Who we are

The seminar came into existence over 40 years ago, after representatives from police and fire departments contacted (retired) Criminal Justice Professor Thomas Hammond at Saint Anselm College and asked for help in organizing an event dealing with arson investigation. Since then, the seminar has expanded its original charge and examines fires beyond those which may have been intentionally set. It is known as the New England Fire Investigation Seminar. As the oldest continually-run fire investigation seminar in this country, NE FIRE has provided training for over 3000 public safety officials throughout New England. 

Today, the seminar is run by a committee of volunteers who represent the varied backgrounds of public safety and education. Consisting of active and retired members from police departments, fire departments and Saint Anselm College, the committee's goal is to bring pertinant and varied training to their peers. 

Additionally, the seminar helps fund the Public Safety Scholarship at Saint Anselm College which is available for the children of New England Public Safety officials. Information can be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid at the College

 

committee members

Paul Fortier, Chief (retired) - Berlin, NH Fire Department

John Reese, Deputy Fire Marshal - Manchester, NH Fire Department

Mitch Cady, Fire Marshal - Manchester, NH Fire Department

Kevin Connelly, Special Agent - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Hannah Burnes, Deputy State Fire Marshal - Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal

Paul G. Makuc, Sergeant - Connecticut State Police - Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit

Michael Mazza, Sergeant (retired) - Massachusetts State Police - Fire Investigation Unit

Adam Fanjoy, Deputy State Fire Marshal - New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office

Joe Snyder (retired) - Holyoke, MA Fire Department

Richard Taylor, Deputy Fire Marshal - Boston Fire Department

Ryan Heile, Detective - Manchester, NH Police Department