The Electronic Security Association (ESA) recently named David Fisch the 2025 winner of the Stan Martin Excellence in Advocacy Award. Fisch “has spent more than 50 years shaping, defending and advancing the electronic security and life safety industry,” according to the ESA announcement. “His legacy is not only marked by professional success but by a deep commitment to advocacy, public safety, and ethical leadership.”
“I learned early on in my career that one should always give back to the industry that feeds you and your family.” says Fisch in the ESA announcement. “Advocacy was what I chose to do, to protect my right to be in business as well as create new markets for it. I am humbled and very appreciative of this award.”
The Stan Martin Excellence in Advocacy Award was created last year “to recognize individuals who, like Stan Martin himself, work tirelessly to elevate the industry through advocacy and collaboration,” according to the ESA announcement. Fireside Chat columnist Stan Martin was the initial winner of the award in June 2024.
Stan’s leadership helped protect alarm dealers nationwide during a critical era of deregulation and contributed to the creation of best practices that still guide us today,” the announcement says. “This award celebrates individuals who follow in those footsteps, advocating with integrity, building trust with public officials, and pushing for policy that supports a safer, more secure country.”
With a career spanning over five decades, Fisch “has been a tireless champion for professional standards, industry protections and legislative advocacy,” according to the ESA announcement. “From entering the alarm industry in 1968 and becoming the ninth member of the Minnesota Burglar and Fire Alarm Association to establishing its Government Relations Committee and securing state licensure for the industry in 1983, David’s impact has been profound.
“He played a pivotal role in national advocacy efforts, including the successful 1996 Telecommunications Reform Act campaign. More recently, his strategic leadership safeguarded the industry from harmful legislation in Minnesota, including the 2023 Fair Repair and 2024 Auto-Renewal bills, both of which were amended with exemptions thanks to his efforts,” the announcement says.
In addition to all of this, Fisch has never missed an ESA Security Hill Day in Washington, D.C., demonstrating “his deep commitment to ensuring our industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels,” according to the ESA announcement.
“David’s unmatched vigilance and commitment to protecting licensed alarm contractors continue to leave a lasting legacy on the industry he has helped shape,” the announcement says. “David exemplifies what it means to lead with conviction and purpose.”
