Fire Marshall Receives International Investigation Certification

Fire marshal Henry Stormer announced Tuesday that he had successfully passed the exam to become a Certified Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Stormer said the new certification is useful in establishing credibility and experience when called upon for court testimony or by insurance companies, and obliges him to maintain a high standard of work.

"It's easier to do an investigation and with issues that arise in being questioned by insurance investigators," said Stormer.  "It shows that you've put a lot of work into [the job of Fire Marshal], but it also makes me stay at a higher level of proficiency."

According to the IAAI website, to earn certification an investigator must pass a written examination after completing a lengthy application that judges experience.  The application awards points based on factors like education, experience time, times acting as an expert witness and amount of published materials. 

Stormer said the application took over a year to fill out and justify with references.

Stormer has also received a certificate from the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications, recognizing his qualifications in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency.