Welcome to the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators Web Page. This organization is committed to combating arson and kindred crimes, through service to the Fire Investigation Community with educational and informative training seminars, classes and workshops. We are affiliated with the International Association of Arson Investigators, which is a world-wide organization with over 50,000 members.
We would like for this site to become one of your regular web stops. Check on the latest information and events involving the A. A. A. I.
As you look through this site, you will see that there are a variety of ways in which this site can be utilized to provide information and assistance. Please continue to assist us by providing information relating to the investigation of fires. Information regarding local, state and national events is always welcomed and will be posted if it is relevant to Fire Investigation.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission issues recalls and has a searchable database concerning fire related matters. Click here for a link to this valuable resource.
Get involved with the Alabama Associaton of Arson Investigators! A.A.A.I. Literature
VIDEO
The A.A.A.I. has produced a public service announcement video about the Arson Hotline. It will begin airing in different television markets across Alabama within the next month. A copy of it will be available to view online. We would appreciate anyone helping with the distribution of this video to television and radio broadcasting stations throughout the state. Contact about video
The first Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony Class in Alabama was held on October 20 - 22 in Prattville, Alabama. The class was filled to its maximum number of student experts. We want to thank the Prattville Fire Department and the Autauga County Court House staff for allowing us to use their courthouse facility.
Day 1
Class room instruction by Mr. Ken Finley (2nd Vice President of the I. A. A. I.) and Mr. Alan Finke.
There is no truth to the rumor that Mr. Finke was just someone Mr. Finley met on the plane trip. Mr. Finke is the Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal with the Brenham Fire Department, Brenham Texas (Home of Blue Bell Ice Cream). Mr. Finley and Mr. Finke are both graduates of EWCTC course, certified instructors and both are CFI with the IAAI.
Day 2
Instruction by Mrs. Judy Van Heest. Mrs. Van Heest is on the I.A.A.I. Board of Directors and is an attorney with Beers, Anderson, Jackson, Patty, Van Heest & Fawal P.C., in Montgomery, Alabama. She has worked with the I.A.A.I. EWCTC course in several states.
Day 3
Waiting to testify. Mr. Richard Keith (left) and Mr. Kelly Kistner (right). Mr. Keith is President of Pyrtech, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a long time CFI and is has been Certified as an instructor for the EWCTC.
Mr. Kistner is Operations Supervisor, Unified Investigation and Services, Inc. in Gandbury, Texas.
Going over last minute details. Ms. Debra Taylor, Mr. Richard Keith and Mr. Troy Ammons. Ms. Taylor is with Beers, Anderson, Jackson, Patty, Van Heest & Fawal P.C., in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Ammons is an investigator with Crain Massengale, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama.
Day 3
Mrs. Sue Williamson and Mr. Rod Williams discussing details of the case. Mrs. Williamson is a partner with Klasing and Williamson in Birmingham, Alabama and has considerable experience in fire related litigation. Mr. Williams is an investigator with EFI Global, recently retired from the Hoover Fire Department.
Class Photograph (left to right)
Second row - Rod Williams, Terry Beckham, Troy Ammons, Kelly Kistner, Richard Keith, Wes Pullen, Ryan Pezent, Jeff Crain
First row - Alan Finke, Debra Taylor, Judy Van Heest, Sue Williamson, Ken Finley
The Alabama Association of Arson Investigators expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone involved with helping put on the class.