Three Chattanooga fire investigators received top honors from the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson this month. TACA named Captains Anthony Moore, Henry McElvain and Andrew Waters its Public Fire Investigators of the Year for 2016.
The 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,” Matlock says. “They have missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other important personal events to do their job. 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 technology and skills.
Chattanooga’s fire investigators are trained as firefighters but must also go through the police academy. Their primary job is to determine the origin of fires. When arson is involved, they conduct investigations, interview suspects and, when necessary, prosecute cases. They are armed and have the authority to make arrests.
Source: Chattanooga Fire Department