Credentials & Curriculum vitae

Fire and Arson Expert Qualification

PATRICK A. ANDLER

Introduction

Patrick A. Andler has over 35 years’ experience specialized in fire cause investigation and consultation. Mr. Andler has investigated and determined the origin and cause of over four thousand fires, including commercial structure, high-rise building, residential homes, recreational vehicles, automobiles, commercial trucks, aviation and marine losses.

Fire/Education

Mr. Andler has over 650 hours of classroom and practical instruction in fire and arson. Classes have included fire science, fire behavior, fire technology, fire chemistry, hazardous materials, hazardous environment, flammable liquids, explosions, determining the origin and cause of fire, electrical fires and arson investigation. These are to mention only some of the areas in which formal training has been received.

Education

• Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science Degree, Justice Studies – 1988
• National Association of Fire Investigators, Certified Fire Investigation Instructor
• National Association of Fire Investigators, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator #4244-0835
• National Association of Fire Investigators, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
• International Association of Arson Investigators, Certified Fire Investigator, Certificate number 28-029
• Public Agency Training Council, Fire Pattern Certificate, 20 hours, October 27 – 29, 2008

Publications

• Featured article on Andler & Associates Inc., “Arizona Attorney at Law” magazine, Volume 10 number 7.
• Featured article on Andler & Associates Inc., “Arizona Attorney at Law” magazine, volume 5 number 8.
• Arson Investigation text book authored by Patrick A. Andler, publisher Flame Publications, November 2009.
• Author and publish newsletter (RISK) 1996 -2013.
• Arizona Republic Newspaper on Andler & Associates forensic fire laboratory facility dated September 20, 2004.
• Arizona Business Gazette article on Andler & Associates.

Seminars and Special Courses

• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Wildland Fires Investigation” December 29th, 2018
• International Association of Arson Investigators, Nevada chapter, “Investigating Marijuana Concentrate and Grow Operation Incidents” October 18th, 2018.
• International Association of Arson Investigators Association (IAAI) International Training Conference, April 10-14th 2017,
• International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology, September 12th, 2016, participated as a delegate
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Electrical Arc Mapping Basics” April 11th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “The Impact of Ventilation in Building Structures on Fire Development”, April 7th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Investigating Motor Vehicle Fires”, April 10th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Insurance and the Fire Investigation”, April 10th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Evidence Examination: What Happens at the Lab”, April 6th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, CFI trainer.net, “Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire”, April 7th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Critical Thinking Solves Cases” March 27th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Motive, Means, and Opportunity: Determining Responsibility in an Arson Case”, February 18th, 2016
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Documenting the Event” March 29th, 2011
• International Association of Arson Investigators, “Physical Evidence at the Fire Scene”, March 20th, 2011
• Since 2002, Andler & Associates has hosted a fire investigation seminar annually. Well over 1000 students have attended including law enforcement, fire investigators, attorneys and claim adjusters. Location: Maricopa, Arizona.

National Media

• Patrick A. Andler has been interviewed and featured on the national program “Inside Edition” pertaining to fire investigation on February 12th, 2015.
• Patrick A. Andler was interviewed and featured on the “ABC Nightline” program on June 6th, 2014.
• Mr. Andler was interviewed and featured on “NBC 12 News” in Phoenix, Arizona reference a series titled “Raked Over the Coals”

Community Activities

• Mr. Andler is an active member of the Arizona Burn Foundation located in Phoenix, Arizona and has served as chairman of the board and a contributing board member from 2012 to current.
• Mr. Andler has volunteered his time, resources, and knowledge to the Arizona Justice Project and the Northern California Innocence Project at Santa Clara University
• Mr. Andler is a continuing instructor on the topic of fire investigation and has instructed for Arizona Insurance Claims Association, multiple local and national law firms and insurance companies, as well as higher education universities

DAVE SMITH

CFI (V), CFEI, CVFI, CFII

Introduction

Dave Smith specializes in fire cause investigations. Dave has been involved in the investigation of over 1500 fires including motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, residential and commercial structures and agricultural losses to include large horse barns and hay storage facilities.

Fire/Arson Education

Dave has over 800 hours of classroom and practical instruction in fire and arson. Dave also has over 1,000 hours of training specifically related to investigative practices through his time with the Phoenix Police Department. Classes have included but not limited to; Fire and Explosion investigations, vehicle fire investigations, electrical fire investigation, fire pattern identification and recognition, fire science, chemistry and physics of fire, computer fire modeling, explosives identification and scene analysis and arson investigation. These are only some of the many areas where formal training has been received.

Education

• Glendale Community College; Criminal Justice studies
• Wayland University; Criminal Justice and related studies
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
• Certified Fire Investigator CFI
• Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator CFI (V)
• National Association of Fire Investigators; Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, CFEI
• National Association of Fire Investigators; Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, CVFI
• National Association of Fire Investigators; Certified Fire Investigation Instructor, CFII
• International Association of Auto Theft Investigators Association; Certified Vehicle Theft Investigator, CVTI
• AZPOST, Arizona Police Officer Standards Training; Certified Instructor

Publications

• RISK Newsletter; Several publications including articles on cause and origin investigations and vehicle fire investigations.
• Vehicle Theft Investigation Handbook; Published by the City of Phoenix Police Department, contributing author.

Seminars and Special Courses

• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Thermometry, Heat, and Heat Transfer” on line 3 hours tested, January 30, 2019
• NV-IAAI “Investigating Marijuana Concentrate and Grow Operation Incidents sponsored by Southwest Gas in Nevada 8 tested hours October 19^th, 2018
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) 2018 International Training Conference, 32 tested hours. May 21^st through May 25^th, 2018, Frisco, Texas
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Motor Vehicles: The Engine and the Ignition, Electrical and Fuel Systems” on line 4 hours April 16^th, 2018
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Motor Vehicles: Transmission, Exhaust, Brake, and Accessory Systems” on line 4 hours April 16^th, 2018
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Knowledge 1 Motor Vehicle Fires Tier 1” on line 8 hours April 16^th, 2018
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Fire Chemistry” on line 3 hours January 6, 2018
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Physical Evidence at the Fire Scene” on line 4 hours June 10^th, 2017
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Evidence Examination: What Happens at the Lab” on line 4 hours June 10^th, 2017
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) International Training Conference 32 Tested hours of training April 10^th through April 14^th, 2017. Las Vegas, Nevada
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “DNA” on line class 3 hours April 7^th, 2017
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “The Impact of Ventilation in Building Structures on Fire Development” on line class 4 hours January 7^th, 2017
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Modeling” on line class 4 hours October 4^th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Introduction to Evidence” on line class 4 hours August 14^th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Electrical Safety” on line class 3 hours August 14^th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Basic Electricity” on line class 4 hours August 14^th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “The Practical Application of the Relationship Between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921” on line class 2 hours August 14^th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Critical thinking solves cases” on line class 4 hours August 12^th, 2016
• NAFI (National Association of Fire Investigators) NFPA 921 & NFPA 1033 “Putting it Together” seminar July 18^th thru 21^st 2016 32 hours & NAFI “Certified Fire Investigation Instructor” class July 22^nd, 2016 8 hours (Certification class) CFII
  The above seminar included courses in the following; Fire investigation methodology, photography, documentation, explosion dynamics, fire dynamics and pattern development, arson investigation, interview techniques, fire protection systems, fire related deaths, fire pattern analysis, hazardous materials, and computer fire modeling.
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “NFPA 1033 and your career” on line class 2 hours February 21st, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Effective Fire Investigation and Testimony” on line class 3 hours February 19th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Process of Elimination” on line class 3 hours February 15th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Ethics and the Fire Investigator” on line class 3 hours February 9th, 2016
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Documenting the Event” on line class 4 hours January 21st, 2014
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Writing the initial Origin and Cause report” on line class 3 hours January 19th, 2014
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Explosion Dynamics” on line class 4 hours January 17th, 2014
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Investigating Motor Vehicle Fires” on line class 4 hours January 16th, 2014
• Public Agency Training Council, Fire and Arson Investigations 35 hours December 2013
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Arc Mapping Basics” on line class 4 hours November 12th, 2013
• Fire investigation seminar: Andler & Associates Forensic fire laboratory in Maricopa, AZ.  March 2012 Instructor/Presenter
• Fire investigation seminar: Andler & Associates Forensic fire laboratory in Maricopa, AZ. May 2010 & May 2011 Instructor/Presenter
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “Fire and Explosion Investigations Utilizing NFPA 1033 & 921” on line class 4 hours July 19th, 2009
• IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) “The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigation” on line class 3 hours July 18th, 2009
• Fire Investigation Seminar; Andler & Associates Forensic Fire Laboratory in Maricopa, AZ. March 13th, 2009- Instructor/Presenter
• Public Agency Training Council, Fire Pattern Certification, 22 hours, October 2008
• Public Agency Training Council, Fire Pattern Certification, 22 hours, August 2007
• National Association of Fire Investigators, Advanced Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigations, March 2007
• Fire Investigation Seminar; Andler & Associates Forensic Fire Laboratory in Maricopa AZ. December 2006
• National Association of Fire Investigators; Vehicle Fire Investigations, September 2005
• National Association of Fire Investigators; Fire and Arson Investigations, May 2005
• Andler & Associates & Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Association; Vehicle Fire Investigations. March 2005
• International Association of Arson Investigators; Fire and Explosion Investigations, February 2005
• Vehicle Fire Investigation Seminar presented by Lee Cole and Associates; November 2004
• Additionally, during the years with the Phoenix Police Department Dave has received over 1000 hours of training specifically related to criminal investigations.

Professional Record

• Gold Buckle Investigations LLC, Owner and Fire Investigator for Andler & Associates July 2005 to present.
• Phoenix Police Department; December 1982 to July 2005. Criminal Investigator responsible for the investigation of fires including vehicle fires, insurance fraud, organized criminal activity, criminal syndicates and numerous related crimes.
• Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office; November 1981 to December 1982.  Jail Detention Officer.
• Tolleson Police Department; Reserve Police Officer February 1982 to December 1982