Certified Fire Investigator Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.1088

New Jersey

Expert 1088 has been involved in all aspects of the field of fire investigation and case management for the past twenty-five years.  He is an internationally known lecturer and author on effective investigative techniques and solutions for the Insurance industry, Law Enforcement, Fire Service and Legal professions.  His expertise includes Fire Origin and Cause, Large Loss Investigation Management, Curriculum Development, Claim Division and SIU Training, Subrogation and Fraud Investigation.

Professional Experience:

Law Enforcement

Appointed police officer, East Haven, Connecticut Department of Police Services (1973)

Promoted to Detective, East Haven, Connecticut Department of Police Services (1976)

Promoted to Sergeant, East Haven, Connecticut Department of Police Services (1979)

Appointed to position of Police Inspector, Arson Control and Assistance Program, Division of Criminal Justice, State of Connecticut assigned to States Attorney Office, New Haven (1980)

Professional Experience:  

Insurance

Appointed Director, Claims Division, Fire Investigation Specialist, American Re-Insurance (1993)

Promoted to Assistant Vice President, Fire Investigation Specialist, American Re-Insurance (1996)

Promoted to Vice President, Claims Div. Fire Investigation Specialist, American Re-Insurance (1998)

Memberships:

National Fire Protection Association, Fire and Explosion Technical Committee (NFPA 921) (1992 to present)

Insurance Committee for Arson Control, Board of Directors

Past President, Connecticut Chapter International Association of Arson Investigators

National Fire Protection Association, Fire Investigator Qualifications Technical Committee (NFPA 1033), (1990-1991)

International Association of Arson Investigators (1980 to present)

Connecticut Fire Marshals Association (1985 to present)

International Association of Special Investigation Units (1993 to 2002)

Teaching Experience & Accomplishments:

Course developer and instructor in all four State and Local Fire Investigation Training programs developed and delivered by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Brunswick, George since 1980.

Instructor at the Trial Advocacy Center, Columbia South Carolina for the National District Attorneys Association/National College of District Attorneys Arson Investigation Training Program.

Adjunct professor or guest lecturer at the following: University of New Have, Fire Science Program and the Yale University School of Law, prosecution intern program.

Lectured regularly throughout the United States since 1980 to the following Organizations: ICAC, IAAI, IASIU, PLRB, NCDA, ABA, CPCU, ATF, NDAA, USFA, IFM, NYFD, NICB

Police Foundation National Institute of Justice

Pioneered the utilization of K-9’s as a tool in the investigation of fires.

Developed and produced “Motive Means & Opportunity” a comprehensive fire investigation training program in English and Spanish for worldwide distribution.

Developed “Interfire” interactive CD Rom fire investigation training program in a partnership with the United States Fire Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the National Fire Protection Association.

International Training Experience:

Developed and delivered a broad spectrum of educational programs on various fire investigation topics in the following countries: Australia, Taiwan, Great Britain, South Korea, New Zealand, Panama, Chile, France Holland, Belgium, Canada and Spain.

Honors and Awards:

International Association of Arson Investigators, “Investigator of the Year Award” (1990)
National College of District Attorneys, “Lecturer of Merit Award”
University of New Haven, “Arnold Markle, Distinguished Service Award”
Vice President Al Gore, “Hammer Award” for efficient use of government funds in the development of “Interfire”
New York City Fire Department, Distinguished Service Award
Numerous awards and commendations for meritorious police service

Education and Certifications:

B.S. Degree, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut
Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), International Association of Arson Investigators
Recognized as an “expert witness” in both State and Federal courts