Chattanooga fire investigators receive top honors

May 4, 2017

WDEFAdmin,

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Three Chattanooga fire investigators received top honors from the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson (TACA) in Franklin, Tennessee yesterday. Captains Anthony Moore, Henry McElvain and Andrew Waters were named “Public Fire Investigators of the Year” for 2016.

The fire investigators work under the auspices of Chattanooga Fire Marshal Beau Matlock.

“These men and their families have made sacrifices in the performance of their duties,” said Matlock. “They have missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other important personal events to get the job done, but rest assured, they will continue to do all they can do to protect the citizens of Chattanooga.”

The fire investigation division of the Chattanooga Fire Department dates back to 1983 when the Fire Prevention Bureau was formed. The division has grown over the years and seen significant advancements in the technology and skills required in the field of arson investigation.

Chattanooga’s fire investigators are trained as firefighters, but they also must go through the police academy as well. They are armed and have full arrest powers. Their principal job is to determine the cause and origin of fires. When arson is involved, they conduct investigations, interview suspects, and when necessary, prosecute cases to the fullest extent of the law.