Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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Remembering Steve Kappes, Low Voltage Apprenticeship Instructor

Tuesday, July 27, 2021



It is with great sadness that WECA shares the news of the passing of Low Voltage Apprenticeship instructor Steve Kappes.

A native of Sacramento, Steve became a WECA Low Voltage Apprenticeship (Voice Data Video/Fire Life Safety) instructor with WECA in 2016 after serving in the United States Navy for 14 years and subsequently working for various fire alarm and CCTV companies in the Bay Area.

Steve studied at American River College in Sacramento before joining the Navy, where he specialized in the maintenance of submarine communications equipment. During his time in the Navy, Steve also took advantage of fire alarm systems training, which provided him with a wealth of technical knowledge to take into his next career.

Prior to landing at WECA, Steve served as a service manager for SimplexGrinnell in San Jose and worked on various low voltage systems for the Napa Unified School District. 



Steve also held a C-10 Electrical Contractors license and was certified as a California Fire/Life Safety Technician; a NICET Level III, Senior Electronics Technician, and was factory-certified for multiple manufacturer’s fire alarm, security, telephone, and CCTV systems over the course of his accomplished career.



WECA Apprenticeship Training and Facilities Director Don Black says “Steve’s humor, kind heart, and passion for learning will be greatly missed.  Steve and our Fire Life Safety/VDV programs go hand in hand as he played a critical role in making the great programs they are today.”
  
Steve was pre-deceased by his wife, Lisa, and is survived by his two sons, Jason (and his wife Jenn) and Chris, and his daughter, Abbie; and two grandchildren.