Our Vets

At Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, we are grateful to recognize the veterans among our team and customers. Their dedication to service and commitment to excellence inspire us. Today, we celebrate a few of our USA Vets. Please read below to learn about three of our employees.

“My service taught me military discipline—especially respect, selfless service, and personal courage.” – Brian Knowles

Reliable’s Denver Driver Chris Landry served in the US Army from 1993 to 1996. With his enlistment, he joined several generations of Landrys who served their country in the military. Carrying on that tradition, Chris’s eldest son will be enlisting in the Army in June 2025. 

Chris’s most notable assignment was in South Korea, just miles from the Demilitarized Zone, where he was posted as an M1 Abrams tank gunner. Chris’s stateside posts include Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Riley, Kansas. 

Looking back on his service, Chris reflects, “The main things I learned in the Army are teamwork and flexibility. I was trained to be flexible and available to help in any way possible, which easily translates to life in a Reliable warehouse where we have to wear many hats.” 

A image for Veterans Day featuring employee Chirs Landry, showing an M1 Tank he used to operate in service

Valve assembler Brian Knowles is still serving in the US Army in South Carolina. Brian was inspired to join by his drill sergeant father and the desire to improve himself. 

Mr. Knowles had the critical role of defending the nation’s capital from airborne threats/attacks. During his time in Washington, DC, he learned a new appreciation for the need for nonstop, around-the-clock vigilance to protect our center of government. 

Brian’s Army service has taught him many life lessons. When asked how his service affected his life, Brian summed it up: “My service taught me military discipline—especially respect, selfless service, and personal courage.” 

A image for Veterans Day featuring employee Brain Knowles, his title and a story about his service to the US Amry. Also shown is a photo of Brian on a tank

At Reliable Automatic Sprinkler, our mission is built on a commitment to safety, precision, and protection. These values align closely with the experience of Stacy Story, our Technology Acquisition Supervisor, whose background as a U.S. Navy firefighter has brought unique skills and dedication to her role here. 

As a “military brat,” Stacy drew inspiration from her Father, who served in the US Air Force. Ms. Story reflects, “That environment instilled in me to always protect and serve. I wanted to transform my life, become a part of something bigger, and serve my country.” 

Image for Veterans Day showing Stacy Story, the Ship she servced on and a summary of her story.

Firefighting and Operational Expertise on the Water 

Stacy began her Navy service at Norfolk Naval Station, working in port operations on a tugboat crew. In this role, she took on multiple responsibilities, including firefighting. During her time in Norfolk, Stacy led her team in extinguishing a significant barge fire, donning firefighter gear and breathing apparatuses to contain the blaze and bring the barge safely back to port. This early experience with fire safety and emergency management proved invaluable and laid the groundwork for her approach to risk assessment and teamwork. 

At Naval Base San Diego, Stacy received additional firefighting training while awaiting her ship’s release from dry dock. As part of a combatant destroyer crew, she trained intensively in damage control, leading fire hose teams and learning advanced fire containment techniques to handle incidents on board a heavily armed destroyer. Her readiness and response skills were honed here, preparing her to meet high-stakes challenges. 

Breaking New Ground and Managing Critical Operations 

Assigned to the USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964), the Navy’s first all-electric destroyer, Stacy became one of the first women to serve on a Pacific Fleet destroyer. This position placed her in critical roles on board, from operating radar and navigation systems in the Combat Information Center to working as an Operations Specialist, providing tactical advice during key missions. 

Stacy’s final Navy role was with Destroyer Squadron 9 in Everett, Washington, where she managed classified publications as the Naval Warfare Publication Petty Officer. Her responsibilities included the oversight and security of naval warfare and operational records essential for fleet missions. This role required meticulous attention to detail and adherence to security protocols, skills she continues to apply in her work at Reliable. 

Carrying Forward the Navy’s Values at Reliable 

Today, Stacy brings the values instilled during her years in the service to her role at Reliable. Foremost is her sense of loyalty, attention to detail, and accountability. As Technology Acquisition Supervisor, she is dedicated to supporting Reliable’s mission to protect lives and property through her high standards of quality. Her experience underscores the importance of preparedness and teamwork, principles that serve as a foundation in her daily work. 

Stacy’s journey from Navy service to Reliable exemplifies the skills and dedication our veterans bring to the workplace. We are proud to have her on our team, applying her commitment to integrity in service to our company and our customers.