CHAPTER I: OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
PART 141 POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR FIRE PROTECTION PERSONNEL
SECTION 141.334 FIRE INVESTIGATOR
Section 141.334 Fire Investigator
Professional qualifications for Fire Investigator are identified in NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921. The Illinois program does not recognize Fire Investigator as a rank because it is not possible to insure that every rank used by local fire departments or allied field agencies to identify persons serving as Fire Investigators would be consistent throughout the State. A Fire Investigator is an individual, serving in an agency or a fire department, specifically responsible for the investigation of fire incidents. The term synonymous with Fire Investigator is Technical Specialist.
a) Prerequisites
1) Certification as a Firefighter II (see Section 141.300) or successful completion of the Bypass Examination (see Sections 141.220 and 141.240).
2) Successful completion of the Fire Investigator course consisting of three Modules, or Modules I and II and the Arson Investigator course (see Section 141.336).
3) Application for Certification/Validation-Attestation.
4) Engagement in firefighting in an organized Illinois fire department as a fire protection person according to the Act, as attested to by the employing Fire Chief of the individual seeking certification.
b) Reimbursement may be received for training costs for a Fire Investigator (see Subpart E).
c) The instructor of a Fire Investigator course or an Arson Investigator course must meet the requirements of Section 141.115(c).
d) Credit for equivalent courses may be available in accordance with Section 141.120.
e) All fire service organizations and educational institutions desiring to offer programs and/or courses shall meet the requirements of Section 141.308(e).
f) Re-certification requirements:
1) Certifications expire four years after issuance date.
2) Certification as a Fire Investigator.
3) Completion of refresher training following the established course objectives identified in NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921, totaling 100 points over a four-year period, attested to by the employing Fire Chief, based on the divisional point system. Point dissemination will be determined by the applicable ad hoc committee. Records of the training will be retained in the fire department records.
4) Application for re-certification, signed by employing Fire Chief, verifying completion of training points.
5) If certification is not renewed within 90 days after the expiration date, the individuals will be required to complete an approved Fire Investigator Course.