Description
Fire and Explosion Origin and Cause Investigator with more than 25 years of experience in fire investigation, law enforcement, and forensic analysis. Extensive background in determining origin and cause, conducting complex scene examinations, collecting and documenting evidence, preparing investigative reports, and providing expert testimony.
Investigated more than 1,200 fires during service with the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit and continues to specialize in fire and explosion investigations in the private sector. Holds associate degrees in Fire Science Technology and Administration of Justice, along with numerous certifications, advanced training credentials, and professional affiliations in the fire investigation field.
Professional Experience
RTI Group, LLC, Fire / Explosion Origin and Cause Investigator,
Annapolis, MD, September 2019 to present.
Schriver Fire & Explosion Investigations, LLC, Senior Investigator.
Coatesville, PA, February 2017 – present.
- Specializing in fire/explosion origin & cause investigations.
Pennsylvania State Police, Deputy State Police Fire Marshal
Troop J – Fire Marshal Unit, October 1997 – February2017
- Investigated the origin & cause of over 1200 fires.
- Recognized/testified as expert witness in fire cause determination in Berks, Chester and Lancaster Counties.
- Coordinated fire scene personnel.
- Prepared thorough investigative/criminal reports.
- Interviewed & obtained the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants.
- Detected and collected evidence.
- Performed onsite inspections of hazardous/flammable storage facilities.
- Identified incendiary fire patterns
- Coordinated local resources available to fire investigators
- Conducted classes & training in fire investigation
- Identified the various types of building construction & hazards in fire situations
- Provided fire loss estimates
- Presented community safety & fire prevention programs
Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigator,
Troop J Embreevilie Barracks; February 1997 – October 1997
- Conducted a wide variety of criminal investigations
- Acted as liaison officer with Patrol Unit members
- Identified crime patterns and solutions
- Prepared complex cases for court proceedings
- Interacted with other law enforcement agencies
- Interpreted & applied the laws and statutes of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Police, Patrol Unit Member,
Troop J — Embreeville Barracks, Troop J — Ephrata Barracks
Troop H — York Barracks, July 1992 – February 1997
- Investigated vehicle accidents & criminal incidents
- Prepared investigative reports
- Demonstrated effective communication skills in court & other formal settings
- Effectively communicated with people, including juveniles, by providing information & mediating disputes
- Endured verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views & opinion of others
- Performed rescue operations
- Responded to emergencies, civil disorders & disasters
Academic Background
Delaware County Community College, Media, Pennsylvania, Associate Degrees in Applied Science – Fire Science Technology and Administration of Justice, 2000 – 2003.
Pennsylvania State Police Academy, Hershey, Pennsylvania, promoted to rank of Trooper, February 1992 – July 1992.
Delaware County Community College, Media, Pennsylvania, 1988 – 1990.
Archbishop John Carroll High School, Radnor, Pennsylvania, High School Diploma, 1984 – 1987.
Professional Associations and Activities
- International Association of Arson Investigators
- Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators
- Chester County Fire Chief’s Association
- Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet Program
Training/Awards
10/14 Pennsylvania State Police,
Blooming Grove Service Award
10/10 PSP Fire Marshal Unit In-Service Training
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
09/10 Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
Bucks County Community College
12/08 Recognized as “Trooper of the Year”
Pennsylvania State Police — Troop J Lancaster
05/08 Documentation, Recovery & Interpretation of the Fatal Fire Victim Seminar
West Chester, Pennsylvania
06/06 Advanced Cause & Origin / Courtroom Testimony ATF National Academy
Glynco, Georgia
1 0/05 Manufactured Homes Seminar PA State Fire Academy
Lewistown, Pennsylvania
06/05 P.A.A.I. Annual Fire & Arson Seminar — Vehicle fires
State College, Pennsylvania
12/03 Natural Gas & LP Fire Investigation training
West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
05/03 Associate Degree in Applied Science (Fire Science Technology)
Delaware County Community College
05/03 Associate Degree in Applied Science (Administration of Justice)
Delaware County Community College
04/03 PSP Juvenile Firesetters Awareness Seminar
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
04/02 PSP BCI – Appliance Fires Seminar
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
10/01 Fundamentals of Life Safety,
Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office
09/01 Reid School of Interview and Interrogation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
06/01 Recognized as “Investigator of the Year”
Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators
06/01 P.A.A.I. Annual Fire & Arson Seminar — NFPA 921
State College, Pennsylvania
09/00 Arson Homicide Investigation Seminar,
Montgomery County (PA) Fire Academy
05/00 Motor Vehicle Fire/Theft Seminar,
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
04/00 Recognized as a Certified Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033)
National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications
04/00 State Certification as a Fire Investigator
Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner
04/00 Advanced Post-Blast Investigation
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
02/00 Fire and Arson Investigation, National Fire Academy
Emmitsburg, Maryland
11/99 Building Construction: Non-combustible & Fire Resistive
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
11/99 Building Construction: Wood & Ordinary
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
10/99 Advanced Arson Detection & Fire Investigation
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
05/99 Juvenile Firesetter Seminar,
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
04/99 PSP Post-Blast Investigation,
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
02/99 FBI Inter-County Detective School,
Springfield Township, Pennsylvania
1 0/98 Fire and Arson Investigation: Electrical Il
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
10/98 Investigation of Electrical Appliance Related Fires Seminar
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
09/98 ATF — Fire Dynamics Training,
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
06/98 P.A A.I. —Annual Fire and Arson Detection Seminar,
State College, Pennsylvania
04/98 Arson Detection and Fire Investigation
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
02/98 Fire and Arson Investigation: Electrical I
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
10/97 Fire and Arson Seminar,
Bucks County (PA) Community College
06/96 Aerial Reconnaissance & Enforcement Training
Pennsylvania State Police
10/95 Interview and Interrogation Training
Pennsylvania State Police
02/92 Pennsylvania State Police Academy — Basic Training
Hershey, Pennsylvania
09/90 Delaware County Community College Media,
Pennsylvania
06/87 Archbishop John Carroll High School Radnor,
Pennsylvania