Guardian Fire Services Acquires Preferred Fire Protection

NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Guardian Fire Services, a national leader in fire protection and life safety services, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Preferred Fire Protection, a leading provider of commercial fire protection and security systems and services to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. The acquisition brings together two companies with a shared commitment to providing top-tier fire protection services to their clients.

Preferred Fire Protection, founded by Ed Gonano, has established itself as the Pittsburgh region's premier full-service fire sprinkler contractor. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including design and engineering, installation, service, and inspection, all aimed at ensuring the highest level of fire protection. Their emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that clients can always count on immediate assistance in the event of a fire emergency.

The company's dedicated staff, which includes members with over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry, plays a crucial role in maintaining the company's success. Ed Gonano, the founder and president of Preferred Fire Protection, attributes the company's continued success to the intensive training and unwavering dedication of its employees. Gonano also emphasized the robust work ethic of the team, which has been a cornerstone of the company's success.

Ray Misfelt, CEO of Guardian Fire Services, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that the team at Preferred Fire Protection has built an exceptional company with a strong culture that aligns perfectly with Guardian's family of companies. Misfelt highlighted the consistent operational excellence, strong margins, and outstanding execution of the Preferred Fire team, which speak to the quality of their leadership and their people.

The partnership with Guardian Fire Services grants Preferred Fire Protection access to robust administrative backing, cutting-edge technology, and stronger career training pathways for its dedicated employees. This collaboration will allow the company to continue its commitment to the Pittsburgh region, ensuring that clients receive a more integrated and highly accountable service experience moving forward.

This acquisition marks the fourth add-on investment since Investcorp's North America Private Equity acquisition of the business in December 2025. Notably, earlier in August, Guardian Fire Services also acquired Houston Fire Protection, a leading Houston, Texas-based provider of fire and life safety solutions for commercial customers. This acquisition further strengthened Guardian's presence in the Southwest and expanded its ability to deliver comprehensive fire and life safety coverage to customers throughout the South Texas region.

Guardian Fire Services owns and operates a nationwide network of trusted local fire protection and life safety companies, with a mission to protect people and assets by local professionals, reinforced by the resources and stability of one national parent company. The Guardian Fire Services team is dedicated to protecting what matters most with local experts you already know and trust.

Guardian Fire Services, protecting what matters most with local experts you already know and trust.