Who We Are
A team of dedicated fire protection professionals committed to safeguarding lives, property, and communities — one system at a time.
NICET Certified
LICENSED & INSURED
Osha Standards
24/7 Service
Our Story
A Legacy of Protection You Can Trust
Key Fire Protection, Inc. has proudly protected people, property, and livelihoods for nearly five decades. Founded in 1977, we are a privately owned, family owned fire protection contractor built on experience, integrity, and long term relationships.
From small residential systems to complex industrial applications, our work is guided by a simple principle: protect what matters most. With well established processes, seasoned leadership, and a highly skilled team, Key Fire Protection remains a trusted and time tested partner for clients across the region and throughout the United States.
Where it started
Our History
Key Fire Protection, Inc. was established on June 10, 1977 by Jerry Key Sr. and Mary Anne Key. Through their strong will, perseverance, and dedication to quality workmanship, they laid the foundation for a company built to last. What began as a vision for dependable fire protection services quickly grew into a respected fire sprinkler contractor known for reliability and technical expertise.
The company was incorporated on April 1, 1989 and has continued to grow steadily while remaining privately owned and family operated. Nearly 50 years later, that same commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and trust continues to guide everything we do.
At Key Fire Protection, we honor our past while continuing to invest in our future through our people, our processes, and our partnerships. We look forward to working with you and meeting all of your fire protection needs with the professionalism and care that has defined our company for nearly half a century.
Leadership Built on Generations of Trust
Family Owned Leadership
We provide fire protection solutions across a wide range of industries, each with unique safety and compliance needs.
Key Fire Protection is proudly family owned and operated, with leadership spanning multiple generations.
The company was founded by Jerry L. Key Sr. and Mary Anne Key, whose vision, dedication, and commitment to quality established the strong foundation the company stands on today.
Today, the company is co-owned by their sons, Jerry Key Jr. and Jonathan Key. Together, they lead the organization with a shared focus on operational excellence, customer relationships, safety, and long-term stability.
Representing the next generation of leadership, Craig Key, grandson of Jerry L. Key Sr. and Mary Anne Key, continues the family tradition of hands-on involvement and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Get to know
Our Leadership
Jonathan Key
President & Co-Owner
Jonathan Key’s career in the fire protection industry began at just 16 years old, when he started working part-time at Key Fire Protection while in high school. He continued working with the company through college, gaining hands-on experience and learning every aspect of the business from the ground up.
Jerry Key Jr.
President (2005–2024) &
Current Co‑Owner
Jerry Key Jr. began his career at Key Fire Protection in high school, working part-time and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the fire protection industry. After joining full-time, he started as a Pipefitter and gradually advanced into estimating and system design, developing a strong foundation in both field operations and technical planning.
Craig Key
Field Operations Manager
Craig Key joined Key Fire Protection after building a successful career in sales and support within the industrial and construction supply industry. Bringing valuable industry knowledge and a strong customer-focused background, Craig chose to follow the same hands-on path as his predecessors by starting at the ground level of the company.
Experienced Teams. Expanding Reach.
Our Service Area
Our team consists of more than 30 highly experienced construction personnel with over 100 years of combined industry experience. We are currently licensed to perform work in Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas, and we continue to expand our service area.
We are proud to maintain long standing working relationships with many successful businesses throughout our region, built on trust, consistency, and quality service.
Jonathan Key
President
Jonathan Key’s career in the fire protection industry began at just 16 years old, when he started working part-time at Key Fire Protection while in high school. He continued working with the company through college, gaining hands-on experience and learning every aspect of the business from the ground up.
After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 1996, Jonathan joined the company full-time as a Salesman and Estimator. Over the years, he steadily expanded his role, taking on responsibilities in estimating, field operations, and executive leadership. His technical expertise, practical experience, and dedication to the company’s mission have guided his progression from field and office roles to leadership.
Today, Jonathan serves as President and Co‑Owner of Key Fire Protection. He provides strategic direction while remaining closely connected to day-to-day operations. Jonathan is NICET Certified in Water-Based Systems Layout, reflecting his advanced technical knowledge and commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards. His combination of field experience, technical expertise, and executive leadership continues to drive the company’s growth and commitment to excellence.
Jerry Key Jr.
President (2005–2024)
& Current Co‑Owner
Jerry Key Jr. began his career at Key Fire Protection in high school, working part-time and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the fire protection industry. After joining full-time, he started as a Pipefitter and gradually advanced into estimating and system design, developing a strong foundation in both field operations and technical planning.
Jerry achieved NICET Level IV Certification in Water-Based Systems Layout, one of the highest distinctions in the industry, demonstrating his expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence.
From 2005 to 2024, Jerry served as President, leading the company through significant growth, expanding operations, and strengthening client relationships. Today, as Co-Owner, he continues to provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the next generation of leadership. His vision, experience, and lifelong commitment to the industry have been instrumental in shaping Key Fire Protection into the trusted company it is today.
Craig Key
Field Operations Manager
Craig Key joined Key Fire Protection after building a successful career in sales and support within the industrial and construction supply industry. Bringing valuable industry knowledge and a strong customer-focused background, Craig chose to follow the same hands-on path as his predecessors by starting at the ground level of the company.
He began as an entry-level Pipefitter, gaining firsthand field experience and developing a deep understanding of installation practices and jobsite operations. Through dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence, Craig steadily advanced within the organization.
Craig is NICET Certified in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, demonstrating his technical expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards. His certification reflects both his field knowledge and his dedication to ensuring system performance, reliability, and safety.
Today, Craig serves as Field Operations Manager, overseeing all field operations and project management for the installation division of the business. He manages crews, coordinates project timelines, and ensures quality workmanship on every job. Known for his strong problem-solving abilities, Craig consistently identifies practical solutions that improve efficiency and deliver added value to customers. His leadership continues to strengthen the operational excellence that defines Key Fire Protection.