Cheshire named top arson investigation prof for advancing Texas firefighter training

COLLEGE STATION – Harvie Cheshire, Training Manager with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, has been named one of the top 13 arson investigation professors in the U.S. by ForensicsColleges.com for his efforts to advance the training of Texas firefighters in fire and arson investigation. A blog post credited the members of the list as talented investigators and educators.

Cheshire has coordinated the Texas Fire & Arson Investigators Seminar, in conjunction with the Texas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAAI), since 2003. During that time, the program has grown significantly, and in 2013, attracted 235 participants.

The professional seminar offers continuing education credits from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the Texas Department of Insurance. The program is recognized and co-sponsored by the Texas Fire Marshal’s Association, State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas (SFFMA), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and A Texas Advisory Council on Arson (ATAC).

Cheshire is a graduate of the U.S. Fire Administration’s Executive Fire Officer Program and the TEEX Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program. He currently serves as 4th Vice President of SFFMA and as Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal for the Madisonville Volunteer Fire Department as well as Madison County Fire Marshal. At TEEX, he manages the Annual Fire Training Schools, as well as the Fire & Arson Investigators Seminar.

Cheshire holds an AAS degree in Fire Safety Administration and Criminal Justice from Navarro College and is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy at Navarro College. Before joining TEEX in 1994, he served as a firefighter and lieutenant for the Ennis Fire Department, and Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief for Forest Hill Fire-Rescue.

According to www.ForensicsColleges.com, the job of an arson investigator is essential when it comes to determining the cause of any suspicious fire. Arson investigators may work for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, or even insurance companies. While most training was once done “on the job,” the tides have since shifted towards more formal, academic training in investigative procedures and fire science.