Acquisition allows State Systems to expand North Mississippi presence and offer comprehensive property protection services to region
MEMPHIS, Tenn., February 10, 2025 – Memphis-based total protection company State Systems today announced the acquisition of Fire Guard of Mississippi, a specialized fire protection company serving northern Mississippi with offices in Tupelo, Columbus and Oxford. Since its founding in 1979, Fire Guard has established a reputation as a leading provider in fire suppression for commercial and industrial facilities. The acquisition includes all three brands within the company: Fire Guard, Columbus Fire and Eagle Fire.
“Roy Pifer established Columbus Fire as a trusted expert across North Mississippi, and his son, Ralph, successfully expanded that foundation to create three thriving businesses under Fire Guard and carried on his father’s legacy,” said Bob McBride, president of State Systems. “With this partnership, we look forward to strengthening State System’s presence in Mississippi, as well as supplementing Fire Guard’s current offerings with additional resources such as fire alarm, sprinkler and security services. We aim to provide the same level of honesty and integrity to their loyal customers, address other protection needs they may have and maintain Fire Guard’s well-earned reputation.”
All Fire Guard employees will remain with the company as State Systems employees, and Ralph Pifer is staying on to continue managing the team and serving as market leader. Its offices in Columbus and Tupelo, Mississippi, will remain in operation, and State Systems has brought additional staff to serve new and existing customers. In addition to bringing comprehensive fire protection expertise to the region, including sprinkler and alarm systems, State Systems will offer locals its full range of property
protection services.
“Fire Guard and State Systems share company values that prioritize customer service and trust in expertise,” said Pifer. “I am excited that the team we have built at Fire Guard will continue to thrive as we align with State Systems, and our customers will receive the same efficient service and positive experience moving forward. I’m also thrilled to remain with the company and see what comes next in this new era of our team.”
About State Systems:
State Systems is a privately owned, total protection company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with branch offices in Columbia and Goodlettsville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; and Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas. With five separate company divisions, State Systems provides crucial life safety systems and services, including fire extinguisher and suppression systems, hydrostatic testing, kitchen hood cleaning, fire alarm systems, industrial fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, access control and CCTV systems. It also offers structured cabling for voice, data and video applications.
