James P. Foster, CFI, CFEI, CVFI

Fire Consultant

Fire Investigator

Contact Information

317-***-****

ad406e@r.postjobfree.com

**** ******** **.

Zionsville, In. 46077

Background

I am a Certified Fire Investigator, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator.

I received my Pro Board certification through the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications as a Fire Investigator, NFPA 1033. I have certifications through the National Fire Academy, Public Agency Training Council, and other agencies. I was also a reserve officer with the Noblesville, Cicero, and the Hamilton County Sheriff Departments and was the chief investigator with the Madison County Indiana Fire Investigation task force. As a prior State of Indiana certified fire instructor, I instructed courses throughout the state related to fire service topics and certification courses related to fire, investigations, firefighter, EMS, and hazardous materials.

I perform fire origin and cause investigations, interviews, and interrogations of suspects and witnesses and have testified in criminal cases involving law enforcement activities. I have given depositions and court testimony in findings and technical related issues as an expert witness. Areas of expertise include, management of fire scene investigations, fire scene analysis, evidence and data collection, monitoring of destructive and non-destructive testing, investigative interviews and scene photography. I have conducted over 1,400 fire investigations encompassing residential and commercial structures, vehicles to include farm and industrial vehicles, farm structures, RV’s, alternative fuel vehicles, and fatal fires.

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Professional Engagements

• Fire/Arson Investigations

● Fire Investigator – Carmel, IN (1995 – 2016), Worked directly with other shift investigators to investigate fires in the city of Carmel and in Hamilton County, IN.

● Fire/Arson Investigations – Markleville, IN (1985 – 1996), Investigated fires and arson throughout Adams Township.

● The Madison County Fire Investigation Task Force – Madison County, IN (1990 – 1996) Fire/Arson Investigator / Chief Investigator for task force.

● Fire Investigator – varied locations (2014 – 2018), Investigated cause and origin of fires throughout Indiana

• Instructor/Subject Matter Expert

● FireFighter and EMS Certification – varied locations (1975 – 2018), Taught courses to fire and police to meet certification requirements of the State of Indiana certifications; Over 2000 hours

● EMT Courses – Indiana, Taught courses to certify fire personnel along with others as an EMT in Indiana. Over 1,400 students certified throughout the time of Instruction.

● Fire Certification Education – Indiana, Taught courses on firefighting, investigations, inspection, and hazardous materials.

Forensic Engagements

• Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigations

● Commercial, residential, industrial, vehicles, marine vessels, farm equipment, construction equipment, off road vehicles

● Fire fatality and burn victim investigations

● Fire protection/alarm systems analysis

• Instructor/Subject Matter Expert

● Classroom and hands-on classes in fire origin and cause identification to fire and police departments

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• Field Research for Fire Scenarios

● Appliance failures

● Ignitable liquids

● Chemical fires

● Explosions, NG, LPG, Hazardous Materials, Incendiary

● Vehicles, automotive, truck, motor homes, marine, off road, heavy equipment, industrial equipment Professional Experience

• Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. 2018 – Present

● Fire Consultant – Fire Division

Responsible for investigating fire and explosion causation in commercial structures and facilities, residential structures, automobiles, industrial and heavy equipment. Investigate fires involving appliances and electrical devices. Assess potential liability issues. Collect, document and preserve evidence to ensure chain of custody, conduct interviews with witnesses, responding firefighters, state fire marshal agencies and other pertinent third-party individuals and organizations. Prepare detailed, written investigative reports pertaining to the origin and cause of fire losses. Provide expert technical and scientific support to clients for litigation purposes.

• EFI Global 2014 – 2018

● Senior Fire Investigator

Responsible for investigating fire and explosion causation in commercial structures and facilities, residential structures, automobiles, industrial and heavy equipment. Investigate fires involving appliances and electrical devices. Assess potential liability issues. Collect, document and preserve evidence to ensure chain of custody, conduct interviews with witnesses, responding firefighters, state fire marshal agencies and other pertinent third-party individuals and organizations. Prepare detailed, written investigative reports pertaining to the origin and cause of fire losses. Provide expert technical and scientific support to clients for litigation purposes.

• Carmel Fire Dept. 1995 – 2016

● Lieutenant, Firefighter, Paramedic, Shift Fire Investigator Provide EMS and Fire services to the residents of Carmel and responding areas through 911 3

emergency calls. Fire Officer responsible for station and engine response and personnel assigned. Shift fire investigator responsible for investigating fires in the response district and community where requested. Fire response responsibilities include incident command, size-up and fire attack and fire scene safety. EMS response responsibilities include providing emergency medical care to medical or trauma related patients. Fire and EMS instructor providing education to other departments in the community and surrounding counties. Computer and data entry responsibilities as an officer entering reports and response CAD systems. Continuing education requirements to maintain EMS, fire, Haz-mat and investigation certifications.

• Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services 1975 – 1995

● Shift Supervisor, Paramedic, EMS Instructor

Responsibilities included responding to EMS related calls in Hamilton County Indiana. Providing Advanced Life Support to residents and citizens of the county and response area. Providing education and training to members of the service and to other communities and the county fire services. EMS related instruction to various agencies including EMT, paramedic and fire certification courses.

• Madison County Emergency Management 1985 – 1995

● Chief Fire Investigator

Responsibilities included responding in Madison County Indiana to assist local fire departments investigating fires and explosions. Responsible for the fire investigation task force members scheduling and maintaining education requirements. Report writing and data entry related to the investigation and provide testimony in court related to the investigation and findings. Interviews with witnesses and firefighters and third parties related to events and to the investigation.

• Hamilton County Sheriff Dept. 1987 – 1996

● Reserve Officer

As a member of the reserve division was responsible for providing law enforcement activities for the Hamilton County community including, Road patrol, Investigate accidents, criminal arrest and courtroom testimony. As a sergeant was responsible for other reserve members in the division. Review reports and provide education to members. Responsible for the Hamilton County Court system providing security and safety. Responding to emergencies within the community involving 4

accidents and criminal activity. Conducting interviews and arrests. Collecting evidence related to criminal or accidental activities.

• Fire Departments 1973 – 2016

● Firefighter, Paramedic, Instructor and Fire Investigator Worked as part-time employee and volunteer for a number of fire departments. Fishers Fire Dept: Part-time employment responsible for response to 911 related calls for fire and EMS. Providing education and training for members to obtain and maintain certifications. Provide fire inspections to local businesses using fire and building codes. Noblesville Fire Dept.: Part-time employment responsible for response to 911 related calls for fire and EMS.

Westfield Fire Dept.: Part-time employment responsible for response to 911 related calls for fire and EMS.

Adams Township Fire Dept.: Volunteer member of the department responsible for fire and EMS response to emergency calls in the community. Captain of the department responsible for fire investigations and incident command when needed.

Chesterfield Union-Township Fire Dept.: Volunteer member of the department responsible for fire and EMS response to emergency calls in the community. Fire Marshal for the department responsible for business inspections and fire investigations. Education and Certifications

• Certified Fire Investigator: Internal Association of Arson Investigators, Inc.,#14-101758 (2016)

• Certified CDR Data Recovery: North Western University, May 2021

• Certified Fire Investigator: National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications,

#106**-***** (2015)

• Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator: National Association of Fire Investigators, #10688-10659v

(2014)

• Certified Safety Officer: State of Indiana, #6656-1339 (2014)

• Instructor II and III: State of Indiana, #14111(2005)

• EMT-Primary Instructor: State of Indiana, #6656-1339 (2004) 5

• Paramedic license: State of Indiana, #6656-1339 (2004)

• Fire Inspector I and II: State of Indiana, #14111 (2003)

• Fire Medic IV #14111 & Driver Operator Pumper: State of Indiana, #14111 (2001)

• Instructor II and III: State of Indiana, #14111 (2000)

• Fire Officer I and II (NFPA) / Firefighter I and II (NFPA) / Instructor First Class: State of Indiana,

#14111 (1999)

• Fire Investigator I (NFPA): State of Indiana, #14111 (1998); Illinois (#129.433174)

• Hazmat Technician & Instructor Second Class: State of Indiana, # 14111 (1994)

• Fire Service Management: State of Indiana, #14111 (1992)

• Firearms Qualification (Sharpshooter): Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, (1991)

• Law Enforcement Academy (Reserve): Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department (1989)

• EMS Management Development Program: Indiana University, (1986)

• EMS Primary Instructor Course: State of Indiana, (1985)

• Second Class Firefighter Certification Course: State of Indiana, (1980) Continuing Education

• CFI Trainer.net: Over 230 hours (tested) NFPA 921 and 1033 compliant (2006-2018)

• Public Agency Training Council: Forensic Pathology for Investigators (2017); Investigative Techniques Using Social Networking Sites & Vehicle Fires Investigation, 24 hours (tested) (2016); Detective and New Criminal Investigator & Arson Scene Search (2014); Fire and Arson Fatality Fire Scene Investigation & Meeting the Requirements of NFPA® 1033 (2013); Fire Service Leadership and Ethics (2012); Cults, Occults and Satanic Crimes Investigation, 16 hours (tested) (1999)

• National Fire Academy: Interviewing/Interrogation Techniques and Courtroom Testimony (2014); Indianapolis Fire. Electrical for the Fire Investigator, 16 hours (tested) (2013); Forensic Evidence Collection (2011); Fire / Arson Origin and Cause Investigations (2008); Plans Review for Inspectors

& Hazardous Materials Operating Site Practices (2003); Principles of Fire Protection Structures and Systems (2002); Fire Inspection Principles (2001); ALS Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents

(1999)

• IAAI: Ohio IAAI Chapter, NFPA 921 Update 8 hours (tested) & Alternative Fuel Vehicles NFPA, Fire Investigation Edition, 8 hours (tested) (2017); Indiana IAAI Chapter Conference, Live Burn Cells, 6

Vehicle Fires, Fire Pattern Progression and Analysis, Evidence Collection, Sampling and Spontaneous Heating, 21 hours (tested) (2017); Illinois IAAI Chapter Conference, 24 hours (tested), Case Studies, Ventilation and Flow Effects, Fire Dynamics, Arc Mapping, Fire Patterns, Fire Scene Reconstruction, NFPA 921 / 1033 Related to Explosion Scene Examination and Documentation, Household Appliance, Gas Fires, Identify Evidence of Failure (2016); Indiana IAAI Conference, 21 hours (tested) (2015); Indiana IAAI Chapter Conference, 21 hours (tested) Indiana IAAI Conference, 21 hours (tested) (2014); Illinois IAAI Chapter, Vehicle Fire Investigations, 16 hours (tested)

(practical) (2014); Indiana IAAI Chapter Conference, 21 hours (tested) Basics of Fire Investigation, Forensic Scene Examination and Evidence Collection, Fire Debris Analysis, Truck and Bus Fires, Origin and Cause in Diesel, Alternate Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles, Use of Alternate Light Sources

(2012); Indiana IAAI Chapter Conference, 21 hours (tested) NFPA 921 / 1033 Updates, Fatal Fire Investigations, Building’s Electrical System Assisting in Area of Origin (Arc Mapping), Post-Flashover Fires, Ventilation Importance, Propane and Natural Gas Systems and Fires, CSST Investigations and Litigation, Propane and Natural Gas Appliance Fires (2011); Ohio IAAI Chapter, Vehicle Fire Investigations, 32 hours (tested) (practical) (1996)

• International Code Council: IDHS Fire-Resistive Construction Provisions of the IBC, 8 hours (tested)

(2003); IDHS Means of Egress Provisions of the IBC, 7 hours (tested) (2003); Overview of the International Fire Code, 14 hours (tested), Indiana General Administrative Rules, 8 hours (tested), Structures & Systems IBC, 4 hours (practical) (2003); 2000 IBC Hazardous Materials Course, 6 hours (tested) (2005);

• Fire Department Instructors Conference: Cause and Origin, A Systematic and Comprehensive Investigation, 4 hours, Axiom of Leadership, 8 hours (tested) (2003); Cause and Origin Systematic Investigation, 4 hours, Truck Company Operations, 4 hours, Hazardous Materials Chemistry, 4 hours, Public Information Management, 4 hours, Inspection of Covered Malls with Assembly Occupancies, 4 hours (practical) (2002); Fire Department Instructors Conference, Advanced Origin and Cause, 4 hours, Incident Safety Officers Academy, 8 Hours (tested), Gathering Building Intelligence 4 Hours, Building Fire Pump Testing, 4 hours (practical) (2004);

• Fire Department Courses: DFL Honor Guard Training, Carmel Fire Department 40 hours (tested)

(practical) (2010); St. Vincent’s Hospital, Carmel Fire Department, Human Cadaver Lab Practical

(2009); Carmel Fire Department, Leadership Course, 8 hours (tested) (practical) (2008); Fire Department Instructors Conference, Reading Buildings/ Size-up, 4 hours (2012); CSX Transportation, Emergency Response to Railroad Incidents, 21 hours (tested) (2008); Cicero Fire 7

Department, State of Indiana, Master Firefighter Tactics Course 80 hours (Tested) (1998); Indiana Fire Instructors Association, Indianapolis Fire School, Fire Death Investigation, 8 hours (1995); Anderson Fire Department, State of Indiana, Fire Service Management Course, 60 hours (tested)

(1992); Richmond Fire Department, State of Indiana, Fire/Arson Investigation Course, 64 hours

(tested) (1990); Fishers Fire Department, State of Indiana, Fire Prevention Course, 60 hours (tested)

(1990); Target Solutions, Carmel Fire Department, NFPA 1500 Hazard Communication, 4 hours

(tested) (2015); Target Solutions, Carmel Fire Department, NFPA 1001 Personal Protection Equipment, 4 hours (tested) (2014); Carmel Police Department, Who, What, When, Where and How Fire Death Investigation, 8 hours (1996);

• Federal Programs: National Insurance Crime Training Academy, Smoke and Ash Fraud Investigation, 4 hours (tested) (2018); U.S. Department of Justice, Communication Skills, Report Writing and Courtroom Testimony for Forensic Analysts, 4 hours (tested) (2017); Emergency Management Institute (FEMA) IS-100 Incident Command, 40 hours (tested), IS-700 Incident Command, 16 hours (tested) (2005); US Department of Homeland Security, WMD Hazardous Materials Evidence Collection, 16 hours (tested) (practical), WMD Crime Scene Management, 8 hours (tested) (practical) (2004); Federal Bureau of Investigations, Legal Matters, Probable Cause, Evidence, Search and Seizure, Arrest Procedures, Liabilities and Interrogation, 6 hours (1986);

• Forensic: West Virginia University, Forensic Science 101, 8 hours (tested), Principles of Death Investigation, 4 hours (tested), Forensic Evidence Collection, 8 Hours (tested) (practical), Forensic Photography, 8 Hours (tested) (practical), Interviewing/Courtroom Testimony, Expert Witness

(2013); International Association of Special Investigation Units, Arson Investigative techniques, 6 hours (tested) (2012)

• Other: I Sight, Investigating on the Dark Web, 1 hour (2018); Indianapolis Fire, Police and GMRC Special Investigations, Origin and Cause and Burn Cell Demonstration, 7 hours (tested) (2016); National Insurance Crime Training Academy, Using Social Networking for Investigations, 4 hours

(tested) (2016); Improvised Explosive Devices, Health Issues at the Investigation Scene, Public v/s Private Fire Investigations, Cadaver Dogs, Investigating Fatal Line of Duty Deaths, Ethics Review

(2016); National Insurance Crime Training Academy: Insurance Fraud Investigation, 4 hours (tested)

(2016); Investigating Vehicle Theft Fraud, 4 hours (tested) (2016); Wayne Twp FD, Indianapolis Fire, State of Indiana FMO, Practical Fire Scene Investigation Course, 16 hours (tested) (2014); Blue Card Incident Command Program Certification, 80 hours (tested) Practical (2013); Insurance Fraud Seminar, NSPII, IAAI, IASIU, ATF, From the Fire Scene to the Courtroom, 8 hours (tested) (practical) 8

(2013); Fire Department Training Network, Engine Company Operations I, 24 hours (tested) (2011); Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Responders, Response to Cargo Tank Truck Emergencies, 16 hours (tested) (2004); Ward Manufacturing, CSST Gas Line Installation Training, 4 hours (2001); National Technology Transfer, National Fire Alarm Code, 14 hours (tested) (practical) (2001); EL Du Pont Company, Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Training, 16 hours (tested) (practical)

(1993); State of Indiana, Hazardous Materials Technician Course, 80 Hours (tested) (1991); State of Indiana, Fire/Arson Investigation & Fire Prevention/Inspection & Strategy and Tactics #14111 (1990) 9

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