SOUTH POINT —Garage Doors Plus in South Point recently became the first company in the area with an employee certified to test firewalls and fire doors.

Charles Johnson, Garage Doors Plus employee, went through training to receive certification and was awarded that by the Institute of Door Dealer Education after he passed a test.

“He passed it faster than anyone,” said Debbie Conley with Garage Doors Plus.

Conley said being able to offer firewall and door certification will allow the company to increase their commercial business.

Garage Doors Plus works with local businesses to insure fire doors and firewalls are up to code. After Johnson inspects the doors, he will be able to recommend them as safe for use if they meet with safety standards.

“Any building over certain sizes has to have firewalls in them,” said Doug Conley, owner of Garage Doors Plus in South Point. “We’re one of the few businesses that works on commercial doors.”

Conley said it is important for businesses to get their firewalls and doors checked because not doing so can pose safety risks.

Before Johnson became certified to inspect commercial fire doors and walls, local companies had to bring in inspectors from outside of the state to test their doors.

“It does kind of set us apart,” said Doug Conley. “It will definitely be a factor for local stores because they won’t have to go to outer areas (to find certified testers).”