Division of State Fire Marshal

Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis

 The State Fire Marshal's Arson Laboratory

The Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis is located outside of Tallahassee, Florida, on the grounds of the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy off of Route 90 West near Quincy, Florida.  The facility has over 10,000 square feet of laboratory, office and conference rooms.  The Bureau currently has a staff of ten full time employees.  They sometimes participate with various Universities by hosting part-time student interns to learn Fire Debris Analysis.  The Chemistry Section consists of two Senior Crime Laboratory Analysts, two Crime Laboratory Analysts and one Crime Laboratory Technician.  The Imaging Section consists of one Crime Laboratory Analyst and two Forensic Technologists.  A Maintenance Mechanic assists with facility operations and upkeep.

Employees from the Bureau are available to train personnel from other agencies in various aspects of forensic science, digital imaging, and evidence preservation.  Employees contribute to the field of forensic science through involvement in organizations such as: the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA), and the Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosions (TWGFEX) which is organized by the National Center for Forensic Sciences.  Bureau Chief Carl Chasteen, served as the Chair of TWGFEX, from its inception through 2004. He has also served as Chair of the IAAI Forensic Science Committee for many years between 1993 and 2007.

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