Thomas Richards Returns to Viking: Building the Future of Fire Alarm Expertise

After several years developing his career across the fire protection industry, Thomas Richards has rejoined Viking Fire Protection to lead the fire alarm division in Ottawa. His return reflects his confidence in Viking’s stability, his appreciation for the company’s culture, and his goal to support both clients and colleagues through collaboration and mentorship.

A Career Built on Experience

Thomas began his career in Ottawa after earning an electrical technician degree. Through a cousin working at Viking in Whistler, he discovered the world of fire alarm systems. That opportunity marked the start of a career focused on technical work, design, and large-scale projects such as the Canada Line.

After moving back to Ottawa, Thomas worked in a range of positions including estimator, project manager, and wharehose worker, gaining hands-on knowledge of many aspects of the trade. He credits these experiences with helping him understand how different roles connect within the industry.

Lessons from His Career Journey

Thomas explained that he decided to leave Viking earlier in his career because of the heavy workload and limited support at the time. However, he always valued the guidance of mentors like Pierre Noël, who helped shape his ealry professional development.

During his time away, he joined a competing firm as an estimator and project manager, helping to grow their fire alarm division. Although that experience allowed him to develop his management skills, he eventually felt ready for a new challenge. Between 2023 and 2025, he began exploring opportunities to keep learning and contributing more strategically.

Why He Returned to Viking

Thomas chose to return to Viking because of its stability, growth opportunities, and strong culture. He maintained connections with people in the company, including Carl Sexton, and recognized that Viking offered the right environment to continue advancing his career.

His goal now is to grow the Ottawa fire alarm divison into a leading provider in the region. He also wants to support other Viking branches that need assistance with fire alarm projects, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing within the company.

Collaboration and National Support

Thomas highlighted Viking’s national network as one of its greatest strengths. Employees from different offices regularly share technical knowledge and collaborate on complex projects, which helps the company deliver consistent, high-quality service across Canada.

He believes this kind of teamwork not only benefits employees but also improves the client experience. When branches share information and expertise, customers receive more informed solutions and better results.

Commitment to Training and Standards

Thomas is also focused on training and technical support. He sees value in the Teams technical support forum, which allows technicians from across the country to connect and help one another. This initiative encourages learning and problem-solving among Viking’s field teams.

In addition, Thomas remains involved in the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) and contributes to discussions on UL and ULC national standards. He believes Viking should continue taking part in these industry conversations to stay proactive and ensure the company’s systems meet the highest standards.

Looking Ahead

For Thomas, coming back to Viking is about combining his experience with a renewed focus on teamwork and mentorship. He wants to help strengthen the company’s fire alarm expertise, support its national growth, and ensure every branch has access to the knowledge and tolls they need to succeed.