At just 26 years old, William Rivera Batres has already built an impressive career in fire protection. Based out of Summit Fire & Security’s Fort Lauderdale branch, William wears many hats as a sprinkler technician, supporting inspections, backflows, service work, and helping guide other technicians in the field.
Since entering the trade shortly after high school, William has developed a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a reputation for leading by example.
Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager Toby Sykes stated, “Will has always been strong on the install and service side, but his expanding qualifications now position him as a de facto superintendent, capable of handling any job or inspection with minimal supervision. He’s very in tune with job sites and workflow, conducts surveys effectively, and manages start dates better than most who have more years in the industry. He’s proactive in following up with contractors, manages job costs and materials efficiently, and isn’t hesitant to adjust his pace when margins are tight.”
Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Summit Fire & Security.
My name is William Rivera Batres, based out of the Fort Lauderdale branch in Florida. I’m a sprinkler technician, but I do a little bit of everything, inspections, backflows, service calls, and helping support the team wherever needed.
How did you get started in the fire protection industry?
I got into this trade a couple months after graduating high school in 2018. A family friend introduced me to a small fire protection company, and before that, I didn’t even know fire sprinklers were a career path. I was deciding between lawn sprinklers or fire sprinklers, and fire sprinklers sounded more interesting, so I gave it a shot.
What did your early days in the trade look like?
I started doing brand-new fire sprinkler installation in retail stores, warehouses, and commercial buildings. As an apprentice, I set up hangers, charged batteries, reviewed prints, and made sure everything was ready for the foreman.
It’s a step-by-step process when you’re new. The work is labor-intensive, but it teaches discipline and prepares you for the next level.
Was there someone who helped shape your career early on?
Absolutely. My mentor was with me for nearly six years, and he shaped everything I do today. He taught me about teamwork, dedication, and accountability. If you played sports, you could work with him. He valued teamwork above all. Everything in this trade flows best when it’s a team effort.
When did you realize this was the career you wanted to pursue long term?
About a year and a half ago, I decided to fully dedicate myself to the industry. I realized this career could provide stability for my family and opportunities for growth. Once I made that decision, I focused on certifications, learning everything I could, and thinking about how to keep moving up.
What certifications have you earned?
I have my level 1 inspector certification, backflow tester certification, and backflow rebuild certification. I’m preparing to get my Level 2 Inspector certification next April.
Summit has been a big part of that growth by supporting training and covering costs. That way I can expand my skill set and be more versatile.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get to the office around 5:30 a.m., check emails, coordinate schedules, and make sure the team is set up before heading into the field. From there, no two days are the same. I might handle service calls, inspections, backflow testing, or survey a job site. I’m also constantly supporting the team, answering questions, and keeping jobs moving.
There’s always something to do, and the pace keeps me on my toes.
What motivates you on tough days?
My family is my biggest motivation. My daughter is two and a half and knowing I’m providing stability for her keeps me focused. This industry is reliable, and if you put in the effort, it provides back.
What’s something people outside the industry are often surprised to learn?
Most people think all sprinkler heads go off during a fire like in the movies, but it’s only the head nearest the fire. I get a lot of questions from people assuming I install lawn sprinklers and they’re surprised when I say no.
What do you enjoy most about your team?
Our team feels like family. We’ve worked together for years, we communicate well, and everyone helps each other out. If someone has a better way to do something, I always tell them to speak up.
What would you tell someone considering a career in fire protection?
There’s no wrong in learning a trade, it’s something you’ll know for life, and the work is always going to be around. If one area doesn’t fit, there are other paths like service, inspections, alarms, extinguishers, or marine. There are more opportunities than people realize.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I plan to keep growing and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I’m all gas, no brakes and every chance to learn or expand my skills, I take it.
Visit our careers page to learn more about open opportunities at Summit Fire & Security: https://summitfiresecurity.com/careers/
