Arson Review Board Meeting
March 26, 2014
Attendees:
Henry Sermons
Lee Newcombe
Jerry Webster
Winfield Abee
Rick McIntyre
Staff:
Scott Hackler
Wayne Bailey
Kim Williams
Guest:
Kevin Gordon
Mike Tapp
Dave Campbell
Chairman Sermons called the meeting to order at 10:05 A.M.
Motion was made by Dave Campbell to approve the agenda with the addition of a request for class
credit, seconded by Jerry Webster. Motion Passed.
Motion was made by Jerry Webster seconded by Winfield Abee to approve the minutes of the
December meeting with the corrections. Motion carried.
Request for class credit – Henry Sermons
Ian Tedder has submitted a request for credit for a North Carolina Insurance Crime Information
Exchange course held at their annual training conference. Two classes were conducted. One was
for 6 hours and one was for 3 hours. Course content is attached. Steve Langham made a motion to
accept course for credit, seconded by Jerry Webster. Motion Carried.
Certification Board – Kevin Gordon
The Fire and Rescue Commission appointed a Committee to create a Policy and Procedures for the
Fire and Rescue Commission. This includes any Boards that are a part of the Commission. These
include the Certification Board, Arson Review Board and the Volunteer Safety Workers
Compensation Fund.
The Fire and Rescue Commission voted to have the Fire Arson Certification be developed under the
guidance of the Certification Board. This was to remain consistent with all other certification
programs that are developed to a NFPA standard. The first step will be to create an Ad Hoc
Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee will validate the NFPA 1033 Fire Arson Certification once the
content has been developed by OSFM Staff. This will include the training and certification
requirements. The NFPA 1033 standard certification will be managed by the Certification Board.
NFPA 1033 and 921 will be discussed by the Certification Board and the Ad Hoc Committee.
The Arson Review Members indicated that they would like to continue with the application and exam
approval process.
Review of Applications Presented-Motion was made by Dave Campbell, seconded by Jerry Webster, to approve the following
applicants to take the exam. Motion carried.
Matt Davis
Jeremy L. Blalock
Charles Moon
Anya Blackley
Kenneth Clark
Motion was made by Dave Campbell, seconded by Jerry Webster to approve following applicants
pending. Motion carried.
Alejandro Collazo
Jason Cole
Bruce Roseman
Eddie Reed
Arson Review Board
December 4, 2013
Page 2
Motion was made by Lee Newcombe, seconded by Steve Langham, to approve the following
applicants for recertification: Motion carried.
Hampton Williams
Tim Duke
Bruce Morrison
John Cruise, II
Robert A. Nichols, Jr.
Keith R. Williams
Jimmy A. Collie
David S. Merritt
Alva Sizemore, Jr. (Pending documentation)
Eric Wall
Raymond W. Griswold (Pending documentation)
Thomas Sosebee
Practical Skills have been developed by OSFM RPD. RPD is waiting on direction is given for the
development of NFPA 1033. Henry asked OSFM to provide a draft of what has been developed thus
far at the June/July Review Board meeting.
The next meeting will be held in June/July depending on the status of the NFPA 1033 certification
development.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:10
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Williams
·
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange
October I, 2013
North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission
Arson Review Board
1202 Mail Service Center Road
Raleigh, NC 27699-1202
Arson Review Board:
Please accept this letter as a request for approval to offer tested courses of instruction in
the field of fire/arson investigations, which shall be accepted as "tested" training hours for
the purpose of the North Carolina Certified Fire/Arson Investigator certification. The
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange (NCICIE) will be hosting the
annual training conference at the Clarion Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, on
February 19-21,2014. The conference focuses on training in the field of insurance fraud
detection and investigations. Two courses offered this year are topics beneficial to fire
investigators. Attendees generally consist of SIU professionals, private investigators, fire
investigators, and law enforcement personnel.
The two aforementioned courses are as follows: Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Bum
Pattern Analysis (6 hours) and Convergence of Science and Law (3 hours). I have
enclosed a course outline for each of the topics, along with curriculum vitae for each lead
instructor. A test will be created according to topic by each instructor and NCICIE will
maintain records regarding the student roster and tested hours. Each training class
offered at the NCICIE annual training conference is approved for continuing education
credits through Prometric, North Carolina State Bar- Continuing Legal Education, and
the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. Additionally, NCICIE training
courses are recognized for credit toward the Criminal Investigation Certificate Program
offered by the North Carolina Justice Academy.
Approval of this request will further enable NCICIE to offer comprehensive training
beneficial to both public and private fire investigators across this state. I thank you in
advance for your assistance and consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact
me directly if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached via cell phone at
(910) 599-2137 or email, [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ian S. Tedder
NCICIE 1st Vice President I Conference Coordinator
Enclosure: Course Outlines I Instructor CVs
P.O. Box 25004 • Winston-Salem, NC 27114 • www.ncicie.org
2014 NCICIE Conference
February 19-21, 2014
Clarion Hotel - Greensboro, NC
Course Listing/Schedule
Course Information/Instructors
Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells
• Barry Grimm, National Fire Academy
• Chris Elrod, Wilmington Fire Department
• John Golder, ATF
• Jeff Key, Forensic Fire Analysis
• Kevin Oliver, NCSBI
Black Box Technology I Biomechanics I Accident Analysis
• Anastasios D. Tsoumanis, Rimkus Consulting Group
• Mark H Nelson, Rimkus Consulting Group
Vehicle Thefts & Fraud
• Chris Blake, NC DMV License & Theft
• Aaron Carter, NC DMV License & Theft
Rate Evasion- Recognition & Prevention
• Brian Gibson, NCDOI CID
Ethics
• Keith Chance, Greenville Casualty Insurance Company
Flood Insurance
• Patty Reynolds, Alfa-Alliance Insurance Company
Convergence of Science and Law (Investigation and Civil Litigation)
• David Bridges, Meagher & Geer
• Joshua Iverson, Meagher & Geer
• Chad Stepan, Meagher & Geer
Wednesday, February 19- Morning Session (0830-1130)
o
o
o
o
Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells (Classroom)
Rate Evasion- Recognition & Prevention
Ethics
Flood Insurance
Wednesday, February 19- Afternoon Session (1300-1600)
o Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells
(Demonstration, Offsite)
o Vehicle Thefts & Fraud
o Ethics
o Flood Insurance
Thursday, February 20- Morning Session (0830-1130)
o Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells (Classroom)
o Black Box Technology I Biomechanics I Accident Analysis
o Vehicle Thefts & Fraud
Thursday, February 20- Afternoon Session (1300-1600)
o Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells
(Demonstration, Offsite)
o Black Box Technology I Biomechanics I Accident Analysis
o Rate Evasion- Recognition & Prevention
Friday, February 21 - Morning Session (0900-1200)
o Convergence of Science and Law
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange
2014 Training Conference
Course Title: Fire Scene Evidence Recovery I Pattern Analysis I Bum Cells
10 Minutes
8:30am-8:40am
I. Introduction
40 Minutes
8:40am-9:20am
II. Fire Behavior
III. NFPA 92111033
10 Minutes
9:20am-9:30am
Break
50 Minutes
9:30am-10:20am
IV. Evidence Recovery
V. Evidence Collection
VI. Lab Submissions I Analysis
10 Minutes
l 0:20am-!0:30am
Break
50 Minutes
l 0:30am-ll :20am
VII. Post Flashover Ventilation Effect
VIII. Pattern Analysis
***Lunch Break***
50 Minutes
l :OOpm-1:50pm
IX. Burn Cell Demonstrations
10 Minutes
l :50pm-2:00pm
Break
50 Minutes
2:00pm-2:50pm
X. Accelerated v. Non-accelerated Fires
10 Minutes
2:50pm-3:00pm
Break
40 Minutes
3:00pm -3:40pm
XI. Hands-On (Origin & Cause)
10 Minutes
3:40pm-3:50pm
XII. Closing Remarks I Questions
BARRY
M. GRIMM
732- 996-7676·[email protected]
INSTRUCTOR
Fire/Arson Investigation • Interview and Interrogation • Subject Matter Expert • Course Development
Major Crimes Investigation • Public Presentation • Evidence Gathering, Vehicle Fires • Adjunct Instructor
NFPA 921/10-33 • Strategic Planning • Forensic Photography • Scene Documentation Origin and Cause
Determination, IAAI Certified Instructor, Evidence Collection Technician
Solution-oriented and versatile law enforcement and firefightinglinvestigation professional with extensive training and
experience in criminal investigations, case management, arson investigation and interview/interrogation.
l>
Hold instructor certification from the NJ Police Training Commission.
)>
On scene over 1000 fires in fire and police career (not including wildland); investigated approximately 320 fires,
which includes 175 accidental, 75 incendiary, and 70 undetermined.
)>
Extensive court experience; played a critical role in 30 trials and 10 depositions. Provided expert testimony in
three arson, two forensic, and one narcotics case. Testified over 200 times in Grand Jury.
)>
Skilled in setting priorities, providing strategic and tactical analysis and supervision of personnel.
l>
Proven talents in the areas instruction and curriculum development for fire/arson courses.
)>
Dedicated team leader and facilitator who motivates and cultivates teams to achieve optimal performance.
)>
Strong combination of law enforcement and fire investigation knowledge with excellent presentation and public
speaking skills.
)>
Managed set-up and studied over 800 live burns
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY- EMMITSBURG, MD
ATF CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
2005- PRESENT
1985- PRESENT
Taught courses that include Fire/Arson, Fire Cause Determination for Company Officers, Arson Detection for First
Responders, Courtroom Prep for first Responders, and Interview Interrogation Courtroom for Arson (selected to
teach the first offering in the country). Forensic Evidence Collection (SME)
Provided instruction on fire, arson, and interview interrogation in over 41 states around the country for various
police and fire organizations; spoke at numerous International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
seminars to Include the IAAI International Training Conference
Appeared in segments covering documentation and gathering of all types of evidence at a fire scene on
CFITrainer.net, the premier fire arson training site on the Internet.
Represented the USFA/NFA in the recent re-write of the Fire/Arson course in partnership with ATF.
SME and spokesman in National Video "First Responders Role In Fire Investigation"
Held the positions of Lead Instructor for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Arson Program and
Instructor for ATF, USFA, and NFA.
Served as an Instructor for the FBI Evidence Recovery Team in 2007 and 2008
Subject Matter Expert, Developer on NFA Interview/Interrogation Courtroom, Forensic Evidence Collection
and the present Fire/Arson Course.
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT- MIDDLETOWN, NJ
FIREFIGHTER
1968- PRESENT
Serve in a volunteer capacity for a department with 330 firefighters in 11 houses. Served as Chief Officer from
1995 to 1999.
-Page 1 of2-
•••
Resume- Barry M.Grimm
732-996 7676
[email protected]
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT- MIDDLETOWN,
DETECTIVE FIRST CLASS, MAJOR CRIMES UNIT
Page 2 of 2
NJ
1974-2007
Investigated major crimes for the largest municipal force in Monmouth County serving 85,000 residents. Provided
technical, photographic and laboratory assistance in homicides, sudden deaths, burglaries, rapes, larcenies,
Professional Experience (Continued)
Fraud, narcotics offenses and accidental and incendiary fire investigations. Analyzed crime scenes. to gather
physical evidence. Identified and took statements from witnesses, victims, and suspects. Assisted case
preparation for court; prepared case summaries and informed prosecuting authorities of the body of evidence
available. Arranged for technical assistance from specialists in the areas of identification, ballistics, laboratory
analysis, and toxicology.
Served as one of only two Forensic Identification Specialists and the lone Fire/Arson Investigator in the
department.
Promoted from the position of Patrolman, held from 1971 through 1974 to Detective 1st Class.
Military Police, SP-4 • United States Army • 1968- 1970
EDUCATION
Currently Pursuing a Degree in Fire Science
Brookdale Community College- Lincroft, NJ
Jersey City State University
Additional Training - See Addendum
COURSES TAUGHT
NFNATF Fire Arson Origin and Cause over 120 Two week Offerings
Arson course (90-hour) for the NJ Division of Criminal Justice Taught
fire and arson groups in over 41 states
Instructed FBI Evidence Recovery
Other Courses
Origin and Cause • Fire Pattern Analysis • Chemistry and Behavior of Fire, NFPA 921/1033
Fire Scene to Courtroom (developed course) • Fire Scene Photography • Interview and Interrogation
Report Writing • Fire Scene Safety • Investigative Resources • Evidence Collection at Fire Scenes
Scene Security and Documentation • Fatal Fires • Spoliation • Scientific Methodology
Topics covered in the classroom that can also be demonstrated with practical demos
include car fires, flashover cells, appliance testing, and fire pattern analysis.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
International Association of Arson Investigators- Immediate Past President
Presently Member of Board of Directors, International Association of Arson Investigators
Technical Working Group, Fire and Explosives, National Center for Forensic Sciences
Life Member, Middletown Township Volunteer Fire Department .Largest in the County 330 active members, 11
stations
Middletown Township Fire Department- Served as a Chief Officer for Five Years, Chief of Department in 1999
•• 2
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange
2014 Training Conference
Course Title: The Convergence of Science & Law
10 Minutes
8:30am-8:40am
I. Introduction
40 Minutes
8:40am-9:20am
II. Establish Needed Disciplines
III. Utilize Investigation Methodology
IV. Experts
10 Minutes
9:20am-9:30am
Break
50 Minutes
9:30am-!0:20am
V. Regulatory Issues
VI. Spoliation
10 Minutes
10:20am-l 0:30am
Break
40 Minutes
10:30am-11:10am
VII. Surviving Civil Litigation
VIII. Expert Testimony
10 Minutes
11:10- 11:20am
IX. Closing Remarks I Questions
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange
2014 Training Conference
Course Title: The Convergence of Science & Law
Friday, February 21,2014
SYNOPSIS:
The members of Meagher & Geer, PLLP's Catastrophic Loss Practice Group include attorneys
with engineering and/or science backgrounds. More than ten years ago, the Catastrophic Loss
Practice Group initiated a training program for attorneys and expert witnesses designed to
maximize an experts' effectiveness in litigation matters, including strategies to successfully
defend Daubert challenges and the allegations of non-compliance with industry standards and
recommended practices. Over time, the curriculum was expanded to include insurance adjusters,
government agents, SIU personnel, public sector investigators, and regulatory affairs. It is
recognized as unique in the legal industry and is employed by our clients on a national basis. In
short, we have great experience in identifying, employing and maximizing the effectiveness of
an international team of technical experts to more effectively navigate the civil litigation process.
This course serves as an introduction to the changes in regulatory action, standards and
recommended methodology for the investigation, discovery and litigation of major property and
casualty events. A concise treatise on The Spoliation Doctrine, NFPA 921, Daubert challenges
to expert methodology, administrative rule changes and their aggregate effect on litigation
practices within the United States are topics covered in this course of instruction.
Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P. I Our People Bridges, David E.
Page I of2
Related Information
Main Bio
David E. Bridges
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, FIRE SCIENTIST
F: 612-338-83841f}T: 336-736-64351f}
Minneapolis
Practice Areas
Catastrophic Loss
Education
University of Cincinnati, M.S., 2006
University of Maryland, B.S., 2004
North Carolina Central University
School of Law, Expected
graduation date, 2014
David is a Technical Specialist*, Fire Scientist. In his undergraduate studies he focused on
science. with emphasis on fire protection engineering. He has worked on numerous
property loss assignments across the United States, in accordance with his status as an
International Association of Arson Investigation Certified Fire Investigator (IAAICFI). David is also a North Carolina Certified Fire Investigator (CFI).
David is presently a law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law,
operating on the southeastern coastal states as a Technical Specialist on behalf of various
Meagher & Geer clients.
Before joining the Catastrophic Loss group at Meagher & Geer, David had extensive
experience as a fire/arson agent /K-9 handler throughout the southeastern United States.
He was also employed by the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) within the
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). Further, in addition to the
investigation of structure fire/explosions, David has also participated in wildfire "origin and
cause" workshops provided by the United States Department of Homeland
Security/Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and North Carolina Division
of Forest Resources (Kinston, NC).
David has conducted examinations of over 435 fires as an investigator. He has been an
instructor for more than 36 live training fires. In addition, he has served as an investigator
in eight (8) bombing/explosion incidents.
*Non-attorney Professional
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
International Association of Arson Investigators, North Carolina Chapter {NCIAAI)
International Association of Arson Investigators, North Carolina Chapter (NCIAAI),
Board of Directors-Law Enforcement Representative
CERTIFICATIONS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Wildland Fire Investigation Case Development,
http://www.meagher.com/professionals/xprProfessionalDetailsMeagher.aspx?xpST=Profes... 7/30/2013
Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P.I Our People Bridges, David E.
2 of2
Page
January. 2013
International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator
(IAAI-CFI), October 2010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Wildland Fire Origin and Cause
Determination, November, 2010
Fire Investigation Training Services, Inc. Accelerant Detection K-9 Training, December,
2008
North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission Criminal
Justice Instructor, April, 2009
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Incident Response to Terrorist
Bombings, March, 2008
Basic Clandestine Laboratory Safety, 29 CFR 1910.120 and 8 CCR 5192, November,
2007
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives {ATF) Post-Blast
Investigation, March 2007
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management
System Training, August, 2006
North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission Law
Enforcement Certification, October, 2006
National Fire Academy (NFA) Fire/Arson Investigation, May, 2005
North Carolina State Fire & Rescue Commission Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), April
2008
Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, Firefighter I & II, 2002
Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, Fire Officer I, II, 2002
Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, Fire Inspector I, II & Ill, 2002
SPECIAl TRAINING
Instructor:
Crime scene investigation
Evidence recognition, preservation and collection
Fire behavior and combustion
Fire analysis and investigation
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange, Annual Training
Conference, Greensboro, North Carolina, February 2013
North Carolina/South Carolina IAAI, Fire Investigative Approaches Seminar, Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina, October 2012
North Carolina Chapter IAAI, Fire/Arson Investigator Class, Burlington, North
Carolina, May 2012
Fire/Arson Investigator Class, College of DuPage Fire Arson Task Force,
Glen Ellyn, Illinois, April2012
13