Training Courses

Fire and Explosion Related Death Investigations by NCJTC

Date & Time:
  • September 13, 2027 – September 14, 2027
Location:
Kenosha, WI

Fire and Explosion Related Death Investigations

This two-day classroom training program brings together law enforcement professionals and related criminal justice personnel to advance their knowledge and practical skills in investigating deaths related to fire and explosion incidents. Participants will gain exposure to essential investigative methodologies, evidence handling protocols, and collaborative approaches to managing complex fire and explosion scenes.

Training Overview

The program covers critical topics including victimology and witness interview techniques, relevant case examples and statutory frameworks, body recovery procedures, scene assessment and evidence collection strategies, and considerations regarding cause and manner of death determinations with prosecutorial implications. Through a combination of didactic instruction, case study analysis, and hands-on table-top exercises, attendees will develop competency in managing fire and explosion investigation scenes while maintaining proper evidence protocols.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  • Apply scene management and evidence preservation principles specific to fire and explosion investigations
  • Identify fire response protocols for scene management, investigative responsibilities, and evidence collection procedures
  • Utilize investigative techniques through case study review and practical table-top exercises related to fire and explosion scenes
  • Demonstrate current evidence collection and storage methods appropriate for fire and explosion-related incidents
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-disciplinary team response framework for fire-related investigations

Target Audience

This training is designed for medical examiners, laboratory technicians, law enforcement professionals, law enforcement support personnel, and tribal partners.

Schedule and Location

Date: September 13-14, 2027

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm each day (with registration check-in beginning at 8:00 am)

Hours: 16 hours of instruction

Location: Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140

Registration Deadline: August 9, 2027

Additional Training Dates and Locations

This course is also being offered at the following times and places:

  • October 5-6, 2026 in Everett, WA
  • February 22-23, 2027 in Clearwater, FL
  • April 26-27, 2027 in Benton, AR

Cost and Registration

Fee: $350.00

The registration fee covers 16 hours of instruction, program materials, and instructional expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, travel, and lodging.

Lodging Options

Recommended accommodations near the Kenosha venue include:

  • Comfort Inn & Suites Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie, 7206 122 Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Kenosha, 7300 125th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pleasant Prairie/Kenosha, 7887 94th Avenue, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
  • The Stella Hotel & Ballroom, 5706 8th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140
  • Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside, 5125 6th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140

Instructors

Courtney Bauer – Special Agent-Senior/Deputy State Fire Marshal, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations. Courtney holds multiple fire investigation certifications including Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators, Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) and Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) designations through the International Association of Arson Investigators, and Wisconsin Fire Investigator credentials. She possesses emergency services experience with certifications as Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, and Emergency Services Instructor I, along with an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) license. Throughout her law enforcement career, she has participated in numerous adult and child fire death investigations as well as other related death investigations.

Michael Mazza – Retired Sergeant, Massachusetts State Police. Michael brings approximately 33 years of specialized experience investigating fires and explosions, with his final assignment involving supervision of troopers conducting fire and explosion investigations in western Massachusetts counties. He has investigated over 2,000 fires, including both accidental and incendiary cases. Michael holds Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) credentials from the International Association of Arson Investigators and has served three terms as president of the Massachusetts Chapter of IAAI. He currently serves as Chair of the CFI Committee and Chair of the Seminar Committee for the Board of Directors. From 1990 to 2008, Michael was a certified accelerant detection K-9 handler, working with dogs certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Training Council, Connecticut State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and CADA.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this training, contact Jessica Heimann at (855) 866-2582 or jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu.

For additional information about continuing education units, please visit the NCJTC policies page.