New fire investigator certified

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » Madison County has a new weapon in its arsenal for fires of a suspicious nature – a certified fire investigator.

Undersheriff John Ball said Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad L. Chapman was recently certified by the New York State office of Fire Prevention and Control, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications, as a certified fire investigator. Chapman is the Sheriff’s Office lead evidence technician as well as a certified accident reconstructionist.

“This is a unique and very uncommon combination of qualifications – being a deputy sheriff, advance certifications as an evidence technician and in evidence management, and now as a fire investigator – a combination of qualifications and experience that will bring an exceptionally high

level of investigative quality to any suspicious fire incident,” Ball said.

The interdisciplinary skills of Chapman is something other Madison County departments are looking forward to as well.

“Cooperation between the fire service and law enforcement in the investigation of fires and the prevention of arson is more critical today than ever. The efforts of the Sheriff’s Office to support the Madison County Fire Investigation Unit is an excellent example of how collaboration increases effectiveness, and leads to success for the citizens of Madison County,” said Madison County Fire Coordinator Douglas Shattuck.

“Deputy Chapman’s certification and participation on the fire investigation team is a solid example of how the Sheriff’s and Emergency Management Offices work jointly increasing a comprehensive reduction in the threat of arson in Madison County,” said Ted Halpin, the county’s director of Emergency Management.

Chapman will be available to assist any fire department or law enforcement agency in Madison County if requested, Ball said.