Foster Engineering & Consulting, LLC in Columbia, SCMr. Foster is the principal fire protection engineer of Foster Engineering and Consulting, LLC. He is a licensed fire protection engineer in multiple states. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and is an NFPA-certified fire inspector I and certified fire plans examiner. Mr. Foster began working for the state in 1986 as an elevator and amusement ride inspector. In 1989, he started working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office on the engineering staff where he reviewed plans for compliance with adopted codes. In 1994, he became the chief deputy state fire marshal supervising 19 deputy state fire marshals who inspect facilities for fire and life safety. In 1999, he became the manager of Engineering Services with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, training and supervising the Engineering Section. In 2003, the office was reorganized and he served as the senior staff engineer. From 1999 to 2007, his duties included evaluating “Performance Based Design” teaching the State Fire Marshal’s Certification Course, NFPA’s Certified Fire Inspector I and Certified Plans Examiner I; providing interpretations of International Building and Fire Codes, NFPA standards, state laws and regulations; and reviewing and evaluating complex or unusual projects. In 2008, he left the Fire Marshal’s Office to be a consulting fire protection engineer. Foster Engineering & Consulting was founded in 2006. Mr. Foster served 28 years in the South Carolina Army National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Code Council (ICC), and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is active in the South Carolina Fire Marshals Association, the Central Savannah River Chapter of the SFPE and the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association.