuring the delivery of high-calibre content, meeting the needs of dedicated and varied audiences. Rebecca’s commitment extends beyond content excellence. She is deeply passionate about fostering equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the Security and Fire sectors. This dedication is further exemplified by her role as a Digital Champion for Kent County Council, where she champions digital inclusion and empowerment and helps contribute to the eradication of digital poverty across the county. Bringing a nuanced understanding of quality, relevance, and the power of content in connecting and informing diverse audiences, Rebecca’s goal is to recognise and celebrate industry innovation and thought leaders who are actively instigating change.

Brent Brooks is an international speaker and hands on instructor. Brent teaches HighRise Tactics and large diameter hose movements. Brent is currently a Captain with Toronto Fire Services. His 28 year career with firefighting started at Pearson Airport, with continuing duties at (De Havilland) and Bombardier Aero Space Crash Fire Rescue teams. He is assigned to Toronto’s High Rise Unit. Brent has developed the IMS, training and RND for High Rise Operations. Brent’s experience includes serving on numerous committees all related to High Rise Firefighting. He continues to travel the world attending conferences, symposiums, and hands on training. He has spoken on complex building systems, help run the 2019, 2020 Canadian HighRise conference, Started the HighRise Round Table in Toronto, hosted the Toronto & Montreal HighRise Summit and is a member of the Council Of Tall Buildings based out of Chicago. He also represents Canada as a member of the T70 Tall Building Safety Committee based out of London England. Brent shares information with Fire Departments from all over the world and has developed a network with subject matter experts related to High Rise Firefighting. Brent has spoke at Firex, Tall Building Conference in London England and “Makin’ The Stretch” Conference Colonial Park, PA. Brent continues his education by attend 4 firefighting conferences yearly and never misses HROC in the USA. Brent presents to numerous Fire Departments. Proud retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces

José Musse is one of the most influential voices in Spanish-language fire and emergency services literature, with a career defined by innovation, advocacy, and international impact. Widely read across the Spanish-speaking world, his articles and manuals have educated thousands of professionals and been featured in publications throughout Latin America, Europe, and beyond. His body of work spans topics from firefighting and chemical safety to international relations, terrorism, and public policy—translated into English, German, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, and Thai. Musse’s expertise extends far beyond authorship. While serving in the United States with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), he developed advanced AR/VR training programs in chemical safety and produced a documentary on the Bhopal disaster. He holds multiple certifications in the safe transport and storage of gases, particularly hydrogen. His voice has also guided public understanding during major disasters through radio and press interviews across the Americas and Spain. A vocal critic of corruption within emergency services, Musse’s investigations into misconduct have led to criminal convictions and institutional reforms in Peru. His early warnings about Osama Bin Laden, published just before 9/11, reached the White House and were noted in presidential briefings. He also introduced the Incident Command System to Latin America through collaboration with FEMA, DHS, and USFA. His operational leadership includes serving as Director of Operations for Global Emergency Response, a multinational joint venture coordinating humanitarian air operations with the Russian EMERCOM and Ilyushin Aviation during wildfires and disasters across Latin America. A pioneer in firefighter education, Musse founded the first professional fire training center in Peru in 1997, training thousands using both in-person and 3D simulation. His contributions have been cited by Kent University and the United Nations

With more than two decades of specialised experience in fire safety engineering, Andrea White has become one of the most influential and respected figures in the industry today. Her career is distinguished by technical excellence, thought leadership, and a passionate commitment to inclusion and mentorship in fire safety. In 2021, she founded A W Fire Ltd, an independent consultancy providing expert fire engineering support for both new and existing buildings—ranging from small-scale developments to heritage and high-occupancy commercial premises. Recognised across multiple sectors, Andrea White is the recipient of numerous accolades, including IFSEC Global Fire Safety Industry Influencer (2022) and finalist positions in the Women in Fire Safety Awards, Women in Construction Awards, and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Awards, where she was shortlisted for the Princess Royal Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). She was also named one of the Top 100 most influential women in construction (2023). Her academic credentials include an HND and a Master’s degree with distinction in Fire Safety Engineering, underpinned by a series of prestigious professional registrations: she is an Incorporated Engineer through both the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), a Fellow of both organisations, a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, and an IFE-registered Fire Risk Assessor. Beyond her consultancy work, Andrea White is a respected public speaker, expert witness for HKA, and the founder of the charitable initiative Women Talking Fire, reflecting her dedication to advocacy, visibility, and gender equity in the fire safety profession. Known for her diligence and integrity, she continues to shape the field not only through technical solutions—such as fire strategies, risk assessments, and regulatory guidance—but also by mentoring others and setting new standards for professional practice in the built environment.

Dirk Sprakel graduated from Bochum University in 1994 and began his career as a Product Manager at a German pump manufacturer, where he developed a strong technical foundation in fluid systems and fire safety applications. In 1997, he joined FOGTEC Fire Protection and has since served as Managing Director, guiding the company’s international growth, technological development, and strategic direction for more than 25 years. Under his leadership, FOGTEC has become recognised as a global leader in water mist fire protection solutions across multiple sectors, including transport, energy, and infrastructure. Beyond his executive role, Dirk has played an active part in shaping industry standards and advancing fire safety on an international scale. From 2011 to 2019, he was a member of the supervisory board at DormaKaba KG a.A., contributing to strategic oversight of one of the world’s leading access and security companies. He is currently Vice Chairman of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) and serves on numerous technical committees and advisory boards, including NFPA 502 (Road Tunnels), DIN Water Mist Standard NA031-03-03 AA, EN 14972 Water Mist Standard, FM Advisory Board, and the BVES Standard for Fire Protection in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Dirk’s contributions extend deeply into research and innovation, with more than 30 years of involvement in R&D initiatives such as the SUVEREN and SOLIT projects within European research consortia. He is also the holder of multiple patents in fire protection technologies, underlining his commitment to advancing safer, more sustainable solutions for the industry.

Dr Barbara Lane is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow in Arup’s global fire safety practice. She is an expert in total fire safety – decision making, tools, techniques and solutions that enable the protection of life and property in the built environment. She has particular expertise in whole life cycle building fire safety, and the relevant legislative routes to compliance from concept design through to construction, handover, and the management of operational fire risk. Dr Lane has worked on projects around the world and specialises in complex buildings and structures. She was appointed as an expert witness to the Grenfell Inquiry in 2017 – https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/about/expert-witnesses Dr Lane holds the Silver Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering 2008, for outstanding personal contribution with a commercial benefit to British engineering. She was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2016 for services to fire safety; and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2018 for services to fire safety research and innovation.