Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Alberta received its Charter from the IAAI on April 2, 1981.
Glenda Dales
PRESIDENT
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
Glen Hunker
1st VICE PRESIDENT
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen
Kevin Bureau
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
Al Weicker
DIRECTOR
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
Trevor Kotowich
DIRECTOR
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Trevor Mistal
DIRECTOR
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
Dwayne Ethier
DIRECTOR
Grayson Smith’s bio goes here
Fire & Emergency Services, Medicine Hat
Ryan Harley began working in emergency services in 2003 when employed as an Alberta Helitack Firefighter. After working two consecutive seasons with Alberta Wildfire, Ryan gained full-time employment, as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with Edmonton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while also holding casual positions with Beaver County EMS (as an EMT) and Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / EMT). In 2008, Ryan began working full-time for Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / Paramedic) while holding a casual position with Parkland Ambulance Authority (as a Paramedic). With Spruce Grove Fire Services, Ryan was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and then transitioned to a Fire Prevention Officer in 2015. In 2020, Ryan became employed with St. Albert Fire Services as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Ryan is an Alberta Safety Codes Officer within the Fire Disciple with Group B Level 2 (Fire Inspector), Group C Level 2 (Fire Investigator) and Group E (Fuel Storage Tank Inspector) designation. Ryan is certified to NFPA levels 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1021 Level 2, 1031, 1033 and 1041 Level 2. Ryan is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigator Technician and Evidence Collection Technician. Ryan is also an Advanced Care Paramedic.
When not working, doing schoolwork or spending time with family Ryan’s hobbies include trail running, watching movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan has been an FIAA member since 2018 and was elected to the FIAA board of directors in November 2022.
I am Jeffrey R. Francis (Jeff), and I am employed with the City of Spruce Grove Fire Services and my work portfolio currently is to manage and administrate Community Safety that includes all Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations and Public Education for the City of Spruce Grove.
I have been working with the team here for two years. Before my current position, I worked as a member of the FPI Team in Strathcona as a Fire Inspector with SCES. During this time, I was signed off as an On Call Investigator in the Gator rotation reporting to the Captain Fire Prevention. I have been working in Fire Inspections and Investigations full-time for the last 6 years
Previous to my current work in Community Safety I worked in Fire Operations for a combined total of 13 years with both the municipal service with the City of Beaumont full time for five years and federal fire service for 7 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces with two deployments as a firefighter along with numerous Arctic Operations and Exercises.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management through Lakeland College and hold the Fire SCO B2/C2/E. I am designated as an IAAI FIT, and will be challenging the ECT practicum on November 25th, these two designations are part of my path to complete the CFI designation through the IAAI before 2025.
I am an avid mountaineer, and you will regularly find me in the mountains and foothills of Alberta trying to get to the top of one of the many peaks. I am an avid backcountry camper in the “off season” and during the season I am in the backcountry ski touring.
Jeff Francis
Leigh is currently employed as the Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster and manages a composite fire department of nine full-time and forty part-time suppression firefighters all who are all part of the IAFF, two assistant chief officers and one administrative assistant. Lloydminster is unique as we report to two provincial agencies when reporting fire incidents.
In his twenty-eight years of service, Leigh has had the opportunity to work in three provinces (four if you include Saskatchewan), as a firefighter, paramedic, investigator/inspector and chief officer. Leigh is currently Fire SCO B2/C2, IAAI FIT and currently assists with investigations for the insurance industry.
Leigh has been an investigator for the past fifteen years and enjoys the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle. In Leigh’s downtime, he tries to spend as much time with his family enjoying the outdoors.
Leigh Sawicki
Lloydminster Fire Department
Email Leigh
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Agriculture and Forestry – Wildfire Management Branch
Russell Murphy is a wildfire investigator with Agriculture and Forestry in Slave Lake Alberta. He became an investigator in 2015 and has been a wildland firefighter since 2001. He has also been a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and been able to volunteer in Barriere, and Chetwynd BC as well as Valleyview and Widewater Alberta as he moved with his wildfire career.
Steve Maertens-Poole, Director
Edmonton Police Service
10217 – 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0H7
780-408-1621 (b) 780-984-3905 (c)
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Trochu and District Fire Department
Lawrence started with the fire service in 1974 with the Trochu Fire Department. At that time there was a town and a rural side of the fire department which was in later years combined into one. At the urging of the (then) Fire Chief, he began taking courses at the Alberta Fire Training School (AFTS) and where ever they were offered. In 1982 Lawrence was appointed Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner and as such became more involved in the cause and determination of fires. Lawrence has been a Director for the AFCA, (and now Life Member) a Councilor for local government, an Appeals Member for the Province of Alberta, a FIAA Director for two terms, received, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and Bar of Canada and the Queens Jubilee Medal. In January of 2013, Lawrence stepped down as Fire Chief for the Trochu Department to Deputy Fire Chief / Chief Fire Investigator
Lawrence has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years; they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mike Zajac began his career in emergency services in August of 1999 with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services as a Paid on Call Firefighter. Mike moved through the ranks and became the full time Deputy Chief in May of 2005 and held that position until taking a position as the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Wetaskiwin in September of 2012, which he still holds today. Mike has completed a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services through Lakeland College, and is certified to NFPA 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1006, 1021 Level 2, 1033 Level 2, 1041 Level 2, 1521, among numerous other certifications. Mike has extensive experience in firefighting operations, fire ground command, fire instruction, public education, fire prevention, fire inspection and investigation. Mike has been a member of the FIAA since August of 2005, and was elected to FIAA Board of Directors in October of 2018.
Contact:
(780) 387-6101(c)
(780) 361-6240 (o)
Email Mike
Chris Shannon has been specializing in electrical forensic fire investigation since 2009 with Shannon & Associates Engineering Ltd. He has been on the FIAA board since 2016.
Email Chris
Darryl Shyian joined the emergency services in 1992 as a volunteer with the Bonnyville Fire Department. He is an active emergency responder/fire investigator within the Bonnyville Community, who spent many years promoting the development of fire prevention and education activities. Currently, Darryl holds the position of Station Chief, Bonnyville Station #5 responsible for 30 volunteer firefighters and 6 junior firefighters. Darryl has successfully completed his NFPA 1001 certification, and is a Safety Codes Fire Inspector Group B Level 2 and Investigator Group C Level 2. Darryl joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2006 and has been a strong supporter of the training sessions. In 2017 he became a a member of the FIAA Board of Directors and also became a member of the IAAI.
Alongside his volunteering in the fire service, Darryl has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1988 in the safety and engineering departments.
When not involved with work or fire department activities, Darryl enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son and Bailey, the four-legged canine who runs the household.
David Hines has over 20 years experience in the Engineering industry with extensive experience in forensic investigations, mainly centered around Fire Investigation (Structural: residential, commercial, & industrial; Vehicles: heavy equipment, commercial transport, & passenger vehicles), and Failure Analysis of Electrical Systems (low/medium/high voltage, distribution, transmission, electronics, controls, & consumer products). He first joined the FIAA in 2010 and has been a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) since 2012. With over ten years of experience doing exclusively Forensic Engineering work, he has led hundreds of investigations to date with multifaceted teams of Investigators, Engineers, and Technicians.
Orata Engineering
7415 – 44 Street SE
Calgary, Alberta T2C 3C8
403-478-6487
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
I’m Jay Goupil, Sr. Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Regional Emergency Services in the RMWB based in Fort McMurray. I am joining the board with nearly 10 years of experience in the fire investigation field. Before my current role, I worked as a fire sprinkler system designer/project manager in Ontario, Quebec, and North Carolina. I am excited to join the board of the FIAA and hope to complement this great organization with new and exciting ideas. A born and raised bass fisherman from South-Eastern Ontario, you can usually find me now on my fishing boat catching big Northern Alberta gators. I’m looking forward to working with and for all of you.
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen
William Len Raymond
DIRECTOR
Grayson Smith’s bio goes here
Fire & Emergency Services, Medicine Hat
Ryan Harley began working in emergency services in 2003 when employed as an Alberta Helitack Firefighter. After working two consecutive seasons with Alberta Wildfire, Ryan gained full-time employment, as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with Edmonton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while also holding casual positions with Beaver County EMS (as an EMT) and Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / EMT). In 2008, Ryan began working full-time for Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / Paramedic) while holding a casual position with Parkland Ambulance Authority (as a Paramedic). With Spruce Grove Fire Services, Ryan was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and then transitioned to a Fire Prevention Officer in 2015. In 2020, Ryan became employed with St. Albert Fire Services as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Ryan is an Alberta Safety Codes Officer within the Fire Disciple with Group B Level 2 (Fire Inspector), Group C Level 2 (Fire Investigator) and Group E (Fuel Storage Tank Inspector) designation. Ryan is certified to NFPA levels 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1021 Level 2, 1031, 1033 and 1041 Level 2. Ryan is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigator Technician and Evidence Collection Technician. Ryan is also an Advanced Care Paramedic.
When not working, doing schoolwork or spending time with family Ryan’s hobbies include trail running, watching movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan has been an FIAA member since 2018 and was elected to the FIAA board of directors in November 2022.
I am Jeffrey R. Francis (Jeff), and I am employed with the City of Spruce Grove Fire Services and my work portfolio currently is to manage and administrate Community Safety that includes all Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations and Public Education for the City of Spruce Grove.
I have been working with the team here for two years. Before my current position, I worked as a member of the FPI Team in Strathcona as a Fire Inspector with SCES. During this time, I was signed off as an On Call Investigator in the Gator rotation reporting to the Captain Fire Prevention. I have been working in Fire Inspections and Investigations full-time for the last 6 years
Previous to my current work in Community Safety I worked in Fire Operations for a combined total of 13 years with both the municipal service with the City of Beaumont full time for five years and federal fire service for 7 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces with two deployments as a firefighter along with numerous Arctic Operations and Exercises.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management through Lakeland College and hold the Fire SCO B2/C2/E. I am designated as an IAAI FIT, and will be challenging the ECT practicum on November 25th, these two designations are part of my path to complete the CFI designation through the IAAI before 2025.
I am an avid mountaineer, and you will regularly find me in the mountains and foothills of Alberta trying to get to the top of one of the many peaks. I am an avid backcountry camper in the “off season” and during the season I am in the backcountry ski touring.
Jeff Francis
Leigh is currently employed as the Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster and manages a composite fire department of nine full-time and forty part-time suppression firefighters all who are all part of the IAFF, two assistant chief officers and one administrative assistant. Lloydminster is unique as we report to two provincial agencies when reporting fire incidents.
In his twenty-eight years of service, Leigh has had the opportunity to work in three provinces (four if you include Saskatchewan), as a firefighter, paramedic, investigator/inspector and chief officer. Leigh is currently Fire SCO B2/C2, IAAI FIT and currently assists with investigations for the insurance industry.
Leigh has been an investigator for the past fifteen years and enjoys the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle. In Leigh’s downtime, he tries to spend as much time with his family enjoying the outdoors.
Leigh Sawicki
Lloydminster Fire Department
Email Leigh
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Agriculture and Forestry – Wildfire Management Branch
Russell Murphy is a wildfire investigator with Agriculture and Forestry in Slave Lake Alberta. He became an investigator in 2015 and has been a wildland firefighter since 2001. He has also been a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and been able to volunteer in Barriere, and Chetwynd BC as well as Valleyview and Widewater Alberta as he moved with his wildfire career.
Steve Maertens-Poole, Director
Edmonton Police Service
10217 – 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0H7
780-408-1621 (b) 780-984-3905 (c)
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Trochu and District Fire Department
Lawrence started with the fire service in 1974 with the Trochu Fire Department. At that time there was a town and a rural side of the fire department which was in later years combined into one. At the urging of the (then) Fire Chief, he began taking courses at the Alberta Fire Training School (AFTS) and where ever they were offered. In 1982 Lawrence was appointed Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner and as such became more involved in the cause and determination of fires. Lawrence has been a Director for the AFCA, (and now Life Member) a Councilor for local government, an Appeals Member for the Province of Alberta, a FIAA Director for two terms, received, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and Bar of Canada and the Queens Jubilee Medal. In January of 2013, Lawrence stepped down as Fire Chief for the Trochu Department to Deputy Fire Chief / Chief Fire Investigator
Lawrence has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years; they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mike Zajac began his career in emergency services in August of 1999 with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services as a Paid on Call Firefighter. Mike moved through the ranks and became the full time Deputy Chief in May of 2005 and held that position until taking a position as the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Wetaskiwin in September of 2012, which he still holds today. Mike has completed a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services through Lakeland College, and is certified to NFPA 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1006, 1021 Level 2, 1033 Level 2, 1041 Level 2, 1521, among numerous other certifications. Mike has extensive experience in firefighting operations, fire ground command, fire instruction, public education, fire prevention, fire inspection and investigation. Mike has been a member of the FIAA since August of 2005, and was elected to FIAA Board of Directors in October of 2018.
Contact:
(780) 387-6101(c)
(780) 361-6240 (o)
Email Mike
Chris Shannon has been specializing in electrical forensic fire investigation since 2009 with Shannon & Associates Engineering Ltd. He has been on the FIAA board since 2016.
Email Chris
Darryl Shyian joined the emergency services in 1992 as a volunteer with the Bonnyville Fire Department. He is an active emergency responder/fire investigator within the Bonnyville Community, who spent many years promoting the development of fire prevention and education activities. Currently, Darryl holds the position of Station Chief, Bonnyville Station #5 responsible for 30 volunteer firefighters and 6 junior firefighters. Darryl has successfully completed his NFPA 1001 certification, and is a Safety Codes Fire Inspector Group B Level 2 and Investigator Group C Level 2. Darryl joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2006 and has been a strong supporter of the training sessions. In 2017 he became a a member of the FIAA Board of Directors and also became a member of the IAAI.
Alongside his volunteering in the fire service, Darryl has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1988 in the safety and engineering departments.
When not involved with work or fire department activities, Darryl enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son and Bailey, the four-legged canine who runs the household.
David Hines has over 20 years experience in the Engineering industry with extensive experience in forensic investigations, mainly centered around Fire Investigation (Structural: residential, commercial, & industrial; Vehicles: heavy equipment, commercial transport, & passenger vehicles), and Failure Analysis of Electrical Systems (low/medium/high voltage, distribution, transmission, electronics, controls, & consumer products). He first joined the FIAA in 2010 and has been a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) since 2012. With over ten years of experience doing exclusively Forensic Engineering work, he has led hundreds of investigations to date with multifaceted teams of Investigators, Engineers, and Technicians.
Orata Engineering
7415 – 44 Street SE
Calgary, Alberta T2C 3C8
403-478-6487
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
I’m Jay Goupil, Sr. Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Regional Emergency Services in the RMWB based in Fort McMurray. I am joining the board with nearly 10 years of experience in the fire investigation field. Before my current role, I worked as a fire sprinkler system designer/project manager in Ontario, Quebec, and North Carolina. I am excited to join the board of the FIAA and hope to complement this great organization with new and exciting ideas. A born and raised bass fisherman from South-Eastern Ontario, you can usually find me now on my fishing boat catching big Northern Alberta gators. I’m looking forward to working with and for all of you.
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen
Rob Olsen
DIRECTOR
Dennis Wichuk
DIRECTOR
Grayson Smith’s bio goes here
Fire & Emergency Services, Medicine Hat
Ryan Harley began working in emergency services in 2003 when employed as an Alberta Helitack Firefighter. After working two consecutive seasons with Alberta Wildfire, Ryan gained full-time employment, as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with Edmonton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while also holding casual positions with Beaver County EMS (as an EMT) and Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / EMT). In 2008, Ryan began working full-time for Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / Paramedic) while holding a casual position with Parkland Ambulance Authority (as a Paramedic). With Spruce Grove Fire Services, Ryan was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and then transitioned to a Fire Prevention Officer in 2015. In 2020, Ryan became employed with St. Albert Fire Services as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Ryan is an Alberta Safety Codes Officer within the Fire Disciple with Group B Level 2 (Fire Inspector), Group C Level 2 (Fire Investigator) and Group E (Fuel Storage Tank Inspector) designation. Ryan is certified to NFPA levels 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1021 Level 2, 1031, 1033 and 1041 Level 2. Ryan is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigator Technician and Evidence Collection Technician. Ryan is also an Advanced Care Paramedic.
When not working, doing schoolwork or spending time with family Ryan’s hobbies include trail running, watching movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan has been an FIAA member since 2018 and was elected to the FIAA board of directors in November 2022.
I am Jeffrey R. Francis (Jeff), and I am employed with the City of Spruce Grove Fire Services and my work portfolio currently is to manage and administrate Community Safety that includes all Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations and Public Education for the City of Spruce Grove.
I have been working with the team here for two years. Before my current position, I worked as a member of the FPI Team in Strathcona as a Fire Inspector with SCES. During this time, I was signed off as an On Call Investigator in the Gator rotation reporting to the Captain Fire Prevention. I have been working in Fire Inspections and Investigations full-time for the last 6 years
Previous to my current work in Community Safety I worked in Fire Operations for a combined total of 13 years with both the municipal service with the City of Beaumont full time for five years and federal fire service for 7 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces with two deployments as a firefighter along with numerous Arctic Operations and Exercises.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management through Lakeland College and hold the Fire SCO B2/C2/E. I am designated as an IAAI FIT, and will be challenging the ECT practicum on November 25th, these two designations are part of my path to complete the CFI designation through the IAAI before 2025.
I am an avid mountaineer, and you will regularly find me in the mountains and foothills of Alberta trying to get to the top of one of the many peaks. I am an avid backcountry camper in the “off season” and during the season I am in the backcountry ski touring.
Jeff Francis
Leigh is currently employed as the Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster and manages a composite fire department of nine full-time and forty part-time suppression firefighters all who are all part of the IAFF, two assistant chief officers and one administrative assistant. Lloydminster is unique as we report to two provincial agencies when reporting fire incidents.
In his twenty-eight years of service, Leigh has had the opportunity to work in three provinces (four if you include Saskatchewan), as a firefighter, paramedic, investigator/inspector and chief officer. Leigh is currently Fire SCO B2/C2, IAAI FIT and currently assists with investigations for the insurance industry.
Leigh has been an investigator for the past fifteen years and enjoys the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle. In Leigh’s downtime, he tries to spend as much time with his family enjoying the outdoors.
Leigh Sawicki
Lloydminster Fire Department
Email Leigh
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Agriculture and Forestry – Wildfire Management Branch
Russell Murphy is a wildfire investigator with Agriculture and Forestry in Slave Lake Alberta. He became an investigator in 2015 and has been a wildland firefighter since 2001. He has also been a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and been able to volunteer in Barriere, and Chetwynd BC as well as Valleyview and Widewater Alberta as he moved with his wildfire career.
Steve Maertens-Poole, Director
Edmonton Police Service
10217 – 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0H7
780-408-1621 (b) 780-984-3905 (c)
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Trochu and District Fire Department
Lawrence started with the fire service in 1974 with the Trochu Fire Department. At that time there was a town and a rural side of the fire department which was in later years combined into one. At the urging of the (then) Fire Chief, he began taking courses at the Alberta Fire Training School (AFTS) and where ever they were offered. In 1982 Lawrence was appointed Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner and as such became more involved in the cause and determination of fires. Lawrence has been a Director for the AFCA, (and now Life Member) a Councilor for local government, an Appeals Member for the Province of Alberta, a FIAA Director for two terms, received, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and Bar of Canada and the Queens Jubilee Medal. In January of 2013, Lawrence stepped down as Fire Chief for the Trochu Department to Deputy Fire Chief / Chief Fire Investigator
Lawrence has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years; they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mike Zajac began his career in emergency services in August of 1999 with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services as a Paid on Call Firefighter. Mike moved through the ranks and became the full time Deputy Chief in May of 2005 and held that position until taking a position as the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Wetaskiwin in September of 2012, which he still holds today. Mike has completed a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services through Lakeland College, and is certified to NFPA 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1006, 1021 Level 2, 1033 Level 2, 1041 Level 2, 1521, among numerous other certifications. Mike has extensive experience in firefighting operations, fire ground command, fire instruction, public education, fire prevention, fire inspection and investigation. Mike has been a member of the FIAA since August of 2005, and was elected to FIAA Board of Directors in October of 2018.
Contact:
(780) 387-6101(c)
(780) 361-6240 (o)
Email Mike
Chris Shannon has been specializing in electrical forensic fire investigation since 2009 with Shannon & Associates Engineering Ltd. He has been on the FIAA board since 2016.
Email Chris
Darryl Shyian joined the emergency services in 1992 as a volunteer with the Bonnyville Fire Department. He is an active emergency responder/fire investigator within the Bonnyville Community, who spent many years promoting the development of fire prevention and education activities. Currently, Darryl holds the position of Station Chief, Bonnyville Station #5 responsible for 30 volunteer firefighters and 6 junior firefighters. Darryl has successfully completed his NFPA 1001 certification, and is a Safety Codes Fire Inspector Group B Level 2 and Investigator Group C Level 2. Darryl joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2006 and has been a strong supporter of the training sessions. In 2017 he became a a member of the FIAA Board of Directors and also became a member of the IAAI.
Alongside his volunteering in the fire service, Darryl has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1988 in the safety and engineering departments.
When not involved with work or fire department activities, Darryl enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son and Bailey, the four-legged canine who runs the household.
David Hines has over 20 years experience in the Engineering industry with extensive experience in forensic investigations, mainly centered around Fire Investigation (Structural: residential, commercial, & industrial; Vehicles: heavy equipment, commercial transport, & passenger vehicles), and Failure Analysis of Electrical Systems (low/medium/high voltage, distribution, transmission, electronics, controls, & consumer products). He first joined the FIAA in 2010 and has been a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) since 2012. With over ten years of experience doing exclusively Forensic Engineering work, he has led hundreds of investigations to date with multifaceted teams of Investigators, Engineers, and Technicians.
Orata Engineering
7415 – 44 Street SE
Calgary, Alberta T2C 3C8
403-478-6487
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
I’m Jay Goupil, Sr. Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Regional Emergency Services in the RMWB based in Fort McMurray. I am joining the board with nearly 10 years of experience in the fire investigation field. Before my current role, I worked as a fire sprinkler system designer/project manager in Ontario, Quebec, and North Carolina. I am excited to join the board of the FIAA and hope to complement this great organization with new and exciting ideas. A born and raised bass fisherman from South-Eastern Ontario, you can usually find me now on my fishing boat catching big Northern Alberta gators. I’m looking forward to working with and for all of you.
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen
Eric Schlegl
DIRECTOR
Grayson Smith’s bio goes here
Fire & Emergency Services, Medicine Hat
Ryan Harley began working in emergency services in 2003 when employed as an Alberta Helitack Firefighter. After working two consecutive seasons with Alberta Wildfire, Ryan gained full-time employment, as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with Edmonton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while also holding casual positions with Beaver County EMS (as an EMT) and Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / EMT). In 2008, Ryan began working full-time for Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / Paramedic) while holding a casual position with Parkland Ambulance Authority (as a Paramedic). With Spruce Grove Fire Services, Ryan was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and then transitioned to a Fire Prevention Officer in 2015. In 2020, Ryan became employed with St. Albert Fire Services as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Ryan is an Alberta Safety Codes Officer within the Fire Disciple with Group B Level 2 (Fire Inspector), Group C Level 2 (Fire Investigator) and Group E (Fuel Storage Tank Inspector) designation. Ryan is certified to NFPA levels 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1021 Level 2, 1031, 1033 and 1041 Level 2. Ryan is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigator Technician and Evidence Collection Technician. Ryan is also an Advanced Care Paramedic.
When not working, doing schoolwork or spending time with family Ryan’s hobbies include trail running, watching movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan has been an FIAA member since 2018 and was elected to the FIAA board of directors in November 2022.
I am Jeffrey R. Francis (Jeff), and I am employed with the City of Spruce Grove Fire Services and my work portfolio currently is to manage and administrate Community Safety that includes all Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations and Public Education for the City of Spruce Grove.
I have been working with the team here for two years. Before my current position, I worked as a member of the FPI Team in Strathcona as a Fire Inspector with SCES. During this time, I was signed off as an On Call Investigator in the Gator rotation reporting to the Captain Fire Prevention. I have been working in Fire Inspections and Investigations full-time for the last 6 years
Previous to my current work in Community Safety I worked in Fire Operations for a combined total of 13 years with both the municipal service with the City of Beaumont full time for five years and federal fire service for 7 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces with two deployments as a firefighter along with numerous Arctic Operations and Exercises.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management through Lakeland College and hold the Fire SCO B2/C2/E. I am designated as an IAAI FIT, and will be challenging the ECT practicum on November 25th, these two designations are part of my path to complete the CFI designation through the IAAI before 2025.
I am an avid mountaineer, and you will regularly find me in the mountains and foothills of Alberta trying to get to the top of one of the many peaks. I am an avid backcountry camper in the “off season” and during the season I am in the backcountry ski touring.
Jeff Francis
Leigh is currently employed as the Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster and manages a composite fire department of nine full-time and forty part-time suppression firefighters all who are all part of the IAFF, two assistant chief officers and one administrative assistant. Lloydminster is unique as we report to two provincial agencies when reporting fire incidents.
In his twenty-eight years of service, Leigh has had the opportunity to work in three provinces (four if you include Saskatchewan), as a firefighter, paramedic, investigator/inspector and chief officer. Leigh is currently Fire SCO B2/C2, IAAI FIT and currently assists with investigations for the insurance industry.
Leigh has been an investigator for the past fifteen years and enjoys the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle. In Leigh’s downtime, he tries to spend as much time with his family enjoying the outdoors.
Leigh Sawicki
Lloydminster Fire Department
Email Leigh
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Agriculture and Forestry – Wildfire Management Branch
Russell Murphy is a wildfire investigator with Agriculture and Forestry in Slave Lake Alberta. He became an investigator in 2015 and has been a wildland firefighter since 2001. He has also been a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and been able to volunteer in Barriere, and Chetwynd BC as well as Valleyview and Widewater Alberta as he moved with his wildfire career.
Steve Maertens-Poole, Director
Edmonton Police Service
10217 – 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0H7
780-408-1621 (b) 780-984-3905 (c)
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Trochu and District Fire Department
Lawrence started with the fire service in 1974 with the Trochu Fire Department. At that time there was a town and a rural side of the fire department which was in later years combined into one. At the urging of the (then) Fire Chief, he began taking courses at the Alberta Fire Training School (AFTS) and where ever they were offered. In 1982 Lawrence was appointed Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner and as such became more involved in the cause and determination of fires. Lawrence has been a Director for the AFCA, (and now Life Member) a Councilor for local government, an Appeals Member for the Province of Alberta, a FIAA Director for two terms, received, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and Bar of Canada and the Queens Jubilee Medal. In January of 2013, Lawrence stepped down as Fire Chief for the Trochu Department to Deputy Fire Chief / Chief Fire Investigator
Lawrence has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years; they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mike Zajac began his career in emergency services in August of 1999 with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services as a Paid on Call Firefighter. Mike moved through the ranks and became the full time Deputy Chief in May of 2005 and held that position until taking a position as the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Wetaskiwin in September of 2012, which he still holds today. Mike has completed a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services through Lakeland College, and is certified to NFPA 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1006, 1021 Level 2, 1033 Level 2, 1041 Level 2, 1521, among numerous other certifications. Mike has extensive experience in firefighting operations, fire ground command, fire instruction, public education, fire prevention, fire inspection and investigation. Mike has been a member of the FIAA since August of 2005, and was elected to FIAA Board of Directors in October of 2018.
Contact:
(780) 387-6101(c)
(780) 361-6240 (o)
Email Mike
Chris Shannon has been specializing in electrical forensic fire investigation since 2009 with Shannon & Associates Engineering Ltd. He has been on the FIAA board since 2016.
Email Chris
Darryl Shyian joined the emergency services in 1992 as a volunteer with the Bonnyville Fire Department. He is an active emergency responder/fire investigator within the Bonnyville Community, who spent many years promoting the development of fire prevention and education activities. Currently, Darryl holds the position of Station Chief, Bonnyville Station #5 responsible for 30 volunteer firefighters and 6 junior firefighters. Darryl has successfully completed his NFPA 1001 certification, and is a Safety Codes Fire Inspector Group B Level 2 and Investigator Group C Level 2. Darryl joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2006 and has been a strong supporter of the training sessions. In 2017 he became a a member of the FIAA Board of Directors and also became a member of the IAAI.
Alongside his volunteering in the fire service, Darryl has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1988 in the safety and engineering departments.
When not involved with work or fire department activities, Darryl enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son and Bailey, the four-legged canine who runs the household.
David Hines has over 20 years experience in the Engineering industry with extensive experience in forensic investigations, mainly centered around Fire Investigation (Structural: residential, commercial, & industrial; Vehicles: heavy equipment, commercial transport, & passenger vehicles), and Failure Analysis of Electrical Systems (low/medium/high voltage, distribution, transmission, electronics, controls, & consumer products). He first joined the FIAA in 2010 and has been a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) since 2012. With over ten years of experience doing exclusively Forensic Engineering work, he has led hundreds of investigations to date with multifaceted teams of Investigators, Engineers, and Technicians.
Orata Engineering
7415 – 44 Street SE
Calgary, Alberta T2C 3C8
403-478-6487
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
I’m Jay Goupil, Sr. Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Regional Emergency Services in the RMWB based in Fort McMurray. I am joining the board with nearly 10 years of experience in the fire investigation field. Before my current role, I worked as a fire sprinkler system designer/project manager in Ontario, Quebec, and North Carolina. I am excited to join the board of the FIAA and hope to complement this great organization with new and exciting ideas. A born and raised bass fisherman from South-Eastern Ontario, you can usually find me now on my fishing boat catching big Northern Alberta gators. I’m looking forward to working with and for all of you.
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen
Jeff Groves
DIRECTOR
Grayson Smith’s bio goes here
Fire & Emergency Services, Medicine Hat
Ryan Harley began working in emergency services in 2003 when employed as an Alberta Helitack Firefighter. After working two consecutive seasons with Alberta Wildfire, Ryan gained full-time employment, as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with Edmonton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while also holding casual positions with Beaver County EMS (as an EMT) and Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / EMT). In 2008, Ryan began working full-time for Spruce Grove Fire Services (as a Firefighter / Paramedic) while holding a casual position with Parkland Ambulance Authority (as a Paramedic). With Spruce Grove Fire Services, Ryan was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and then transitioned to a Fire Prevention Officer in 2015. In 2020, Ryan became employed with St. Albert Fire Services as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Ryan is an Alberta Safety Codes Officer within the Fire Disciple with Group B Level 2 (Fire Inspector), Group C Level 2 (Fire Investigator) and Group E (Fuel Storage Tank Inspector) designation. Ryan is certified to NFPA levels 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1021 Level 2, 1031, 1033 and 1041 Level 2. Ryan is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as a Fire Investigator Technician and Evidence Collection Technician. Ryan is also an Advanced Care Paramedic.
When not working, doing schoolwork or spending time with family Ryan’s hobbies include trail running, watching movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan has been an FIAA member since 2018 and was elected to the FIAA board of directors in November 2022.
I am Jeffrey R. Francis (Jeff), and I am employed with the City of Spruce Grove Fire Services and my work portfolio currently is to manage and administrate Community Safety that includes all Fire Inspections, Fire Investigations and Public Education for the City of Spruce Grove.
I have been working with the team here for two years. Before my current position, I worked as a member of the FPI Team in Strathcona as a Fire Inspector with SCES. During this time, I was signed off as an On Call Investigator in the Gator rotation reporting to the Captain Fire Prevention. I have been working in Fire Inspections and Investigations full-time for the last 6 years
Previous to my current work in Community Safety I worked in Fire Operations for a combined total of 13 years with both the municipal service with the City of Beaumont full time for five years and federal fire service for 7 years as a member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces with two deployments as a firefighter along with numerous Arctic Operations and Exercises.
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management through Lakeland College and hold the Fire SCO B2/C2/E. I am designated as an IAAI FIT, and will be challenging the ECT practicum on November 25th, these two designations are part of my path to complete the CFI designation through the IAAI before 2025.
I am an avid mountaineer, and you will regularly find me in the mountains and foothills of Alberta trying to get to the top of one of the many peaks. I am an avid backcountry camper in the “off season” and during the season I am in the backcountry ski touring.
Jeff Francis
Leigh is currently employed as the Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster and manages a composite fire department of nine full-time and forty part-time suppression firefighters all who are all part of the IAFF, two assistant chief officers and one administrative assistant. Lloydminster is unique as we report to two provincial agencies when reporting fire incidents.
In his twenty-eight years of service, Leigh has had the opportunity to work in three provinces (four if you include Saskatchewan), as a firefighter, paramedic, investigator/inspector and chief officer. Leigh is currently Fire SCO B2/C2, IAAI FIT and currently assists with investigations for the insurance industry.
Leigh has been an investigator for the past fifteen years and enjoys the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle. In Leigh’s downtime, he tries to spend as much time with his family enjoying the outdoors.
Leigh Sawicki
Lloydminster Fire Department
Email Leigh
Trevor joined the St. Paul Fire Department in 1990 and has been serving with them ever since. Trevor has served in every capacity with the Fire Department until being promoted to full time Fire Chief in October of 2011, where he is currently employed as the Director of Protective Services, and Regional Director of Emergency Management. During his service with the Fire Department, Trevor was an Emergency Medical Technician with the St. Paul Ambulance service for 15 years. He holds most NFPA certifications as Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor and is a Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 2020, Trevor obtained an Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University.
Although new to the Board, Trevor has been a member of the FIAA since 2000, and has attended dozens of training opportunities with them. Trevor and his wife Tracy share a wonderful blended family with four grown children aged 21, 19, 18 and 16.
When not at work, you can find him on the golf course in the summer, and cheering for the Vancouver Canucks in the winter.
St. Paul Fire Department
Email Trevor
Agriculture and Forestry – Wildfire Management Branch
Russell Murphy is a wildfire investigator with Agriculture and Forestry in Slave Lake Alberta. He became an investigator in 2015 and has been a wildland firefighter since 2001. He has also been a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and been able to volunteer in Barriere, and Chetwynd BC as well as Valleyview and Widewater Alberta as he moved with his wildfire career.
Steve Maertens-Poole, Director
Edmonton Police Service
10217 – 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0H7
780-408-1621 (b) 780-984-3905 (c)
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Trochu and District Fire Department
Lawrence started with the fire service in 1974 with the Trochu Fire Department. At that time there was a town and a rural side of the fire department which was in later years combined into one. At the urging of the (then) Fire Chief, he began taking courses at the Alberta Fire Training School (AFTS) and where ever they were offered. In 1982 Lawrence was appointed Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner and as such became more involved in the cause and determination of fires. Lawrence has been a Director for the AFCA, (and now Life Member) a Councilor for local government, an Appeals Member for the Province of Alberta, a FIAA Director for two terms, received, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and Bar of Canada and the Queens Jubilee Medal. In January of 2013, Lawrence stepped down as Fire Chief for the Trochu Department to Deputy Fire Chief / Chief Fire Investigator
Lawrence has been married to his wife Karen for 39 years; they have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mike Zajac began his career in emergency services in August of 1999 with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services as a Paid on Call Firefighter. Mike moved through the ranks and became the full time Deputy Chief in May of 2005 and held that position until taking a position as the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Wetaskiwin in September of 2012, which he still holds today. Mike has completed a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services through Lakeland College, and is certified to NFPA 472, 1001 Level 2, 1002, 1006, 1021 Level 2, 1033 Level 2, 1041 Level 2, 1521, among numerous other certifications. Mike has extensive experience in firefighting operations, fire ground command, fire instruction, public education, fire prevention, fire inspection and investigation. Mike has been a member of the FIAA since August of 2005, and was elected to FIAA Board of Directors in October of 2018.
Contact:
(780) 387-6101(c)
(780) 361-6240 (o)
Email Mike
Chris Shannon has been specializing in electrical forensic fire investigation since 2009 with Shannon & Associates Engineering Ltd. He has been on the FIAA board since 2016.
Email Chris
Darryl Shyian joined the emergency services in 1992 as a volunteer with the Bonnyville Fire Department. He is an active emergency responder/fire investigator within the Bonnyville Community, who spent many years promoting the development of fire prevention and education activities. Currently, Darryl holds the position of Station Chief, Bonnyville Station #5 responsible for 30 volunteer firefighters and 6 junior firefighters. Darryl has successfully completed his NFPA 1001 certification, and is a Safety Codes Fire Inspector Group B Level 2 and Investigator Group C Level 2. Darryl joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2006 and has been a strong supporter of the training sessions. In 2017 he became a a member of the FIAA Board of Directors and also became a member of the IAAI.
Alongside his volunteering in the fire service, Darryl has been working in the oil and gas industry since 1988 in the safety and engineering departments.
When not involved with work or fire department activities, Darryl enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son and Bailey, the four-legged canine who runs the household.
David Hines has over 20 years experience in the Engineering industry with extensive experience in forensic investigations, mainly centered around Fire Investigation (Structural: residential, commercial, & industrial; Vehicles: heavy equipment, commercial transport, & passenger vehicles), and Failure Analysis of Electrical Systems (low/medium/high voltage, distribution, transmission, electronics, controls, & consumer products). He first joined the FIAA in 2010 and has been a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) since 2012. With over ten years of experience doing exclusively Forensic Engineering work, he has led hundreds of investigations to date with multifaceted teams of Investigators, Engineers, and Technicians.
Orata Engineering
7415 – 44 Street SE
Calgary, Alberta T2C 3C8
403-478-6487
Alan WEICKER has over 38 years in the fire service and began investigating fires for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service in 1992. He currently investigates both public and private fire losses. He has demonstrated commitment to continuing education with NAFI as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He is a Level II Safety Codes Officer and is also a Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre FI-210 Wildfire trained investigator. Since 2007, Fire Investigator Weicker has routinely presented a variety of fire investigation topics, most recently to the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs – Inspectors Division.
SCO (Fire), MIAAI
Mundare Fire & Rescue
Glenda Dales joined the fire service in 1986 as a firefighter in Chipman, Alberta. She has since been with Mundare Fire & Rescue since 1993 as a firefighter, and has since occupied the positions Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief. Glenda has been the Fire Chief in Mundare since 1998 and is very active in the community.
She has been a member of the AFCA for over 22 years and was on the Board for 8 years. Glenda has been an active member of the FIAA, joining in 1993 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007.
Glenda Dales has been awarded the Commander of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the 12 Year Exemplary Service Medal for St. John Ambulance, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the Exemplary Service Fire Services Medal.
I’m Jay Goupil, Sr. Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Regional Emergency Services in the RMWB based in Fort McMurray. I am joining the board with nearly 10 years of experience in the fire investigation field. Before my current role, I worked as a fire sprinkler system designer/project manager in Ontario, Quebec, and North Carolina. I am excited to join the board of the FIAA and hope to complement this great organization with new and exciting ideas. A born and raised bass fisherman from South-Eastern Ontario, you can usually find me now on my fishing boat catching big Northern Alberta gators. I’m looking forward to working with and for all of you.
Trevor Mistal began his emergency services career in 1997 with the Vermilion Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as full time Deputy Chief of Training in Sturgeon County in 2004 and remained in that position until 2009 when he moved to Stony Plain Fire Department in the same capacity. Trevor was promoted to Stony Plain Fire Chief in 2014. He was active in response, training and investigations in any of his positions held.
Trevor is a Master Electrician, has completed and is certified to NFPA levels, 472, 1001 level 2, 1002, 1031, 1033, 1035 Level 1, 1041 Level 2, 1051, 1081, 1521. Alberta Safety Codes Officer – B1 & C2. IAAI-Fire Investigation Technician. Graduate of the NAIT Public Sector Emergency Management certificate program.
Trevor joined the Fire Investigation Association of Alberta in 2000 and has had the opportunity to participate in many great training courses and meet many awesome people. He joined the FIAA Board of Directors in 2016 and hopes to continue the legacy to ensure the FIAA remains a world class organization to provide training and a place for investigators to network.
When not at work, Trevor can be found at the lake with his wife, daughter and son.
SCO (fire), MIAAI
Strathcona County Emergency Services
Email Glen