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About Us
My fire service career began in 1971 when I was hired by the San Diego Fire Department. From 1971 to 1979 I was a firefighter gaining extensive hands on knowledge while fighting hundreds of fires and attending regular training in both the tactics of firefighting and the elements that affect the behavior of fire.
In 1979 I was selected to be a member of the San Diego Fire Department fire investigation unit. The following year, using a grant from the National Fire Administration, I assisted in the creation of the San Diego Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST). This unit consisted of 7 fire department investigators and 5 police detectives assigned full time to fire origin & cause determination, bomb and explosion investigations. This unit was one of the first of its kind and served as a prototype for other municipalities throughout the country.
During 13 years with the MAST team, I attended extensive training in the fields of fire, bomb, explosion and criminal investigations. The training included the National Fire Academy and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), fire investigation and bomb investigation courses.
I served as both a fire investigator and a supervisor in the Metro Arson Strike Team. During my years in MAST I investigated over 2800 fires and dozens of explosions. My position allowed me to work with many other agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, and municipal police & fire departments throughout Southern California.
I have testified as an expert in fire origin and cause on numerous occasions and have experience in both criminal and civil actions. During my career I have testified extensively in San Diego County Municipal and Superior Courts. I have also testified as an expert in Riverside County Superior Court and the United States Federal Court in San Diego, California.
In 1992 I left the MAST unit and returned to fire operations. From 1992 until retiring from the San Diego Fire Department in 2002 I served in the rank of Captain on both engine and truck companies. My experience as an operations officer provided valuable insight into fire behavior and fire fighting tactics.
I have been licensed as a private investigator specializing in fire origin and cause investigations in California since 1984 and have worked as an investigator and consultant in fire cause for the private sector since that time. I am also licensed in Arizona and am available for consulting and fire related investigation services throughout the State of Arizona.
Qualifications & Affiliations
Following are some of my qualifications and affiliations ~ a complete CV can be provided upon request.
My fire service career began in 1971 when I was hired by the San Diego Fire Department. From 1971 to 1979 I was a firefighter gaining extensive hands on knowledge while fighting hundreds of fires and attending regular training in both the tactics of firefighting and the elements that affect the behavior of fire. In 1979 I was selected to be a member of the San Diego Fire Department fire investigation unit. The following year, using a grant from the National Fire Administration, I assisted in the creation of the San Diego Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST). This unit consisted of 7 fire department investigators and 5 police detectives assigned full time to fire origin & cause determination, bomb and explosion investigations. This unit was one of the first of its kind and served as a prototype for other municipalities throughout the country.
During 13 years with the MAST team, I attended extensive training in the fields of fire, bomb, explosion and criminal investigations. The training included the National Fire Academy and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), fire investigation and bomb investigation courses.
I served as both a fire investigator and a supervisor in the Metro Arson Strike Team. During my years in MAST I investigated over 2800 fires and dozens of explosions. My position allowed me to work with many other agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, and municipal police & fire departments throughout Southern California.
I have testified as an expert in fire origin and cause on numerous occasions and have experience in both criminal and civil actions. During my career I have testified extensively in San Diego County Municipal and Superior Courts. I have also testified as an expert in Riverside County Superior Court and the United States Federal Court in San Diego, California.
In 1992 I left the MAST unit and returned to fire operations. From 1992 until retiring from the San Diego Fire Department in 2002 I served in the rank of Captain on both engine and truck companies. My experience as an operations officer provided valuable insight into fire behavior and fire fighting tactics.
I have been licensed as a private investigator specializing in fire origin and cause investigations in California since 1984 and have worked as an investigator and consultant in fire cause for the private sector since that time. I am also licensed in Arizona and am available for consulting and fire related investigation services throughout the State of Arizona.
Qualifications & Affiliations
Following are some of my qualifications and affiliations ~ a complete CV can be provided upon request.
- Licensed private investigator in the States of California and Arizona.
- 39+ years fire fighting and fire investigation experience.
- Private origin & cause investigator and consultant for over 26 years.
- Certified fire investigator by the National Association of Fire Investigators.
- Professional affiliations include the California Conference of Arson Investigators, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the National Association of Fire Investigators.
- Lifetime limited teaching credential with the California Junior College System. Conducted Fire Investigation classes at Miramar College in San Diego California.
- Over 3800 fire origin and cause investigations.
