About Reliable Fire & Security

Serving and Protecting Chicagoland for over 65 years!

Ernest Horvath founded Reliable Fire & Security in 1955.  Recognized as a local and national leader Ernie Horvathin the fire protection industry, it has grown from an entrepreneur with one truck to 85 employees and 50 service vehicles.  Today, we are proud to share that we have professionally installed and continue to provide service to thousands of industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential customers.

Reliable Fire & Security is a solid, family-owned business whose core values stem from their personal dedication to protect the lives and property of their customers as well, as the success of their employees.  Using only the highest quality products and professional services, Reliable also provides EMERGENCY SERVICE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, setting us apart from our competitors.

Passing down the commitment to provide excellent customer service, Ernest Horvath turned over the reigns of the company to daughter, Debra Horvath, who became president of Reliable in 1998.  Ms. Horvath continues to grow the business through strategic acquisitions while remaining focused on providing top quality service to our existing customer base.

rel 130Over 65 years later, the legacy of Ernest Horvath lives on in the actions of his company’s employees who provide installation, inspection and maintenance services for fire and security products across the Chicagoland area.  Coining the phrase, “One Call Does It All.”™,    Mr. Horvath’s goal was and still is, to be the one source for his customer’s fire protection and security needs, rather than have businesses contact different vendors for these services.

Reliable Fire & Security is an environmentally conscious company.  We endorse the ”Even Exchange” fire extinguisher program for the purpose of reducing waste in landfills.  We are able to exchange obsolete and condemned extinguishers, while also providing quick turnaround time for those that require an internal inspection, an OSHA test or a recharge in order to be returned to service.  Any extinguisher that must be removed from service is disposed of properly through a special program aimed at recycling any materials from the cylinder.

We understand the need to educate our customers on identifying hazardous fire conditions.  The best platform for this is our customer training programs, either in the classroom or out in the field. Reliable Fire & Security provides live fire and simulator training programs which are aimed at educating our customers, the local authorities having jurisdiction and the community on the proper use of fire extinguishers and when it is appropriate to use them.  For more information regarding training, please click on this link.

Mission Statement
Reliable Fire Equipment is the locally and nationally recognized leader in the fire protection industry, with over 65 years dedicated to serving the needs of our industrial, institutional, commercial and residential customers, fire departments, and the community.

We have a personal commitment to protect the lives and property of our customers with a quick response, “One Call Does It All” policy, and by providing the highest quality products and professional services.

Reliable is loyal and committed to its employees, customers, and vendors. They are treated with honesty and respect, with the expectation that they will treat the company with loyalty and respect in return.

Our employees are knowledgeable and dedicated, and are required to be self-motivated problem solvers who are trained and educated in their fields of endeavor. They are team players who share the long range vision of the company.

Reliable is committed to profitable growth and to being on the leading edge of technology in order to create a progressive environment within the company. We are an environmentally conscious company and we act as a constant source of information and education to the community.

Operating Philosophy

  • Customer Satisfaction
  • High Quality, Complete Line of Products and Services
  • On Time Service
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Reliable's Divisions

  • Fire Protection Products The Fire Protection Products division at Reliable Fire and Security is responsible for helping our customers choose which portable fire extinguishers and other fire protection equipment are the best fit for the environment in which they operate.
  • Systems The Systems division at Reliable Fire and Security works with customers to protect their facilities by installing, inspecting and/or maintaining both fire protection/suppression systems. Industrial Fire Alarms, Voice Evacuation Systems, and a variety of foam, dry chemical, clean agent suppression systems are available depending on the unique nature of your facility. Our professional staff are available to assist you in the selection of the appropriate system
  • Security The Security Division of Reliable Fire and Security assists customers by providing consulting with regard to the appropriate security products and systems needed for organizations who are looking to protect their employees and property.
  • First Aid The First Aid Division of Reliable Fire and Security assists organizations provide first aid for their employees. Offering employees first aid in case of an onsite accident or pain relievers in case of a headache, Reliable Fire and Security offers customizable solutions for each organization. This division is also responsible for CPR and first aid training.