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Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast
Welcome to the Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of origin and cause investigations. Join hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens, experienced fire investigators, as they discuss all things fire investigation from the latest techniques, case studies, and challenges faced by professionals in this critical field. Through a community effort, this podcast aims to create a platform for investigators to learn from one another and grow together. Whether you're a seasoned investigator, a first responder, or simply curious about the science behind fire investigations, this bi-weekly podcast will provide valuable insights, expert interviews, and practical tips to enhance your knowledge and skills. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in fire investigation and join the conversation.
Fire Investigation INFOCUS podcast
Ep.19- Brewing Change with Beers, Investigator Beers; changing laws, disrupting norms & lab tours
In Episode 19 hosts Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens welcome special guest Investigator Tom Beers, a firefighter and fire investigator with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and board member for the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. The episode kicks off with a delightfully entertaining discussion about regional accents and dialect differences, from the peculiarities of Midwestern pronunciations to the great "pop vs. soda" debate!
The conversation takes an exciting turn as Tom shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to firefighter, sparked by a chance encounter during a college EMS ride-along. He describes his fascinating path through military service, the Dayton Fire Academy, and eventually to Cleveland Heights, where he's served for over 20 years. Tom then dives into his groundbreaking work drafting new Ohio legislation for fire investigators' firearms qualifications, updating laws that hadn't been touched since 1953!
The hosts and Tom share their experience at the Ohio conference, where Scott and Chasity taught a packed session on AI applications in fire investigation. They also geek out over cutting-edge forensic technology, including an impressive demonstration of a new UV flashlight for detecting ignitable liquids. A highlight of their Ohio visit was an impromptu two-hour tour of the state's forensic lab, which left them thoroughly impressed with the facility's 7-10 day turnaround times and sophisticated capabilities.
The episode wraps up with heartwarming stories of podcast fans they met at the conference, a review of the Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) certification process, and their signature segment "Can You Use It in a Sentence?" where Tom challenges listeners with the term "inductive reasoning." From accents to arson investigation, this episode perfectly blends education, entertainment, and the passion these investigators bring to their field.
Be sure to catch the next episode in two weeks, where they'll unpack the meaning of "inductive reasoning" and continue bringing you the latest insights into fire investigation!
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