Expert Details
Forensic Fire Explosions, Investigations, Origin and Cause Determinations
ID: 739617
Minnesota, USA
He has testified as an expert in fire and explosion investigation in state courts. Expert’s experience includes large/complex loss management and investigations that have involved long duration deployments and team responses.
Expert’s fire/explosion investigations include: petro-chemical refinery, ethanol refinery, gun range, warehousing, multi-residential complexes, large retail centers, ag and heavy equipment, dwellings, vehicles, and multiple fatality incidents. He is experienced in providing opinions and assistance on fire litigation, including witness interviews, report review, photograph analysis and evidence. He has conducted live burns of motor vehicles, products, and structures, and burning dirt, as well as teaching continuing education seminars for the insurance industry.
Expert was the recipient of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) - ND Chapter Distinguished Service Award.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1996 | Degree: MS | Subject: Forensics | Institution: National University |
| Year: 1992 | Degree: BS | Subject: Sociology | Institution: SUNY |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2019 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Owner | Department: |
Responsibilities:Responsible for timely investigation of forensic fire and explosion events including origin and cause determination, author report and at time testify as expert witness. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2018 to 2019 | Employer: Envista Forensics | Title: Forensic Fire & Explosion Investigator | Department: |
Responsibilities:Responsible for investigation of fire and explosion events including origin and cause determination. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2009 to 2018 | Employer: EFI Global, Inc. / Unified Investigations & Sciences | Title: Forensic Fire & Explosion Investigator | Department: |
Responsibilities:Responsible for timely investigation of fire and explosion events including origin and cause determination. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2005 to 2009 | Employer: Lomprey/Brunner Fire Investigations | Title: Investigator | Department: |
Responsibilities:Responsible for timely investigation of fire and explosion events including origin and cause determination. |
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Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| - International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) - International Fire Investigation Research Institute (IFIRI) - National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Minnesota Association of Private Investigators (MAPI) |
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| - Certified Fire/Explosion (vehicle credential) Investigator: International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) attached with Pro Board Accreditation - Certified Fire/Explosion Investigator and Instructor: National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified International Fire/Explosion Investigator (CIFI): Int’l Assn of Fire Investigators Licenses - State of Minnesota Private Detective |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| - Distinguished Service Award - ND-IAAI Chapter - Burn to Learn Training for small to large cities - U.S. Navy service as a Chief Petty Officer and Electronic Warfare Cryptologist, 20 yrs. - Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for meritorious service - Awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal for exceptional achievement with a Gold star (second award) |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| Publications: 10 Guest Lecturer (since 2010): 16 |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| Since 2012 Plaintiff: 4 Defendant: 4 Highlights of Major Lead Investigations - 2020, Marshall, MN: Double-fatal farm dwelling explosion resulting in more than $5 million in successful subrogation. - 2019 Cameroon, Africa: $600 million explosion destroyed the SONARA petrochemical refinery; led an international team of forensic investigators that identified the cause. - 2015, Fargo, ND: Double-fatal apartment complex fire caused more than $5 million in damages, investigating the claim, collecting artifacts and providing deposition testimony. - 2012, SD: $2 million-plus bar/grill fire in South Dakota, served as lead, forensic investigator and provided testimony in deposition and trial settings. |
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| Training: extensive list available upon request |