Fire Investigation Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.2693

Mission Statement

To provide comprehensive understanding and application of new and existing laws and regulations as they relate to building codes, fire codes, life safety codes and how these laws, regulations and codes are applied to instructions, organizations and individuals.

Experience Overview

As a former Deputy State Fire Marshal, Consultant and Contractor; I have been involved in the safety arena for over 25 years.  I have helped to develop and implement changes to existing laws and write new laws and regulations for health and safety of people, places and things.  I have experience and knowledge in the following areas:  Hospitals, schools, refineries, pipeline safety, vapor recovery, fire investigation, disaster planning, hazardous materials management, worker safety, fire extinguisher design manufacturing and service, automatic system design and certification, laboratory certifications, accident investigation, code writing and implementation, expert witness and certified code expert.

Education & Certifications

Bachelors of Engineering Sciences, Buxton University, London England - 2001
Associate of Science Degree, Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria CA - 1978
Certificate Program, UCLA, Fire Protection Engineering Los Angeles CA - 1985
Business Management Program, University of Phoenix, Sacramento CA - 1998
US Air Force Certificate in Disaster Planning, Anniston Alabama - 1997
US Air Force Certificate in Training/Instructor - 1998

Approximately 65 State and Federal Safety/Code Certificates - Varies

Member of Institution of Fire Engineers, London England

Applicant to Board of Safety Professionals, Requires 84 points to test for CSP, I currently hold approximately 275 points.

Employment Experience

Company: Consulting Firm, Fire Point Division
Title: Senior Consultant
Duties: Design of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and provide code consulting to clients to assist in the design of commercial and residential occupancies and obtain building and fire permits.
Time Line: March 2006 to Present

Misc: Moved to Glacier County Montana for one year to start a Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Program.
Time Line: May 2005 through March 2006.

Company: OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development)
Title: Code Development Coordinator
Duties: Write and coordinate code change requirements and proposals for the design and construction of hospitals within the State of California.  Attend code change hearings through ICC, NFPA and at the state and local level.  Write interpretations of various building codes and fire codes relating to hospital design and construction.  Conduct quality control reviews of various plan reviews and inspections.
Time Line: December 2000 to May 2005

Company: Self Employed Consulting Firm
Title: President
Duties: Provide information, data and research on building codes, fire code, life safety codes to designers, architects, engineers, insurance companies and attorney.  Provide contract plan review services for the City of Sacramento Building Department and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District in building code and fire code matters.
Time Line: March 1997 to Present

Company: Office of the State Fire Marshal
Title: Deputy State Fire Marshal, Supervisor
Duties: The State Fire Marshal’s Office had a policy for many years that they required all deputies to be knowledgeable in all areas within the state mandated areas of responsibility.  Consequently we were all transferred to various divisions about every two years.  During my tenure with the State Fire Marshal’s Office I worked in the following divisions:  hospital plan review and inspections, public school plan review, fire investigations, pipe line safety, Fire Engineering, which included vapor recovery system certifications, fire extinguishing system certifications, fire extinguisher service company licensing and laboratory certifications.
Time Line: March 1984 to March 1997

Company: El Segundo Fire Department, CA
Title: Fire Safety Inspector
Duties: As the only Fire Safety Inspector for the City of El Segundo Fire Department, I was assigned the following duties:  Inspection of new and existing occupancies for code compliance including Chevron Refinery, El Segundo, 26 High Rise buildings, public education including Chevron’s Engineering staff.  Commanders Aid for all fires and emergencies and assistant to the Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal for investigation of all serious fires especially if injuries or death occurred to a fire fighter of member of the public.
Time Line: May 1979 to March 1984

Military

United States Navy Reserve-Radar Operator, USS Forrestal CVA-59.  1974 through 1979

California Air National Guard, 149th Combat Communication Squadron, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator.  June 2000 through June 2006

Avocation

Law Enforcement Chaplain
Ball Room Dancing
Martial Artist