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Dennis Hampton, ATF- "Nuts and Bolts for Fire Chiefs"
Article by: Wayne Murry
Dennis Hampton,
special agent and certified fire investigator with the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),
presented a very informative program on ATF resources
available to the fire service at the 2008 Fire Chiefs
Conference in Tuscaloosa.
As he explained,
the ATF arson program was established in 1978. In 1979,
Arson Task Forces were established in 26 cities. Currently,
these agents are located from coast to coast. These agents
are trained in investigation as well as cause and origin of
fires.
Because fire
departments are an integral part of cause and origin
investigation, the ATF can provide resources to assist local
efforts. The ATF utilizes a team approach with local, state,
and federal agencies. The ATF can also coordinate efforts
with state and local prosecutors.
Among the ATF
resources available is training in complex arson
investigative techniques, forensic laboratories, fire
protection engineers, arson profilers, and many other areas
of expertise. There are also four National Response Teams
that can be deployed anywhere in the U.S.
After Mr.
Hampton’s presentation, it is quite apparent that the ATF is
a valuable resource to the fire service, not only in Alabama
but across the nation.
2/15/08
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