Fires and Explosions

Fires and Explosions Experts
CV Abstracts

John Agosti, CFEI Fire and Explosion Investigator	Mr. Agosti has more than 30 years experience involving fire investigations and prevention. His experience includes structure fires; vehicle fires; fire deaths/injuries: evidence collection and spoliation; witness interviews; still and video photography; building and fire codes, including fire/building code violations; life safety code violations; smoke, fire, carbon dioxide detector and alarm issues; fire spread issues; fire sprinklers, walls, and doors; fire exits and illumination; fire prevention analysis; fire department practices, including fire department operations/practices/management; firefighter deaths/injuries/safety; origin and make initial determination of cause including structures, vehicles, equipment, and marine; insurance claims and criminal cases involving theft, fires, fraud, and conspiracies to commit arson; electrocutions; investigation of bombings and incendiary fires; boiler and furnace fires/ explosions; LP and natural gas fires/explosions; kitchen range fires; spontaneous combustions; electrical fires, including automobile, truck, boats, and equipment; fireplace, flue, and chimney fires; home appliance fires; industrial fires and explosions. John is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a member of the National Fire Protection Association; the Fire Marshals Association of North America; the International Association of Fire Chiefs; the International Code Council; the Fire Investigators Strike Force; the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association; the International Association of Arson Investigators; and the National Association of Fire Investigators.

Kenneth W. Berchak, PE Mechanical Engineer and Vehicle Crash Expert Licensed Engineer in Ohio	Mr. Berchak has more than 25 years experience involving mechanical engineering and design. His experience includes accident reconstruction and motor vehicle failure analysis; vehicle brake and suspension systems; engines and turbines; vehicle fire investigations; seat belt analysis; highway trucks and tractors; construction, industrial, and commercial equipment; power transmission machinery; drills, pumps and mixers; hard rock mining machinery; textile production machinery; product failures; design and failure analysis; engineering standards and procedures; marine equipment; conveyors; semi-automatic and automatic precision machinery and tooling (jigs and fixtures); environmental control equipment; and tanks and tracked type vehicles. Ken is a Registered Professional Engineer, and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an Associate Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Paul R. Bladdick, FASSE, MP; Master Plumber Expert	Mr. Bladdick has over 40 years experience as first a Plumber Apprentice, then a Journeyman Plumber, and, finally a Master Plumber. His expertise includes plumbing codes and standards; fuel gas explosions; backflow device testing; plumbing technical training; plumbing construction management; welding technologies; combination and mixing valves; sewer design and control; and fire protection systems. Paul is a Member of The American Society of Sanitary Engineering, The American Backflow Prevention Association, The Canadian Standards Associations (B-64 committee), The Michigan Backflow Prevention Association (President 2000 – 2009), The American Society of Plumbing Engineers, The National Fire Protection Association, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and several code development associations.

Todd D. Feliks, PE Civil Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan	Mr. Feliks has more than 20 years experience in construction project management. His expertise includes hospital, healthcare, and educational building design and construction, including flooring, painting, lighting and ceiling replacement; building standards and code compliance, including ADA, ANSI, NFPA, BOCA, IBC, and OSHA; Professional Liability issues and Standards of Practice; clean rooms and operating rooms; and project contracts, including shop drawings, submittals, bid and project documents, and change orders. Todd is a Registered Professional Engineer in Michigan, and is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers.

Albert J. Galko, PE, CFEI Civil Engineer and Explosion Investigator Licensed Engineer in several states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana (ask for others)	Mr. Galko has more than 30 years experience involving building design, construction, renovation, and maintenance, including structural evaluations. Al's experience also includes warehouse and manufacturing plant expansions; roadway design, air pollution sampling, and work zone safety. Al is a Registered Professional Engineer in 26 states, and is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator; a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers; the American Institute of Architects; the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers; the International Conference of Building Officials; the National Academy of Building Inspecting Engineers; and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

William H. Glidden, PE, CFEI, PI; Mechanical Engineer, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Licensed Private Investigator Licensed Engineer in Michigan, Ohio, Texas	Mr. Glidden has more than 35 years experience related to buildings and building systems/equipment operation, maintenance, and safety. Bill's experience includes management of waste materials; air and water environmental control; fire systems and safety; equipment failure evaluation; building construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance; building plumbing and HVAC; and hospital mechanical and electrical systems and equipment. Bills' professional membership includes ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers), ASHE (American Society of Hospital Engineers), NAFEI (National Association of Fire and Explosion Investigators), and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Bill has been involved with structural fire and explosion origin and cause litigation, providing site investigations, evidence examination, reports, and expert testimony.

Ann G. Harris, CPG; Geology/ Mining Expert	Ms. Harris has more than 30 years experience involving geological investigations, with specialized expertise in mine incidents in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Her expertise includes mine stability/stabilization, mine reclamation, coal mining techniques, test drilling operations and landslides, in addition to well and groundwater evaluations, including pollution. Ann is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Geological Society of America, the Northern Ohio Geological Society, the Association for Women Geoscientists, Women in Mining, North American Thermal Analysis Society, the Ohio Academy of Science, and the Scientific Research Society of North America. She is a Certified Professional Geologist and has provided expert witness testimony for both plaintiff and defense attorneys.

Robert A. Hayes, CPG; Forensic Geologist	Mr. Hayes has more than 30 years experience involving geological investigations including all aspects of water and soil evaluation, contamination, and remediation. His expertise includes identifying and evaluating (including "age-dating") geological evidence to determine responsible parties and to determine cost-allocations, both present and future. Bob's previous experience includes floodplain studies; soil and groundwater contamination; river and lake dredging; leaking underground storage tanks; and mineral and property valuations. Bob is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists; the National Ground Water Association; the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers; the MUSTFA Policy Advisory Board; and the Michigan Society of Planning Officials.

James R. Heyl, PE; Electrical Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan	Mr. Heyl has more than 30 years experience involving building electrical system and equipment design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. His experience includes residential, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities and their appliances/equipment. Jim has been involved with automation and robotic systems; computers and PLC programming; low and medium voltage distribution systems; code compliance; and standby and prime power generators. Jim’s experience also includes controls and instrumentation systems as well as investigations of electrical systems and components as the origin or cause of fires. Jim is a member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and IES (Illuminating Engineering Society).

James R. Hill, PE; Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Wisconsin	Mr. Hill has more than 30 years experience involving building HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems and components. His experience includes design, installation, code compliance, damage, defects and personal injury. Jim is a member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) and NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers). Jim is a Registered PE in 7 states and has expert witness courtroom experience. Jim's past projects have included bakery and food processing equipment and facilities; commercial and industrial refrigeration/freezer systems; hot water and steam boilers systems; turbines, compressor, pumps, fans, and vacuum systems; kitchens; locker rooms, dining rooms and restrooms; and code and safety compliance, including ADA (American with Disability Act).

George R. Hoffman Insurance Industry Expert	Mr. Hoffman has more than 35 years experience as an Insurance Professional handling claims involving property damage, punitive damages, "bad faith" claims, and property appraisals. George has experience with major catastrophe claims and claims adjustments, including inland and ocean marine claims and business interruption claims.

Blaine J. Hoffmann, MS, OSHM; Safety Expert	Mr. Hoffman's experience includes workplace safety, training, investigations, accident investigations and audits; legal aspects of safety and health; training and development programs; written program development; interpretation of OSHA general industry and construction industry, healthcare industry standards; VPP program management; MSHA training and regulatory interpretations; 40-hr HAZWOPER; and Arc-Flash (NFPA 70E). Blaine is an authorized OSHA Outreach Instructor for both General Industry and Construction.

John Kyes Insurance Expert	Mr. Kyes has more than 30 years experience in the insurance industry, including insurance policies for families, individuals and businesses including auto, home, business, umbrella, life, farm, health, long-term care, disability insurance and annuities; policy form and format; coverage; risk management; ethics; EandO loss control; Medicare/Medicaid; business interruption; workers compensation; bonds; crime; estate protection; charitable giving; no-fault; claims; standard of care; special relationships; bad faith; field underwriting; agent/agency fraud investigations; statutory insurance law; and insurance case law. John has served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Agents Association of Michigan and Chaired its Personal Lines Committee for five years, as well as serving on various other committees. He has also served on the Executive Board of the Independent Agents of Greater Kalamazoo; and promoted and participated in insurance related education programs. He is an instructor for the nationally accredited Customer Service Representative and Certified Insurance Councilor Programs, and is active as a teaching consultant, providing continuing education programs for insurance professionals and in-service workshops for agency and insurance company personnel.

Tracey T. Lemmon Propane Specialist	Mr. Lemmon has more than 30 years experience in the propane field. His experience includes propane system components, installations, and servicing; propane system engineering and design; propane bulk plants. Tracey is the Propane Awareness Committee Chairman and past president of the Ohio Propane Gas Association and a member of the National Fire Protection Agency. He also holds the US patent for ConstaWatch� Pneumatic/Electronic Operation System, which controls internal valves and pump motors for the safe operation and emergency shutdown of a hazardous materials plant.

David M. Manuta, PhD, FAIC Environmental/ Occupational Expert	Dr. Manuta has more than 20 years experience specializing in the application of chemical principles to solve problems for commercial product and industrial process improvements. He has served as an expert witness in litigation involving damage, defects, and personal injury involving fundamental chemical principles. His expertise includes fundamental chemical principles; electrochemistry, thermodynamics; handling safety of gases, chemicals, and oxidizers; industrial and manufacturing operations safety; fire and explosion investigations (including arson); hazardous material and radiation exposure; clandestine manufacturing of illegal drugs; cleaning and disinfecting products and equipment; worker chemical sensitivity assessments; dust and fumes exposure; fireworks incidents; spontaneous combustion; skin care products; infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography testing; and refrigerant hazards. Dave is a member of AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science), ACS (American Chemical Society, Inorganic and Fluorine Divisions), ACCandCE (Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers), AIC (American Institute of Chemists), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), NFC (National Forensic Center), and the Ohio Academy of Science. Dave has also published and presented more than 20 papers and reports.

William Gary Rogers, CFI, LPI; Fire Investigator	Mr. Rogers has more than 30 years experience involving the investigation and "chemistry" of fires and explosions. His experience also includes environmental assessments and remediation, mold and asbestos abatement, structural collapse evaluations, and hazardous materials management. Gary is a member of the American Institute of Planners, the Society of American Foresters, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and a past member of the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), and the Michigan Water Pollution Control Association.

C. Shawn Saunders, PE Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in New York, Pennsylvania	Mr. Saunders began performing vehicle crash reconstruction investigations in 1983 and since that time has performed investigations for autos, pick-up trucks, large commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and bicycles. He has also investigated incidents involving highway and traffic design, vehicle fires, and seat belt usage and failure. He has provided expert witness testimony for depositions, arbitrations, and trials. Shawn is a Licensed Professional Engineer, a New York State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and a member of the International Conference of Building Officials.

Rick A. Smith, PE Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in Ohio	Mr. Smith has more than 30 years experience as a Mechanical Engineer, including more than 20 years working with thermal, energy and combustion systems, including boilers, furnaces, and ovens. His experience includes industrial power plants and processes; thermal and combustion systems; CFC management; HVAC systems; air pollution control; process and power piping and equipment; cathodic protection; pump failure analysis; heat and fluid transfer processes, including energy conservation. Rick is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Fire Protection Association. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio, as well as a Stationary Engineer, 3^rd Class in Ohio. Some of his clients include Anheuser Busch, the State of Ohio, Honda America Mfg., and Nestle.

Jack Spadaro; Mining Expert	Mr. Spadaro has more than 25 years experience in mines and mine equipment; geotechnical engineering; drilling operations; blasting; day-to-day mine operations; noise and dust control; surface haulage safety; electrical hazards; inspection methods; roof control; training for metal, nonmetal and coal mine inspectors; unsafe dump and fill sites; vehicle maintenance; mine and safety hazard abatement; landslide stabilization; subsidence control; mine fires; coal refuse fires, underground mine subsidences; valley fill construction, coal waste disposal; mining reclamation; coal waste embankments; excess mine spoil fills; dam construction; surface mine drainage systems; slope stabilization; mine sediment control structures; hydrology pertaining to earth and coal-related structures; underground coal mine design and surveying; roof control and ventilation plans; and underground and surface mining inspections. Jack is a recipient of the Engineer of the Year Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers. He is a recipient of the Jenco Foundation Award for Service to Humanity in Appalachia, the Chuck Chambers Public Service Award from the W.Va. Environmental Council, the Helen Lewis Community Service Award from the Appalachian Studies Association and the Meritorious Service Award from the Secretary of the Interior.

Harold Lynn Stringer, BSME Vehicle Engineering Expert	Mr. Stringer has more than 25 years experience in vehicle engineering, including motor vehicle design, manufacturing, testing, and servicing including: passenger cars, trucks, buses, trailers, and private/commercial vehicle carriers; engines; fuel systems; electrical systems; lubrication systems; cooling systems; exhaust systems; drive trains; brakes; suspension; steering; wheels/tires; rear drive axles; A/C systems; vehicle crash safety structures; and laboratory testing procedures Lynn has more than 280 hours of technical and management courses and seminars including the Dale Carnegie Institute, QS-9000 Internal Auditor, and Process Improvement Leadership Skills. He is a Licensed Residential Builder and the National Director of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America.

Michael R. Tillotson, CIH, CHMM Industrial Hygienist	Mr. Tillotson has nearly 30 years experience in Environmental/ Occupational Health, including occupational safety; industrial hygiene; radiation safety and health; hazardous waste management; hazardous waste sites; emergency response; pesticides/ pesticides management; asbestos; lead; noise and hazardous materials/ waste management. Mike is a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association; the American Academy of Industrial Hygiene; the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; the Hazardous Materials Managers Institute; the Michigan Industrial Hygiene Society; the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals; the National Lead Abatement Council. He is a Registered Sanitarian (Michigan); a Certified Industrial Hygienist; a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager; an EPA AHERA accredited Inspector/Management Planner, Contractor/Supervisor, and Project Designer; and a Certified Lead Paint/Hazards Inspector/Risk Assessor and Abatement Supervisor.

George W. Van Doren Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and Insurance Expert	Mr. Van Doren has been involved as a Fire Investigator for more than 30 years. He is a member of IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators), CJCC (Criminal Justice Co-Ordinating Council), and on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Ohio Arson Seminar, Inc. George has attended over 30 Fire/Arson Seminars since 1981 and has given over 20 courses and presentations during this time. George's experience includes structures, vehicles, and marine, including fraud fires, conspiracies to commit arson, and subrogation. George has extensive deposition and trial experience.

Bruce E. Van Dorpe, CFI, CFEI Fire and Explosion Investigator	Mr. VanDorpe has more than 25 years as a fire fighter. His experience includes determining the origin and cause of fires; fraud fires; arson and conspiracies to commit arson; fire science technology; safety engineering; electric and gas appliance fires; auto theft fires; bomb scene investigations; clandestine drug labs; criminal/terrorist incidents; interviews and interrogations; and bomb disposal. Bruce is a Certified Fire Investigator; Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator; an Auxiliary Coroner's Investigator; a Fire Safety Inspector; and holds a Peace Officer Certification. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association; the Columbus Claims Association; the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators; the Dayton Claims Adjusters Association, the National Association of Fire Investigators; the International Association of Arson Investigators; the International Association of Arson Investigators, Ohio Chapter; and the Miami Valley Fire Investigators Association. He has received the Fire Safety Commendation Award from the Sons of the American Revolution; and the Fire Chief's Commendation, and Unit Citation for Outstanding Service from the Dayton Fire Department.

Douglas J. Van Sweden, PE Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan	Mr. Van Sweden has more than 25 years as a mechanical engineer, with the majority of that time in vehicle crash investigations. His experience includes vehicle crash reconstruction including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and personal watercraft; biomechanical injuries; vehicle inspections and testing; vehicle dynamics; vehicle crash demonstrations; seat belt and airbag restraint systems; vehicle systems and structures including: engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, drive trains, brakes, suspension, steering, body corrosion, interior components, and seats; vehicle and stationary equipment fires and explosions; fire origin and cause; injury causation; reconstruction of non-transportation related accidents, including elevators and hoists; durability testing; certification testing; emergency driver training instructor. Doug is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers; the National Society of Professional Engineers; and the International Association of Arson Investigators.

James S. Wickersham, PE Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Utah	Mr. Wickersham has more than 20 years experience in construction, maintenance, and mechanical engineering. His experience includes recreational activities/ facilities/ equipment, including amusement parks, playgrounds, and winter sports; fire/ explosion investigations; gas turbine and combined cycle power plants; ski resort maintenance and operations, including security, grooming, training and supervision of all personnel; boiling water reactors; nuclear energy plants, including maintenance, supervision, and mechanical tooling. Jim is a Licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Level I Amusement Ride Inspector, and Certified Playground Safety Inspector. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; the American Society for Testing and Materials, F24 and F27 Committees; National Society of Professional Engineers; Professional Ski Instructors of America; and National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials.

Michael T. Williams, PE Civil and Environmental Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan, Indiana, New Mexico	Mr. Williams has more than 30 years of Civil/Environmental Engineering experience, including water distribution, sanitary and storm water sewer systems, pump stations, and wastewater treatment plants; administration, inspection and testing for construction of storm sewers, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, activated sludge systems, aerated lagoons, oxidation ditches, sequencing batch reactors, and secondary/tertiary treatment systems; inspector/technician training; site surveying and safety plans; project certifications; failures and malfunctions including foundations, retaining walls, roofs, structural failures, appliances, furnaces, swimming pools, spas, saunas, plumbing systems, hydraulic systems, fire suppression systems, environmental releases, and environmental remediation systems; hydrogeological investigations, aquifer tests, design and permitting. Mike is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Water Environment Federation, and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.

Robert A. Yano, PE; Mechanical Engineer Licensed Engineer in Michigan, Ohio, California, Indiana	Mr. Yano has more than 30 years experience involving the design, installation, testing, and operation of combustion systems and components including: water heaters; steam boilers; propane and natural gas-fired appliances; combustors; combustion safety systems, including flame detectors; home, recreational, and industrial propane systems; exhaust venting systems; CO exposure; and combustion turbines. His experience also includes fuel delivery systems (oil, gasoline, propane, and natural gas) and the controls and safety requirements for these systems. Bob has extensive working knowledge of pertinent safety codes and standards including: NFPA, API, UMC, EPA, UL, CSA, ANSI, ASME, IGA, AGA, NPGA, BOCA, and CFR. Bob has also completed a "Propane Emergencies Course" offered by NPGA (National Propane Gas Association) and attended a Fuel Pipeline Safety Seminar hosted by major fuel gas suppliers and distributors. Bob is a member of The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers; The Society of Automotive Engineers; The National Safety Council; The National Fire Protection Association; and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.