Latest News From the Bob Andrews Group of Companies

  • PDI Announces Corporate Promotions and Personnel Additions to the PDI Team
  • Posted Saturday, April 15th, 2017

    San Antonio, TX – April 15, 2017 Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce the following Corporate Appointments, as well personnel additions to the PDI team: David R. Emler, B.Sc., ICC CBPE, ICC CFPE Vice President – Codes and Permitting PDI is pleased to announce that David Emler has been promoted to Vice President […]

  • PDI Founder and Principal Fire Protection Engineer Participates in USA Fire Chiefs Delegation to Poland
  • Posted Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

    San Antonio, Texas October 11, 2016 Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E., Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) Founder and Principal Fire Protection Engineer, just returned to San Antonio from a ten-day study visit to Poland. The trip was organized within the USA – Poland INFIRENET (International Fire & Rescue Network) Project and co-sponsored by the Institution of […]

  • Five Minutes with Bob Andrews, CEO of the Bob Andrews Group
  • Posted Thursday, July 17th, 2014

    Jul 17, 2014, 6:00am CDT UPDATED: Jul 17, 2014, 10:35am CDT Sanford Nowlin Reporter-San Antonio Business Journal Email  |  Google+  |  Twitter  | Facebook San Antonio-based Bob Andrews Group, an entity that provides fire-protection services for public- and private-sector clients, has expanded recently to keep pace with the rocketing growth in domestic oil-and-gas production. While some of the company’s new ventures are focused on the […]

  • Texas experts: States need “SWAT-like teams” to put out oil train fires
  • Posted Wednesday, June 18th, 2014

    By: PINE TREE WATCHDOG | June 18, 2014 States are going to need SWAT-like teams if they want to put out the huge fires that can start when trains carrying crude oil derail, say two men who want to launch a “specialty fire department” in Pennsylvania funded by private and public dollars. Recent derailments have revealed not only safety vulnerabilities, […]

  • Oil train fires require SWAT teams, veteran firefighters tell states
  • Posted Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

    By Curtis Tate McClatchy Washington Bureau, June 17, 2014 HARRISBURG, Pa. — _ A pair of Texans with decades of firefighting experience is encouraging state and local government leaders to consider establishing SWAT-like response teams for crude oil train fires. A series of derailments of trains loaded with crude oil in the past year has […]

  • Crude oil trains revive Philadelphia refineries but deliver new risks
  • Posted Monday, April 7th, 2014

    BY CURTIS TATE McClatchy Washington BureauApril 7, 2014 PHILADELPHIA — Just a few years ago, the region’s refineries were on life support, hurt by high prices of oil imported from foreign countries. Now, they’re humming again with the daily deliveries of domestic crude in mile-long trains. As one of the country’s largest destinations for crude oil […]

  • Crude oil train safety in spotlight
  • Posted Monday, March 10th, 2014

    Melissa Nann Burke and Jeff Montgomery, The News Journal 11:52 a.m. EDT March 10, 2014 Lawmakers have summoned first-responders and refinery and railroad reps to a community meeting Monday night in Delaware City to discuss emergency-response plans for the mile-long trains hauling volatile crude oil across Delaware each day. Panelists hope to address locals’ concerns […]

  • Hearing airs Delco fears on crude oil accidents
  • Posted Friday, March 7th, 2014

    By Laura McCrystal, Inquirer Staff Writer Posted: March 07, 2014 EDDYSTONE A waterfront rail terminal in Eddystone, a small Delaware County borough, will soon become a major center for transporting crude oil to area refineries. While officials applaud the project as a boost to the local economy, they also point to the threat of a […]

  • Ex-Rep. Weldon warns of oil-transport dangers
  • Posted Wednesday, March 5th, 2014

    By Kathleen Carey, Delaware County Daily Times Wednesday, March 5, 2014 EDDYSTONE — Former congressman Curt Weldon on Wednesday warned that Pennsylvania should be as prepared as possible for a disaster as Bakken crude oil begins to be transported into the state in larger volumes. He said it’s not a question of if there will […]

  • Crude oil hearing to be held in Eddystone Wednesday
  • Posted Sunday, March 2nd, 2014

    By Kathleen Carey, Delaware County Daily Times Posted: 03/02/14, 9:33 PM EST | Updated: on 03/03/2014 EDDYSTONE — With the Eddystone Rail Co. is weeks away from hauling thousands of gallons of crude oil into town, concerns about safety will be the focus of a legislative hearing on Wednesday. In January, six crude oil cars […]

  • Bob Andrews Group to Establish Specialist Emergency Response Headquarters in the Tri-State Area
  • Posted Monday, February 24th, 2014

    Ten month long site selection process now focusing on Delaware County, PA San Antonio, TX – February 24, 2014    The Bob Andrews Group, LLC (BAG) today formally announced that after an extensive ten-month site selection process, it is now focusing on Delaware County, Pennsylvania for the location of its new regional fire station and headquarters.  […]

  • Despite recent crashes, rail still safest way to haul oil, S.A. expert says
  • Posted Monday, January 20th, 2014

    by Gary Cooper / KENS 5 News report by KENS-5 San Antonio, TX SAN ANTONIO – A train carrying crude oil derailed on a Philadelphia bridge on Monday is the latest in a series of train accidents involving hauling crude. A San Antonio-based expert who provides emergency response services to the oil industry is offering […]

  • Celebrating the Success of Our Employees – YungWei Tang, P.E.
  • Posted Wednesday, December 11th, 2013

    PDI is proud to announce that   YungWei Tang, P.E.   is now a Registered Fire Protection Engineer YungWei Tang, P.E. has been with PDI since 2010 and has proven to be a valuable asset and a dedicated employee. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering […]

  • PDI Welcomes David Emler and Announces Expansion of Services
  • Posted Monday, October 14th, 2013

    Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce the addition of David Emler to our team as Permitting Services Manager. David, a graduate of Angelo State University, has over 10 years of experience in permitting commercial construction in San Antonio. Additionally, he is certified by the International Code Council as a Building Plans Examiner and […]

  • Three Questions: Bob Andrews, President and CEO of the Bob Andrews Group LLC
  • Posted Friday, September 27th, 2013

    Fire-protection company Bob Andrews Group LLC this month launched a new subsidiary that offers emergency-response services for shippers moving crude oil by rail. The company’s fledgling BAG-Emergency Response Services unit will provide firefighting crews and specialized equipment for the petroleum industry, which increasingly uses trains to get crude from remote shale plays like the Eagle […]

  • Fire-safety firm launches oil-by-rail service company
  • Posted Friday, September 20th, 2013

    Fire-protection company Bob Andrews Group LLC will hire 25 additional workers in San Antonio with the launch of a new subsidiary that offers emergency-response services for shippers moving crude oil by rail. The company’s new BAG-Emergency Response Services LLC unit will provide firefighting crews and specialized equipment for the petroleum industry, which increasingly transports crude […]

  • THE RAILROAD WEEK IN REVIEW
  • Posted Friday, September 6th, 2013

    “Emergency Response Services will offer customized emergency preparedness and response solutions tailored to specific risk profiles” — Chief Robert C. Andrews, Bob Andrews Group The recent Lac-Megantic tragedy has created an immediate need for a a pro-active railroad industry process to prevent a recurrence and limit the damage if there is another such incident. And […]

  • Bob Andrews Group to Provide Specialist Emergency Response Service to Protect Crude Oil Unit Trains in North America
  • Posted Wednesday, September 4th, 2013

    San Antonio, TX – September 4, 2013 The Bob Andrews Group, LLC (BAG) today announced the formation of BAG – Emergency Response Services, LLC (BAG-ERS), a wholly-owned subsidiary that will focus on providing specialist emergency preparedness and response services to protect crude oil unit trains in North America as well as the communities in which […]

  • Better Late Than Never: Celebrating Black Military Heroes, In Art
  • Posted Saturday, June 29th, 2013

    V CHAPMAN SMITH As a black child growing up during the modern Civil Rights era, and in a family whose military service dates back to the Civil War, I often wondered why so little was known about the service of black men. I soon came to realize that racial segregation and the marginalization of blacks […]

  • New painting honors key Civil War moment for African Americans
  • Posted Thursday, June 20th, 2013

    By Edward Colimore, Inquirer Staff Writer POSTED: June 20, 2013 Sixth in an occasional series on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1 to 3. A thick, misty fog embraced the blue columns of African American soldiers “like a mantle of death” as they marched through pre-dawn darkness toward the enemy […]

  • Alumni Rally to Support Fire Protection Engineering Legacy Campaign for a Professor of the Practice
  • Posted Thursday, April 25th, 2013

    Fire protection engineering graduates are rallying around their department to support the Legacy Campaign for a professor of the practice to help ensure students stay current on the latest technologies used in the field. “Our graduates must be prepared to become practicing fire protection engineers,” explains Fire Protection Engineering Department Chair James Milke. “The main […]

  • Another New Company for the Bob Andrews Group
  • Posted Thursday, April 25th, 2013

    San Antonio, TX – April 24, 2013 The Bob Andrews Group, LLC announces the launching of BAG-BD is a consulting firm taking advantage of the Group’s experience in starting and growing business in the field of fire protection. Headed up by Sam Goldwater, Vice President of the Bob Andrews Group and 40 year veteran in […]

  • Clark School Hopes to Attract Fire Protection “Professor of the Practice”
  • Posted Thursday, August 16th, 2012

    The Clark School Department of Fire Protection Engineering is raising funds for a new Professor of the Practice position within the department. FPE alumnus Bob Andrews ’80 committed a lead gift of $100,000 towards the professorship and an additional $275,000 has been raised toward a goal of $2.5 million. This permanent faculty position will enable […]

  • Industrial Emergency Services, LLC Receives Investment, Plans for Continued Growth
  • Posted Friday, July 13th, 2012

    Baton Rouge, LA  – July 13, 2012 Industrial Emergency Services, LLC (“IES”), a leading emergency planning, firefighting, rescue and safety services company accepts institutional investment to facilitate expansion of services and geography. Industrial Emergency Services, LLC (“IES”) (http://www.iesllc.com) announced this week that it has received a significant investment that will position the company for continued […]

  • Bob Andrews Elected to Board of Trustees of the Abraham Lincoln Foundation of the Union League of Philadelphia
  • Posted Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

    Philadelphia, PA  – June 20, 2012 The Bob Andrews Group, LLC (BAG) is proud to announce that the Abraham Lincoln Foundation of the Union League of Philadelphia, today elected BAG President & CEO, Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E., as a member of its Board of Trustees. The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Foundation of the […]

  • Bob Andrews Group Announces the Formation of PDI Fire Protection Systems, LLC
  • Posted Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

    San Antonio, Texas – May 30, 2012 The Bob Andrews Group today announced the formation of PDI Fire Protection Systems, LLC (pdifpsystems.com). The new company will focus on the design and installation of specialized fire detection, fire alarm, fire suppression, and fire extinguishing systems for rail and transit vehicles.  In addition to the design and […]

  • PDI Rail Solutions Attends 8th Annual Fire Protection of Rolling Stock Conference in Brussels, Belgium
  • Posted Friday, March 23rd, 2012

    23 March 2012 – Brussels, Belgium In a continuing effort to keep abreast of the latest international developments in passenger rail fire safety, PDI Rail Solutions attended the 8th Annual Fire Protection of Rolling Stock Conference held 21-22 March 2012 in Brussels, Belgium. Having attended the two-day conference, PDI Rail Solutions President & CEO Bob […]

  • PDI Opens New Austin Area Office
  • Posted Thursday, January 12th, 2012

    To better serve our clients – PDI has opened a new office in Bastrop, Texas. Additionally, we have hired Carter M. White, P.E. to serve as branch manager. As an experienced fire protection engineer and an area resident, Mr. White will expand PDI’s presence in the Austin and Houston markets. Mr. White has been in […]

  • PDI offers Security System Design Services
  • Posted Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

    As an independent security system designer, PDI is not affiliated with any product or service recommended. PDI security system designs are professional, objective, and provide clients with the assurance that where technology is used, it will be identified, designed, installed, and operated in a manner that optimizes risk reduction and protects your people, assets, and […]

  • Ziemba Promoted to Vice President & General Manager
  • Posted Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

      Gilead R. Ziemba, P.E. has been promoted to Vice President & General Manager. Gilead has proven that he is an exceptional leader and a very talented engineer. When asked to comment, PDI President and CEO Bob Andrews stated that “I am extremely proud of Gilead’s accomplishments since joining PDI in 2009.  He is a […]

  • Ann Garcia joins PDI as Permit Coordinator
  • Posted Monday, October 24th, 2011

    Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce that Ann Garcia has joined the firm as Permit Coordinator. Ann comes to PDI after working for the City of San Antonio Development Services Department for over 9 years. She has experience in researching historical permits, issuing Certificate of Occupancy, retrieving plan review and inspection status, and […]

  • Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. – “X” Train Announces Selection of PDI Rail Solutions to provide technical expertise to assure Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) & Amtrak Mechanical and Safety Compliance for all “X” Train Rolling Stock
  • Posted Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

    LAS VEGAS, NV  –  Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (“X” Train), a Delaware company (OTCBB: XTRN) is pleased to announce the selection of PDI Rail Solutions (PDI) to assure that its “X” Train meets all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) & Amtrak mechanical and safety standards.  “The safe design and operation of the “X” Train […]

  • Industrial Emergency Services, LLC Announces Executive Promotions and an Additional Partner for 2010
  • Posted Thursday, June 10th, 2010

    San Antonio, TX – June 10, 2010 Executive Promotions: Industrial Emergency Services, LLC is pleased to announce the following executive promotions: Gracia S. Rosslow has been promoted to Company President. Daniel Garcia has been promoted to Fire Chief and is retaining his position as Vice President. Robert C. Andrews, Jr. has been promoted to fill […]

  • George Payne joins PDI Rail Solutions as Vice President
  • Posted Monday, May 10th, 2010

    Mr. Payne brings over 32 years of mechanical, operational, and project engineering experience to the firm.  His past career achievements are significant.  Early in Mr. Payne’s career, he served as a General Foreman – Running Maintenance for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) in Detroit, Michigan.  His freight experience includes serving as General Manager and […]

  • Harold Weisinger joins PDI Rail Solutions as Director – Engineering, Standards, and Equipment Integrity
  • Posted Saturday, July 4th, 2009

    PDI Rail Solutions is pleased to announce that Harold B. Weisinger has joined the firm as Director –  Engineering, Standards, and Equipment Integrity, effective July 4, 2009. Mr. Weisinger comes to PDI Rail Solutions from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) where he most recently served as Northwest Fleet Engineer, Mechanical Department Liaison to the […]

  • PDI Launches Rail / Transit Consulting Division
  • Posted Friday, June 12th, 2009

    Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) announced today that it is expanding its commitment to the rail / transit consulting business by launching a new, dedicated division, targeted specifically to that industry. The new division will be called PDI Rail Solutions (www.PDIRail.com). PDI is an established engineering firm, bringing a quarter century of experience to the marketplace. […]

  • Susan Dingman joins PDI Rail Solutions as Manager – Contracts Administration and Proposals
  • Posted Friday, May 1st, 2009

    PDI Rail Solutions is pleased to announce that Susan W. Dingman has joined the firm as Manager – Contracts Administration and Proposals.In her new role, Ms. Dingman will be responsible for proposal administration and contracts administration for this new division of PDI. “Susan brings a wealth of experience to PDI Rail Solutions. She is a […]

  • Job Opening: Senior Fire Protection Engineer
  • Posted Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

    This in a senior-level position located in San Antonio, TX. For more details, see the attached PDF for description.

  • Job Opening: Associate Fire Protection Engineer
  • Posted Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

    This in an entry-level position located in San Antonio, TX. For more details, see the attached PDF for description.

  • Ziemba Joins PDI as Associate Fire Protection Engineer
  • Posted Friday, February 27th, 2009

    Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce that Gilead R. Ziemba, EIT has joined the firm as an Associate Fire Protection Engineer. Gilead comes to PDI from the City of San Antonio’s Development Services Department where he worked as the Fire Protection Review Team Leader. While with the City, his primary job responsibilities included […]

  • Emler Earns ICC Certification as Fire Plans Examiner
  • Posted Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

    San Antonio, TX – February 4, 2009   Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce that Misty Emler has earned certification from the International Code Council (ICC) as a Fire Plans Examiner. Misty is an Associate Fire Protection & Code Analyst with PDI where she also serves as the Permitting Section Manager. She earned […]

  • Gracia S. Rosslow Joins IES as Chief Financial Officer
  • Posted Tuesday, January 31st, 2006

    Industrial Emergency Services, LLC is pleased to announce that Gracia S. Rosslow has joined the IES senior management team in the newly created position of Chief Financial Officer. In her new role, Ms. Rosslow will be responsible for IES’ finance, accounting, contracting, procurement, and human resources efforts. Ms. Rosslow will report to IES President & Fire Chief, Robert C. Andrews, Jr.