FEC’s Professionals
We offer highly trained and experienced IAAI certified investigators as well as full time office staff with 24 hour availability.
FEC investigators provide their services with strict adherence to industry standards and NFPA 1033 and 921.
Our People, Our Family
Our investigators are located throughout our service territory. FEC has investigators in Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Central Ohio, Central Indiana, Central Kentucky and on the West and East sides of West Virginia. With our geographic diversity, we are equipped to provide greater coverage to our clients all while reducing mileage and travel expenses.
Members / Investigators
Scott Bennett
Since beginning his career as a volunteer fire cadet in 1976, Scott Bennett has obtained over 34 years of experience in the fields of fire service, law enforcement, and fire/explosion investigations. Scott graduated from the National Fire Academy, as well as, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Additionally, he has traveled around the United States to attend fire investigation courses in these areas: field of origin and cause investigation, evidence collection and preservation, explosive devices, post blast investigations, and courtroom testimony. Scott retired from the Dayton Fire Department where he was assigned to the Regional Fire Investigation Unit as a Senior Fire Investigator. As a Senior Fire Investigator, Scott was also a sworn deputy sheriff.
Scott’s additional certifications include:
- Scott’s additional certifications include:
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI))
- Certified Fire Investigator Instructor (NAFI)
- Certified Fire Investigator (International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI))
- Ohio Fire and Safety Inspector, State of Ohio
- Ohio Basic and Advanced Firefighter
- Sworn Peace Officer, Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff (Retired)
Throughout his professional career, Scott has maintained several professional memberships in the field of fire and explosion investigations. Currently, he is an active member of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII- OH). From 2009-2010 he was also President of the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI, Ohio Chapter). This chapter had previously voted Scott “Fire Investigator of the Year” in 2001. In spring of 2012, Scott was elected to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). Scott is also a member of the international bomb tech investigators association.
In the courtroom, Scott has testified as an expert in Federal Court, Common Pleas Court, and Municipal Court in multiple states. His testimonial experience includes depositions, grand jury appearances, preliminary hearings, and juvenile court proceedings, during both criminal and civil trials.
Scott’s experience and training in fire, arson, and explosion investigations far exceed the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1033). He has conducted and participated in over 255 controlled burns of motor vehicles, dwellings, laboratory (controlled) fires as well as commercial properties. He has been involved in and/ or investigated over 545 fatal fires in; residential, commercial, and dormitory areas. During his career, Scott has investigated and/or assisted in over 5600 fires.
E-mail: scottbennett@fec-fire.com
Jim Hunter
Fire Investigator, Jim Hunter, began his career with the Loveland Community Fire Department in 1968 as a Fire Cadet. Over the years, Jim worked his way up and became Fire Chief in 1980. He held the position for 23 years, until he retired from the department in 2003. Throughout his career, Jim has attended more than 100 fire investigation courses, including those from federal agencies, across the United States. He has studied firefighting, fraud fire investigations, origin and cause investigations, evidence collection and preservation, post blast investigations, vehicle fire investigations, and courtroom testimony. Currently, he continues to conduct fire and explosion investigations of the Loveland- Symmes Fire Department and the Highland County North Joint Fire District, in addition to his work at FEC.
Jim’s additional certifications include:
- Fire and Explosion Investigator (National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI))
- Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI)
- Fire investigator (International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI))
- Ohio Firefighter and Fire Safety Inspector
Jim’s certifications are supplemented by his professional memberships in the field of fire and explosion investigation. He is currently an active member on the Ohio Chapter of International Arson Association’s Board of Directors (IAAI), as well as, an active member of the West Virginia IAAI Chapter.
In the courtroom, Jim has testified as an expert witness on origin and cause investigations in Common Pleas Court, Municipal Court, Grand Jury, Preliminary Hearings, Juvenile Court, and Depositions in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. These proceedings involve both criminal and civil trials.
Jim Hunter’s experience and training in fire, arson, and explosion investigations far exceed the minimum standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA1033).
E-mail: jimhunter@fec-fire.com
Adam Roy
Adam Roy joined FEC in 2017, bringing with him over 16 years of experience in fire origin and cause, engineering analysis, and electrical expertise.
Mark Sargent
Mark Sargent joined FEC in 2021. Prior to joining FEC, Mark was the principle of Motor Vehicle Forensic Services, Inc., a private vehicle investigation firm. Mark Sargent and MVFS have provided expertise in vehicle investigations across the United States. At FEC, Mark will lead FEC AUTO, a full service vehicle investigation division of FEC.
Mark’s expertise, experience and training with vehicles began in 1981 working for General Motors as a technician. Through this experience, Mark obtained fifty technical certifications in automotive technologies, including advanced electronics training. Transitioning to investigations in 1985, he joined Groah-Bures & Associates as a Vehicle Investigator in 1992. In 1997, Mark created Motor Vehicle Forensic Services, Inc. Over the past twenty-five years, Mark Sargent and MVFS have become nationally recognized vehicle investigation experts.
Mark is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI), a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI-CVFI), a Certified Fire Investigator Instructor (NAFI-CFII) and a Certified Master Technician (ASE). Mark is court qualified in over ten states in both civil, criminal as well as state and federal courts. His testimonial experience includes over 170 testimonies.
He is a member of the Ohio Auto Theft Investigators Association, where he served as a past director, a member of the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, where he served as a past Board member, a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators, and a member of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators.
Mark has instructed over 75 courses on vehicle investigations, including for organizations such as the Ashland Arson School, Ohio Arson School, NSPII, Ohio Chapter of IAAI, and Miami Valley Fire Investigators Association.
E-mail: marksargent@fec-fire.com
Fire Investigators
Paul Alloway
Paul joins FEC as a Fire Investigator covering West Virginia and Kentucky. Paul began his fire journey in 1979 as a US Air Force crash, fire and rescue specialist. In 1988, he joined the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD). The last 11 years on the CFD team, he held the position as a fire specialist assigned to the fire investigation unit. Additionally, Paul held an Ohio Peace Officer certification as part of the investigation unit. In May 2017, Paul joined the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s as a fire investigator.
Paul took his first fire investigation class with the USAF in 1986. He has attended the Ohio Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy and ATF sponsored classes. In addition, he has taken REID interviewing and interrogation and attended the ATF Post Blast training.
Paul holds the following certification/qualifications:
Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) International Association of Arson Investigators
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) National Association of Fire Investigators
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) National Association of Fire Investigators
Paul has been on the scene of over 2,500 fires and responsible for the origin and cause of over 600. He has handled all types of fire cases, including complex arson for profit cases, homicide fire cases and numerous fire fatality cases.
E-mail: paulalloway@fec-fire.com
Crash Reconstruction
Jason Barnett
Jason Barnett brings over 29 years of fire and explosion investigation experience and 27 years of motor vehicle crash reconstruction experience to FEC. Jason is a Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI-CVFI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators. Jason is a Certified Crash Reconstructionist through the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM).
Jason is an active member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Indiana Chapter of the IAAI, the National Association of Fire Investigators and the Indiana Association of Certified Accident Investigators. Jason has held multiple positions in the Indiana IAAI Chapter including Secretary, Vice-President and President.
To date, Jason has personally conducted or supervised more than 2,300 fire and explosion investigations and 200 motor vehicle crash reconstructions.
E-mail: jasonbarnett@fec-fire.com
David Bigelow
David Bigelow started with the Flint City Police Department in January 1991 as a Certified Police Officer. He worked patrol for three years then he transferred to the Traffic Bureau. While working the Traffic Bureau, he became a Sergeant and investigated traffic accidents. After working a total of 11 years in the Traffic Bureau he was transferred to the Detective Bureau. In the Detective Bureau, he worked two years in the robbery and homicide division before transferring to the Fire Investigation Unit. David spent eight years in the Flint PD Fire Investigation Unit and investigated over 1,200 fires, including commercial, residential and vehicle fires. David is an IAAI-CFI (International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator).
He is court qualified and testified as a fire investigation expert in numerous court cases. David was awarded Fire Investigator of the Year by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) twice. He was also awarded Fire Investigator of the Year by the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee (MAPC) twice.
During his career in fire investigation, David continued to further his training and skills with multiple training courses and became a Certified Fire Investigator through IAAI. Some of these courses included: Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliances, Residential Electricity, Motor Vehicle Theft and Fire Investigation, Modular Homes & Appliance Failure and a multitude of other training courses.
David has been a member of the IAAI and the MAPC for several years. He is currently serving on the board for both IAAI and the MAPC. He keeps his Law Enforcement Certification active and in good standing.
E-mail: davidbigelow@fec-fire.com
Tanya Czack
Tanya Czack joined FEC in 2021 as a Vehicle Expert specializing in Accident Reconstruction.
Tanya’s training and certifications include:
- Certified Accident Reconstructionist
- Accident Investigation
- Master Evidence Technician
- Evidence/Crime Scene Photography
- OPOTA Certified Instructor
Additionally, Tanya obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cleveland State University.
E-mail: tanyaczack@fec-fire.com
Jake DeMay
Investigator Jake DeMay is an experienced fire and explosion investigator with over 12 years of investigative experience. Along with working at FEC, Jake serves as a Lieutenant with Naperville Fire Department where he also serves as a member of the Fire Investigation Team, and is an Assistant Commander with the DuPage County Arson Task Force. He holds his IAAI-CFI, CI, ECT, NAFI-CFEI certifications as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration.
Jake is also an active instructor in the field of fire science. He is part-time instructor for the Naperville Fire Department, University of Illinois, Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy, and the International Association of Arson Investigators.
E-mail: jakedemay@fec-fire.com
Bernie Fritz
Bernie Fritz joined FEC in 2021 as a Vehicle Investigator. Bernie comes to FEC from Motor Vehicle Forensic Services, Inc. where he served as a Senior Investigator from 2015 to 2021.
Bernie’s investigation career began in 1967 as a Police Officer with the City of Cincinnati Police Department. At CPD, he served as a Specialist in Vehicle-related crimes, SWAT officer, and as a member on the Vehicle Theft Task Force. After retiring from CPD, Bernie joined Progressive Insurance Companies as an Investigator within their Special Investigations Unit. At Progressive, Bernie focused on claims related to vehicle fraud, agent fraud and vehicle fire investigations.
Bernie is a Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) through the International Association of Special Investigation Units, a Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators, and holds an Associates Degree in Police Science from the University of Cincinnati.
He is court qualified as an Auto Theft Expert having testified in criminal and civil trials. He has received the Investigator of the Year Award and the Richard Thompson Award from the Ohio Auto Theft Investigators Association.
Bernie is a member the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII), and the Ohio Auto Theft Investigators Association.
E-mail: berniefritz@fec-fire.com
Bud Herndon
FEC Investigator William “Bud” Herndon, Jr. has over eighteen years of experience in the fire service. Along with being a Fire Investigator with FEC, he also serves as an Assistant Fire Marshal in Northern Virginia.
Bud began his fire service career with the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue. He attended Eastern Kentucky University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, graduating Cum Laude and with Golden Key National Honors Society recognition. After five years of service to the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue, Bud moved to the county Fire Marshal’s Office. Bud furthered his education and experience in fire service earning his Masters of Science degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Along with his role as Fire Investigator with FEC and Assistant Fire Marshal duties, Bud is also a certified Bomb Technician, an Accelerant Detection Canine Handler, and instructor in fire investigation, explosives, and accelerant canine training for local, state, and federal law enforcement.
Bud’s certifications include:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Accelerant Detection Canine Handler – 2014
- International Association of Arson Investigators, Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI), 2007
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) & United States Army (US Army), Bomb Technician, 2005
- National Fire Academy, Fire/Arson Investigation, 2004
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), National Fire Protection Association Fire Inspector 1031, 2002
- Virginia Fire Marshal Academy/Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Law Enforcement for Fire Marshal’s, 2001
- National Association of Fire Investigators, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, (NAFI-CFEI), 2001
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs, National Fire Protection Association Investigator 1033, 1999
Bud is an active member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the National Association of Fire Investigators, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Virginia Fire Prevention Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Additionally, Bud has delivered several presentations and courses in fire science.
In the courtroom, Bud has testified in Virginia county circuit courts, Virginia county district courts, Juvenile courts, and been deposed on several occasions. Throughout his career, he has completed over four hundred and fifty investigations into the causes of fire and explosions involving various types of structures and equipment.
E-mail: budherndon@fec-fire.com
Dan Huff
Dan Huff brings over 16 years of fire and explosion investigation experience to FEC. Dan will lead FEC’s investigation services in the state of Indiana. Dan is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Fire Investigators and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through National Association of Fire Investigators.
Dan Huff graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. While finishing his college degree he was employed as superintendent with a commercial and multi-family general contractor in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began his career in fire investigation in 2000.
Dan is a court qualified fire origin and cause expert having testified in local, state, and federal courts. He is an active member of the IAAI, NAFI, and National Fire Protection Association. He is currently a board member of the Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) where he is the liaison with Indiana Fire Chief’s Association.
Over his career, he has investigated and/ or assisted with over 1,800 fire investigations in; residential, commercial, motor vehicle, and heavy equipment fire losses. Dan Huff’s experience and training in fire, arson, and explosion investigation exceed the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 1033).
E-mail: danhuff@fec-fire.com
Brian Krimmer
Brian Krimmer joined FEC as a Fire Investigator in 2019.
Brian is an IAAI-CFI, IAAI-ECT, and NAFI-CFEI. Brian started his fire service career in 1986 as a Firefighter/EMT with Riverside Fire Department. He was assigned to the Arson Unit in 1988. In 1995, Brian began his service with the United State Navy Reserves as an E-4 Navy Combat Corpsman. He was discharged in 2001. In 2000, Brian joined the Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office serving as a Deputy Sherriff/Forensic Services. He retired from the Sherriff’s Office in 2019. In 2017, Brian joined the Jefferson Township Fire Department as a part-time Firefighter and Fire Investigator.
E-mail: briankrimmer@fec-fire.com
Marc Lowery
FEC Fire Investigator Marc Lowery began his fire service career in 1990 as a volunteer for the Harmon Volunteer Fire Department (Harmon, Arkansas), where he still serves as Assistant Fire Chief. In 1995 he began a career with the Harrison Fire Department (AR) serving as a firefighter, promoted to Fire Marshal, and ending as Fire Chief.
During his time as Fire Marshal, Marc was the first Harrison Fire Marshal to obtain Law Enforcement powers by obtaining his “Specialized” police certification through the Arkansas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards. He served as President of the Arkansas Fire Marshal’s Association and was appointed to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission. As Fire Chief with the Harrison Fire Department, Marc created a fire investigation team to support the origin and cause investigations of his community.
In 2014, Marc retired from the Harrison Fire Department to focus solely on fire investigations. Marc holds the following certifications: Certified Fire Investigation, (IAAI-CFI), Certified Fire Investigation Technician, (IAAI-FIT), Certified Instructor, (IAAI-CI) with the International Association of Arson Investigators and Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) with the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Marc currently works part-time with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy/Fire Investigator. He is also an adjunct instructor with the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, a past president of the Arkansas Chapter of the IAAI, and was selected as the chair of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission.
E-mail: marclowery@fec-fire.com
Jason Mardirosian
Investigator Jason Mardirosian is an experience fire and explosion investigator with over 17 years of investigative experience. Along with working at FEC, Jason serves as a Lieutenant with Chicago Fire Department where he also serves as a member of the Joint Hazard Assessment Team, a Hazardous Materials WMD and CBRNE Technician, and Fire/Arson/Explosion Investigator. He holds his IAAI-CFI, CI ECT, NAFI-CFEI, CFII certifications as well as a Bachelor’s of Science (Public Safety Management) and Masters of Science (Public Administration and Homeland Security Management) degrees.
Jason is also an active instructor in the field of fire science. He is a part-time instructor for FEMA, US DOJ (ICITAP Program), University of Illinois, Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy, and the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has also taught internationally in Algeria and the United Arab Emirates.
He was recognized as the IAAI’s Investigator of the Year and Illinois Arson Strikeforce Investigator of the Year in 2006.
Jason is court qualified having testified on over 70 occasions as a fire and explosion expert in both criminal and civil cases and at both state and federal courts.
E-mail: jasonmardirosian@fec-fire.com
Bob Marihugh
Bob started his career as a firefighter in 1968 with the Defiance Fire Department and was subsequently promoted as Chief of the Department in March of 1981; retired in 1999.
In 1979 Bob became State of Ohio certified fire safety inspector to inspect public buildings, code interpretation and enforcement, and fire prevention and control.
Bob is a 1994 graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer four-year program. In 1997, I was honored with the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award by the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association.
Bob’s additional certifications include:
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CFI
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CFEI
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Certified Haz-Mat Technician
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Eisenaugle Award recipient
Empirically, Bob has investigated approximately 1735 fires and explosions assignments both public and private. Bob has testified on numerous occasions in depositions and court of law relating to origin and cause investigations. Bob has authored articles in national magazines and journals regarding fire suppression tactics and origin and cause investigations. He also invented the “water winch” used in rural water supplies for fire suppression.
Bob was a truly unique and valuable member of the FEC team. His impact on our company, other investigators, and the industry at-large was immeasurable. In loving memory, Bob will always be a part of the FEC Family.
Jordan Saunders
Jordan began his career in fire investigation in 2012. Jordan started as an evidence technician for Forensic Services Group, Inc. and was promoted to Fire Investigator. Jordan joins FEC as an IAAI-CFI (Certified Fire Investigator), a NAFI-CVFI (Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator) and a NAFI-CFEI (Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator.)
Jordan works in the state of Indiana investigating motor vehicle, residential and commercial losses. He is a qualified expert witness for the Indiana court system. Investigation activities include not only the scene examination with respect to the origin, cause and circumstances of fire and explosions, but additionally into areas of code and safety violations. This activity is also in the field of product liability, when applied. He has conducted over three hundred fire investigations.
He is a proud member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the National Association of Fire Investigators, and the National Fire Protection Association. He attended Clemson University and Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. He has over three hundred and fifty tested training hours in areas relating to fire investigation. His training exceeds the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1033).
E-mail: jordansaunders@fec-fire.com
Mark Schockman
Mr. Schockman possesses over thirty years’ experience in the fire service, ascending through the ranks as a firefighter, paramedic, command officer, fire code enforcement officer, and origin and cause fire investigator. Mark served a total of 17 years in command level positions including Captain, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief. Mark obtained an Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology, and has served as an adjunct faculty member at Sinclair College – Fire Science department.
Mark is an International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI), National Association of Fire Investigator’s Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (NAFI-CVFI). Mark possesses specific expertise in natural gas and liquid propane fire and explosion incidents, as well as structural fire analysis.
Mark is a state certified fire and building code official. His expertise includes residential and commercial building and construction systems, as well as fire detection, protection, and suppression systems.
Mr. Schockman is a court-qualified expert in fire and explosion analysis and investigation in Ohio, Kentucky, and throughout the United States. He has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. for over 27 years representing major petroleum corporations as their preferred origin and cause expert.
Mark has successfully investigated and testified on numerous arson investigations, including cases involving murder, and attempted murder.
E-mail: markschockman@fec-fire.com
Jeff Spaulding
FEC Fire Investigator Jeff Spaulding has been in the fire service industry for the past twenty years, functioning in a variety of both fire and emergency medical service (EMS) positions. Currently, he is the Hazardous Materials Response Team Captain for the Middletown Fire Department. As captain, Jeff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of two fire stations and responding to both emergent and non-emergent calls for service. At times, he functions as the shift commander responsible for the management of five fire stations and is the incident commander for all major occurrences.
Formerly, Jeff was the Firefighting Academy Coordinator for Butler Technology and Career Development Schools. During this experience, he supervised numerous fire service instructors and was responsible for developing and instructing a variety of courses in the areas of fire suppression and tactics, fire and life safety, fire prevention, fire origin and cause and fire scene reconstruction. He is still a principle instructor for Butler Technology Career Development Schools in Hamilton, OH, as well as an adjunct instructor for Cincinnati State Community College in Cincinnati, OH.
Jeff’s additional certifications include:
- Fire Investigator (International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI))
- Fire and Explosions Investigator (National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI))
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Ohio Fire Safety Inspector
- Ohio Fire Safety Inspector
Jeff has also had the opportunity to maintain multiple professional memberships and write for a number of textbooks. He is an active member of the National Association of Fire and Explosion Investigators, The International Association of Arson Investigators, the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and the International Association of Fire Fighters. He has provided peer reviews for several fire service textbooks including Dr. John DeHaan’s “Kirk’s Fire Investigation” 6th Ed. and authored several chapters of text in the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) text book “Fire Investigator: Principles and Practices” 3rd Edition.
To date, Jeff has personally conducted or supervised more than 1000 fire and explosion investigations including structural and vehicular fire and explosion losses, electrical failures and product failure analyses.
E-mail: jeffspaulding@fec-fire.com
Bill Stapleton
Billy Stapleton is a retired ATF Supervisory Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and former Chief of ATF’s Fire Programs and Training Branch. During his career with ATF, he was a CFI in Louisville, KY and Huntsville, AL. He also served as a full-time member and team supervisor of ATF’s National Response Team. As the Branch Chief of ATF’s Fire Programs and Training Branch at the National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR), Billy oversaw all training aspects of ATF’s 2-year CFI candidacy program as well as state and local training of public sector fire investigators.
He has served as an instructor at the ATF National Academy, NCETR, the National Fire Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training programs and numerous state and local training events. He is an IAAI-CFI, licensed private investigator and a Master Instructor with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Billy has testified as an expert in both civil and criminal cases and was a lead CFI in the National Response Team activation that led to the arrest and prosecution of Harry Burkhart, the “Hollywood Arsonist”, who was convicted of numerous counts of arson for fires set in the Los Angeles area between 2011 and 2012.
E-mail: billstapleton@fec-fire.com
Chuck Strader
Since beginning his career in public service in 1987, Investigator Chuck Strader has obtained over 30 years of experience in the fire service, law enforcement, and fire and explosion investigations. Over these years, he has worked as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Fire Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Fire and Explosion Investigator. Chuck joined FEC in 2013 as a Fire Investigator and Vehicle Expert.
Chuck holds the following certifications:
- IAAI-CFI, Certified Fire Investigator, International Association of Arson Investigators.
- IAAI-CI, Certified Instructor, International Association of Arson Investigators.
- NAFI-CFEI, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, National Association of Fire Investigators.
- NAFI-CVFI, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, National Association of Fire Investigators.
- ASE Technician, Certified Auto Mechanic.
Chuck obtained his Associates Degree in Fire Science/EMS from Columbus State College as well as his ASE Certification. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII), the Ohio Chapter of the IAAI and the Grove City Kids Association.
Chuck is court qualified having testified in both trials and depositions in state court as an expert in origin and cause. He is a past recipient of NSPII’s Investigator of the Year award.
E-mail: chuckstrader@fec-fire.com
Wayne Sweigart
E-mail: waynesweigart@fec-fire.com
Rick Summerfield
Richard “Rick” Summerfield is a retired ATF Senior Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and Explosives Specialist/Bomb Technician, and is a former member of the ATF National Response Team. A graduate of West Virginia State University and ATF’s two-year CFI training program, he has also studied fire engineering at the University of Maryland and Seneca College, and is trained and experienced in the use of mathematical fire simulations.
One of his significant investigations, involving a homicide and arson, in Morgantown, West Virginia, has been featured in episodes of the television shows “Snapped” and “48 Hours”, and is the subject of the book “Playing With Fire”, by John Glatt.
His teaching experience includes assignment as a staff instructor at the ATF National Academy; the two-week Fire Investigation course at the National Fire Academy; and, at the request of the State Department, presentations as a guest lecturer at the International Law Enforcement Academies in Bangkok, Thailand, and Budapest, Hungary. He has also presented bombing/explosion investigation training to national police forces in Baghdad, Iraq, and Bogota, Columbia.
E-mail: ricksummerfield@fec-fire.com
Chris Van Vleet
Chris Van Vleet is a retired ATF Supervisory Senior Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator (CFI). Chris was also a Certified Explosives Specialist (CES) and a Full-time member of ATF’s elite National and International Response Teams. He served in all roles of the teams, including lead CFI, Safety Officer, Interview Coordinator, Heavy Equipment Coordinator, Photographer, Evidence Technician, and Team Leader. Chris specialized as a Forensic Mapper, providing detailed measurements and computer diagrams of each scene.
Chris has taught fire investigation related topics on numerous occasions and in various locations nationally and internationally. He has taught at the ATF Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA., the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, MD as well as the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Budapest, Hungry.
He retired from ATF as the Intelligence Group Supervisor for the Kansas City Field Division and spent the last four years managing an Origin and Cause firm.
Chris is currently in his second term on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).
E-mail: chrisvanvleet@fec-fire.com
Bill Washington
FEC Fire Investigator William “Bill” Washington began his career in the fire service at the City of Eaton (Ohio) as a Volunteer in 1994. He studies Fire Science at Sinclair Community College. Bill’s fire investigation career began in 2009 while working as a Firefighter/Investigator with the Eaton Fire Department. In 2010, Bill moved to Tennessee to further his career as a firefighter for the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department. Bill serves a Shift Fire Investigator and assists the Fire Marshal in all other fire investigations.
Bill’s certifications include:
- IAAI-CFI, Certified Fire Investigator, International Association of Arson Investigators;
- NAFI-CFEI, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, National Association of Fire Investigators;
- NAFI-CVFI, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, National Association of Fire Investigators;
- NFPA-CFI I, Certified Fire Inspector I, National Fire Protection Association;
- Tennessee State Fire Inspector;
- Firefighter II, Ohio and Tennessee.
Bill is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), Tennessee Chapter of the IAAI, National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
E-mail: billwashington@fec-fire.com
Mat Winters
Mat began his career in the fire service in 1998, serving 25 years with the Huntington WV Fire Department. In 2017 he was assigned as the Fire Marshal, and oversaw all investigations, inspections, plans reviews, and fire prevention activities. During that time, he conducted or was a part of over 380 fire investigations. As Fire Marshal he partnered with the Marshal University Graduate Forensics program, instructing student interns on fire investigations and overseeing their research projects as a technical advisor and safety officer.
Mat has over 350 hours of tested training including courses at the National Fire Academy and ATF including Advanced Origin and Cause/Courtroom Testimony and Post Blast Investigations. Mat has an associate degree in applied science – occupational development and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Eastern Kentucky University.
Mat currently holds his IAAI- CFI Certified Fire Investigator and IAAI-FIT Fire Investigation Technician certifications with the International Association of Arson Investigators and a NFPA- CFI II – Certified Fire Inspector II and NFPA-CFI I Certified Fire Inspector I with the National Fire Protection Association.
He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, West Virginia and Kentucky Chapters of the IAAI, the National Association of Fire Investigators and National Fire Protection Association.
E-mail: matwinters@fec-fire.com
Engineers:
Seth Ricker
Seth Ricker brings mechanical engineering and commercial farming operations experience to FEC. Seth began as an Intern with FEC in 2015, performing a dual role as an evidence collection technician and engineering assistant. In May of 2018, Seth graduated from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He joined FEC in full capacity shortly after his graduation as a Mechanical Engineer.
Seth’s education at ONU included detailed knowledge in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, material science, mechanical design, manufacturing technology, electric circuits, and nondestructive testing methods. During his time at ONU, Seth was a member of the Men’s Soccer program.
Growing up in northwest Ohio, Seth spent years in his family’s show pig farming operation providing him with the experience of working long days, attention to details, and working in outdoor environments.
Seth is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Ohio Chapter of the IAAI and National Association of Fire Investigators. He is currently pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step on his way to becoming a professional licensed engineer (PE).
E-mail: sethricker@fec-fire.com
Scott Russ, PE
Mr. Russ joined FEC as a Sr. Forensic Electrical Engineer in 2019.
Scott received his electrical engineering degree from Ohio State University in 1988 and a masters of business administration from Franklin University in 2008. Scott has over 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, including four years of power generation at American Electric Power, more than fourteen years of power and electronic design and troubleshooting with Columbus Gas, four years of low and medium voltage power distribution design and arc flash studies with River Consulting, and nearly eight years of private fire investigation and forensic electrical engineering experience. Scott has professional engineering licenses in twelve states and is an active member of IAAI and NFPA. Scott also has his Part 107 small unmanned aircraft license.
E-mail:scottruss@fec-fire.com
Christine Mounsey, EIT
Christine Mounsey joined FEC in 2021 as a Mechanical Engineer. Chris has over fifteen years in the fire service where in conjunction with working for FEC, she serves as a Fire Fighter and Fire Investigator for the Fort Wayne Fire Department (Indiana).
Chris obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. She previously worked for General Electric as a Mechanical Engineer before devoting her time to public service with the Washington Township Fire Department. In 2002, she began her career as a full-time firefighter/EMT with the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
In addition to her Bachelor’s Degree, Chris has completed her Fundamentals of Engineering certification, the first step in her pursuit of obtaining her Professional Engineering license.
Chris also holds the following certifications:
- NAFI-CFEI, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator;
- IAAI-FIT, Certified Fire Investigation Technician;
- IAAI-ECT, Certified Evidence Collection Technician.
E-mail:chrismounsey@fec-fire.com
Evidence Collection Technicians:
Operations:
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