Technical CV Paul M. Sprague, CFI-IAAI 1417 Indianhead Way Clayton, CA. 94517 Business: 925-693-0161 Email: paul@crosshairfireinvestigations.com Website: www.crosshairfireinvestigations.com CA.PI. Lic. #27409 Employment History 2011 Present Crosshair Fire Investigations and Safety Consultants Current Job Title: Owner Nature of Business: Private Fire Investigations, Safety Consulting. Description of Duties: Conduct Origin and Cause Investigations; Perform Evidence Collection; Provide Expert Witness Testimony and Fire Safety Consulting. 1983-2008 San Jose Fire Department Job Title: Fire Captain Nature of Business: Fire Suppression and Prevention Description of Duties: Manage and supervise fire scene operations as an Incident Commander, including the directing and placing of hose lines, raising ladders, directing water streams, and conducting origin and cause investigations; Supervise company and station personnel; Train, test, and evaluate battalion personnel and probationary firefighters; Conduct fire prevention inspections, public education events, and classroom instruction. 1977-1983 Santa Clara County Emergency Communications Center Job Title: Communications Dispatcher II Nature of Business: Emergency Communications Description of Duties: Receives law, fire and medical calls for service, dispatches law enforcement, fire and other personnel and equipment. Operates data communication terminals, provides various database searches to obtain information in response to requests from law officials.
1975-1983 Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District Job Title: Volunteer Firefighter Nature of Business: Fire Suppression and Prevention Description of Duties: Support the emergency and non-emergency needs of the department. Respond with full-time paid personnel to emergency calls for service including but not limited to structure fires, rescues, vegetation fires and major disasters such as earthquakes, floods and mass casualty incidents. 1988-1998 San Jose Police Department Job Title: Level I Reserve Officer Nature of Business: Law enforcement Description of Duties: Including regular routine patrol duties, assist the department in time of major disasters such as fires, floods, civil disobedience, and earthquakes. Perform community service activities such as parades, ride-a-long programs, Walk America, and Christmas in the Park. Formal Education 2013-Present Penn Foster University, Scottsdale, AZ. Fire Science Major 2010 Detective Training Institute, Santa Ana, CA. Graduated Certified Master Detective, Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocation Education, State of California. 1987-1988 San Mateo College, San Mateo, CA. Graduated from P.O.S.T. Certified Reserve Officer Training Academy. 1983-1984 Mission College, Santa Clara, CA. Received California State Certified Firefighter I and II Certificate. Received California State Certified Emergency Medical Technician License. 1969-1973 Oak Grove High School, San Jose, CA. Received High School Diploma Certifications/License 06/2014 Certified Fire Investigator- International Association of Arson Investigators 10/1992 Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator- National Association of Fire Investigators 05/2011 Licensed Private Investigator- CA. PI. # 27409 12/2012 Certified Fire Investigation Technician- International Association of Arson Investigators
Seminars and In-Service Training 03/2014 Vehicle Fire Investigations Hosted by: California Conference of Arson Investigators-San Luis Obispo Chapter Main Vehicle Fire Investigations/Presented by Dr. David Icove and Robert Toth Meeting the NFPA 921 & 1033 Challenge/Presented by Jim Allen and Joseph Konefal Secondary Fire Science Fire Chemistry Thermodynamics Thermometry Fire Dynamics Fire Investigation Fire Investigation Methodology Fire Investigation Technology 11/2013 IAAI Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony Class Hosted by: California Conference of Arson Investigators-San Luis Obispo Chapter Legal System Overview Court Rules & Cases Expert Qualification & Curriculum Vitae Preparing for Trial Preparing Court Exhibits Sworn Testimony Proper Presentation of Evidence Preparing Your Testimony Plan Mock Deposition Exercises Mock Direct Examination Attorney Conference Mock Courtroom Testimony Exercise 09/2013 Complex Arson Investigation Techniques for the Insurance Industry and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Financial Investigations Roles and Responsibilities of the ATF Electrical Fire Investigations Civil vs Criminal Law Daubert Issues Live Flashover Demonstrations Case Management of Complex Fire Investigations Introduction to Personality Profiling The Convergence of Science and the Law Explosives Demonstration Expert Witness Testimony Practical Exercises Mock Courtroom Practical Exercise
10/2012 CFITrainer.Net -An Analysis of the Station Nightclub Fire Overview of NIST Analysis. Timeline and Scene Documentation. Materials Testing-Gerbs-Pyrotechnics-Foam Reconstruction of the Environment. Overview of Fire Modelling. NIST Modelling of the Station Nightclub Fire. 10/2012 CFITrainer.Net - The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigations The Origins of the Scientific Method The Scientific Method Explained Why Apply the Scientific Method in Fire Investigation? Steps in a Fire Investigation as Related to the Scientific Method Hypothesis Development, Hypothesis Testing, and Convergence of Evidence. Case Law with Regard to Expert Testimony: A Brief Overview Fyre v. United States Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance vs. Janelle Benfield Decision Lessons Learned From the Benfield Decision. Kumho Tire, LTD. v. Carmichael. How to Communicate Your Findings to a Jury. 10/2012 CFITrainer.Net -The Practical Application of the Relationship between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921. The Purpose of NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921. Relating 1033 and 921: The Scientific Method. An Example of 1033 s Connection to 921: Fire Pattern Analysis. 10/2012 CFITrainer.Net-NFPA 1033 and Your Career Origins of the Professional Qualifications System and NFPA 1033. Writing Your CV to Address 1033. Presenting Your 1033-Based CV The Importance of NFPA 1033 in Vetting Experts. 06/2012 CFITrainer.Net -Writing the Initial Origin and Cause Report The Importance of a Strong Investigation Report. Types of Fire Investigation Reports. Elements of the Initial Origin & Cause Report. Tips for Crafting a Solid Report. How to Avoid Common Mistakes.
3/2012 CFITrainer.Net -Insurance and the Fire Investigation Fire investigation stakeholders and their responsibilities. The working relationship between the public sector investigator and the private sector origin and cause expert. The different investigative powers of the public sector and the insurance company. The investigation conducted by the insurance company. The investigatory value of insurance information. Obtaining access to insurance files-arson immunity laws in the U.S. The Underwriting File. The Claim File. Interviewing insurance personnel. Interviewing the insured. 2/2012 23 rd Annual Arson & Fire Investigation Seminar Hosted by the Insurance Committee for Arson Control, ICAC The New Fire Science: Do Your Experts Know It? Presented by Michael A McKenzie, Cozen & O Connor. Arson Trends in the U.S.-An ATF Perspective Presented by Daniel P. Heenan, CFI/NRT Eliminating Accidental Fire Causes Presented by Mike Reynolds, IAAI-CFI Determination of Fire Origin Using Structural Deformation Presented by Andrew Tinsley, PE Best Practices for Preparing Expert Reports Presented by Brian P. Henry, Esq. CFEI Trends in Arson Motives Presented by Dave Icove, PhD, PE, CFEI Improper Use of Negative Corpus-Elimination Method & Changes in NFPA, Presented by Sandy Burnette, Jr. P.A. and Joseph P. Toscano, IAAI-CFI 2/2012 CFITrainer.Net - A Ventilation-Focused Approach to the Impact of Building Structures and Systems on Fire., Inc. Why fire investigators need to understand ventilation. Pressure differential, ventilation, and the flow of fire gases. How atmospheric temperature affects air flow in a building. How wind affects air flow in a building. The effect of fire suppression tactics on a building. Types of ventilation sources in a building. Ventilation sources provided by construction features. Compartment vent flows. 2/2012 CFITrainer.Net -Fire and Explosion Investigations: Utilizing NFPA 1033 and 921 The on-going development on NFPA 1033 and 921. The importance of NFPA 1033 and 921 and how they are related. How to use 921 in a fire or explosion investigation.
2/2012 CFITrainer.Net -Ethics and the Fire Investigator Conflict of interest. Personal use of professional resources. Investigative misconduct. Personal gain. The relationship between values, ethics, and codes of ethics. Why act ethically. Why and how codes of ethics are created. 12/2011 CFITrainer.Net -Introduction to Evidence What is evidence? The legal aspects of evidence. Rules of evidence. Spoliation. The investigator as an expert witness Preparing for trial. 11/2011 CFITrainer.Net -Documenting the Event Scene access. Note-taking. Photography. Sketches and diagrams. Evidence documentation. The use of video. Documenting interviews. Emerging documentation technologies. 1/2012 Advanced Fire and Arson Investigation Seminar Hosted by the Oregon Chapter of the IAAI-Rogue Valley District Topic: Spontaneous Combustion Presented by Dr. David Howitt, Ph.D. New Photography Techniques/HDR Photography Presented by Stephan D. Knapp, B.S.M.E. Applied Fire Dynamics Presented by Professor Gregory E. Corbett, Eastern Kentucky University 9/2011 Newly Licensed Investigator Training and Enrichment Training Seminar Hosted by the California Association of Licensed Investigators, Inc. (CALI)
8/2005 ICS S-401-Safety Officer Hosted by: California State Fire Training/California State Fire Marshal Approved Presented by: San Jose Fire Department The Safety Officer s function. Identify hazardous material situations associated with the incident. Reviewing the Incident Action Plan. Exercising emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts. How to investigate accidents occurring within the incident area. Medical Plan review Maintaining the Unit Log. 2/1999 Occupied Structural Firefighting Hosted by the Sunnyvale Aerial Operator Trainers-Sunnyvale, California Presented by: Tom Brennan and Dan Noonan Topic: Ventilation for Life, Ventilation for Fire Presented by Dan Noonan. Building Construction Presented by Tom Brennan 6/1994 Fire/Arson Investigation-Arson for Profit Hosted by the California Conference of Arson Investigators Motives for Arson Presented by Special Agent Scott Sweetow, ATF Los Angeles Arson Group. Insurance and Arson for Profit Presented by Ms. Arlene O Donnell, California Arson Prevention Committee. Real Estate and Arson for Profit Presented by Special Agent James B. Flannigan, ATF San Francisco Arson Group. Financial Investigative Techniques Presented by Mr. Michael Marks, ATF Western Regional Audit Office. Analytical Techniques Presented by Special Agent Steven Carman, ATF Sacramento. Case Management Presented by Special Agent Scott Sweetow, ATF Los Angeles Arson Group. Legalities involving Arson Presented by Special Agent James B. Flanigan, ATF San Francisco Arson Group Arson Task Force Presented by Investigator Thomas Campuzano, Los Angeles City Fire Department. HTA Fires Presented by Special Agent Steven W. Carman, ATF Sacramento 4/1994 Electrical Fire Investigation in Residential Dwellings Hosted by the Santa Clara County Fire Investigation Task Force Basic Electricity Fundamentals Components of a Residential Wiring Systems Investigation of Electrical Fires and Negative Corpus Appliance Fires
11/93 Fire Investigation 2B-Techniques of Fire Investigation Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, American River College, Sacramento, CA. Course Objective: Through the extensive use of simulations, the student will be able to demonstrate how to develop and present and arson case in court. Advanced Fire Scene Investigation Case Preparation Courtroom Presentation Sketching Fire Scene Photography Interviewing and Interrogation 06/93 Fire Investigation 2A-Criminal and Legal Procedures Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, American River College, Sacramento, CA. Course Objective: To provide information to successfully investigate, apprehend and convict arsonists. Focuses heavily on the legal case preparation. Interviewing and Interrogation Search and Seizure Warrants Courtroom Demeanour Working with your District Attorney s Office 02/93 Fire Investigation 1B-Techiques of Fire Investigation Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, American River College, Sacramento, CA. 10/90 Fire Investigation 1A-Fire Origin and Cause Determination Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, American River College, Sacramento, CA. Course Objective: Designed to provide the participant with the skills and knowledge required to investigate and report on the source of fire emergencies. Legal and Jurisdiction Issues Evidence Collection and Documentation 11/90 National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Training Program Presented by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Course Objective: To provide instruction in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions. Attendance will enable the participant to take the Certified Fire and Arson Examination.
2005-2008 The following courses were sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security under the Interim National Preparedness Presidential Directive 8-(HSPD-8). All courses hosted by San Jose Fire Department: Terrorism Awareness and Prevention for Fire and EMS Course Objective: enable participant to identify the definition of terrorism, identify examples of recent terrorist events, trends and indicators, potential tools or means used by terrorists. First Responder Operations- Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Course Objective: enable the participant to better identify the presence of WMD s including Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, or Explosive Weapons. Hazmat First Responder Operations Training-NFPA ProBoard Certified Course Objective: train participants in how to respond defensively to a hazard materials incident release. Topics include: What constitutes a Hazardous Material Prevention of Spread and Exposure Protection of People and Property Association Memberships International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI) Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) Industry Committees & Association Leadership National Fire Protection Association-Fire Service Section Fire Investigation Experience Total Number of Fire & Explosions Investigated= 650 1 Residential/270 Industrial/30 Vehicle/350 Number of confirmed Arson Fires=108 2 Residential/28 Industrial/5 Vehicle/75 Number of Explosions Including Arson=1 Residential/1 Industrial/0 Vehicle/0 Courtroom Experience 11/13 Completed Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony Class-IAAI 1 All numbers are approximations based on a 26 year time period 2 All numbers are approximations based on a 26 year time period