After graduating high school, I continued my education by pursuing an Associates Degree in Fire Science from Lewis and Clark Community College.  While attending college I joined the Edwardsville Volunteer Fire Department, which gave me the experience, I was learning about in the class room.

In 1999, after earning my degree, I was able to be employed part-time with an investigation company as an intern investigator.  This is where my fascination and passion for fire investigation really took off.  I was able to shadow experienced and seasoned fire investigators, assisting in approximately 250 investigations.

In 2002, I became a full-time firefighter with the Litchfield Fire Department in Illinois.  My interest continued to grow in the investigation field.  During my first year as a fireman an opportunity to test for promotion was given and I was promoted to the rank of Captain.  I currently still hold this rank in the department.

In 2004, I completed the University of Illinois Fire Service Institutes Fire and Arson Investigation Modules, along with completing course work in Fire Safety Management earning a Bachelors Degree from Madison University.   After completing and becoming state certified as a fire investigator, I began investigating fires for the fire department.

In 2005, I acquired enough points to take the test to become a Certified Fire Investigator thru the International Association of Arson Investigators.   After earning my IAAI-CFI, I began investigating fires for the company I began as an intern investigator.

In the fall of 2008, I attended the Police Training Institute to become a certified Arson Investigator, in the State of Illinois.  After completing this course and becoming certified, I was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Litchfield as the city’s arson investigator, responsible for investigating all fires within the city.

I continue to attend conferences and courses related to fire investigations on a regular basis.

In November 2010, I was offered an opportunity to further my career in fire investigations, by being employed by Midwest Fire Consulting Group, LLC.