Wildland Fire Investigator Expert Witness

Fire and explosion investigator, specializing in investigation of the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires and explosions.  Investigates commercial, residential, mobile home, vehicle, and wildland fires, as well as consult on cases in litigation.  Investigations and consultations involve all types of fires and explosions including accidental, product failure, construction defect, fire code violations, and arson related fires.

Experience

Private Fire Investigator – 1994 to Present

Fire Department Investigator / Fire Marshal – 10 years

Police Officer –  6 years

Expert Witness as to the Cause and Origin of Fires and Explosions

Yavapai County Fire Investigation Task Force –

District Coordinator and Fire Investigation Team Leader

Fire/Arson Investigation Seminar Instructor and Coordinator

Education

Bachelor of Science degree program (current student) – Fire Service Administration
Associate of Applied Science degree 1985 -Fire Prevention
Associate of Applied Science degree 1985 – Fire Suppression
Associate of Arts degree 1981 -Law Enforcement (criminal investigation)
Bachelor of Arts degree 1979 – Youth leadership / Social services

Professional Certifications

Licensed Private Investigator – State of Arizona

Certified Fire Investigator – International Association of Arson Investigators

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator – National Association of Fire Investigators

Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator – National Association of Fire Investigators

Board Certified Forensic Examiner – American College of Forensic Examiners

Certified Peace Officer/Arson Investigator – State of Arizona

Certified Uniform and International Fire Code Inspector

Certified Fire Inspector I and II – State of Arizona and International Fire Code Institute

Certified Firefighter II – State of Arizona

Professional Affiliations

International Association of Arson Investigators – Arizona Chapter – Board of Directors, Co-Chairman Education Committee, Training Seminar Coordinator and Instructor

Diplomate – American Board of Forensic Examiners

Arizona Fire Marshals Association – Former Member Executive Committee, Former Chairman of Fire and Arson Investigation Committee

Arizona Fire Training Association – Trainer/Evaluator, Former Member of Executive Board

National Association of Fire Investigators – Active Member

Professional Recognition

2001 Firefighter of the Year – Pinal County / Regional Fire/Rescue

1993 Public Service Employee of the Year – Cottonwood/Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce

Citation for Exceptional Service – American Red Cross

Citation of Merit – Veterans of Foreign Wars

Award of Honor – Denver, Colorado Police Department

Training

Attended over 40 schools and seminars relating to fire investigation totaling over 1000 hours of instruction, including:

National Fire Academy, Emmittsburg, Maryland

And Seminars Sponsored By:

National Fire Academy

International Association of Arson Investigators

Arizona Chapter – International Association of Arson Investigators

New Mexico Chapter – International Association of Arson Investigators

National Association of Fire Investigators

Fire Marshal’s Association of North America, Arizona Chapter

Eastern Kentucky University

Arizona State Fire Marshal

Arizona State Fire School

California Criminalistics Institute – California Department of Justice

Public Agency Training Council

Teaching Qualifications and Experience

Certified Fire Investigation Instructor – National Association of Fire Investigators

Certified Fire Service Instructor – Arizona State Fire Marshal

Community College Teaching Certificate – Fire Investigation/Fire Prevention Instructor

Instructed college courses and seminars for:

National Fire Academy Outreach Program

International Association of Arson Investigators – Arizona Chapter

Arizona State Fire Marshal

Yavapai College

Arizona Western College

Arizona State Fire School

Central Arizona College