Fire Shield Fire Protection was founded by Nelson Ligon, whose vision took shape in 1985 from a modest office in Dallas, Texas.
Nelson’s journey in fire protection started at Lewis Fire Equipment, where he rose from technician to service manager. Despite his success, Nelson felt a deeper calling. “I had been with Lewis Fire Equipment for five years, holding a great position, but I knew there was something more,” he recalls. “I felt led to make a firm commitment to serve the Lord, and through prayer, I was inspired to start my own fire protection business—thus, Fire Shield was born.”
From that moment forward, Fire Shield has been dedicated to protecting people and property with unmatched expertise and care.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men
The Early Years
Getting Fire Shield off the ground wasn’t easy. With limited resources, Nelson relied on the support of a friend to launch his business. “It was 1984 and I was using the Brinson Fire & Safety name, invoices, and bank account to get my own business off the ground. It took about a year to make the switch, but in 1985 Fire Shield was now a reality.”
However, Nelson quickly realized that running a business came with its own set of challenges. When I first got started, I let money and fear rule my decisions,” he admits. Supporting his wife, daughter, and twin boys made the early years especially tough. “I found myself far too often justifying decisions that were not based upon integrity in order to survive.”
These tough beginnings helped shape the company’s core values of integrity and commitment to safety.
1979 Lewis Fire Equipment Service Tag
1985 Fire Shield Service Tag
A Decision to Live by God's Word
Nelson attributes much of his personal and business growth during this time to his renewed faith in Jesus Christ. “When I looked at both myself and the business, I realized I had to make the decision to live by God’s word, no matter the outcome.”
By putting his faith into action, Nelson saw Fire Shield begin to thrive, and life became more stable. “It’s not just about talking about God; it’s about living for Him,” Nelson explains. “Without Godly principles, you won’t succeed in the long run.” This faith-based approach continues to be a cornerstone of Fire Shield’s values and success.
Nelson Ligon circa 1985
Bill Ligon in front of the original shop circa 1985
A Legacy of Protection
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