Warren-Clinton News

State Representatives Jamie Callender and Adam Mathews have introduced House Bill 313, a new legislation aimed at addressing the challenges faced by fire investigators in Ohio. The bill seeks to define the role of fire investigators, grant them the permission to carry firearms while performing their duties, and establish necessary training requirements for self-defense purposes.

The role of fire investigator was established under House Bill 1 in the 100th General Assembly, allowing municipalities to designate a police or fire official to investigate fires and make arrests based on their findings. However, the current statute does not provide a clear definition of what a fire investigator is, leading to varying interpretations among different municipalities. Some municipalities consider fire investigators as peace officers, providing them with additional training, while others limit their training to the fire department.

This lack of clarity has put fire investigators in Ohio in life-threatening situations without proper means of defense, resulting in the loss of lives or serious injuries. Recognizing this issue, Lake County Fire Chiefs Association President Rob Gandee emphasizes the need for fire investigators to have the right to protect themselves physically. He states, "Ohio fire investigators, in the modern age, have frequent if not daily contacts with criminal elements in their pursuit of fire origin and cause investigations... This bill will also update laws that are nearly seven decades old and offer legal protections to the individual investigators and the municipalities they serve by requiring training. This is responsible governing."

The proposed legislation aims to address these concerns by clearly defining the role of fire investigators and including them in the eligibility criteria for the Ohio Peace Office Training Academy (OPATA). It also mandates training for fire investigators who wish to carry firearms while performing their duties. Thomas Beers, a fire investigator in Cuyahoga County, emphasizes the importance of training and qualification for fire investigators, stating, "That is dangerous to the investigator, suspects in arson cases, and most importantly, the public. We as public safety officials believe that training and qualification for our profession is sound policy that the public deserves."

State Representative Callender highlights the need for clear guidelines to ensure the safety of both officers and the public. He states, "Ambiguity in the law creates unsafe situations for both officers and the public... With this legislation, Ohio's municipalities will have clear guidelines for both training and utilizing the skills of our fire investigators, creating safer environments for both Ohioans and our public safety services." Representative Mathews echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the seriousness of arson-related crimes and the need to provide fire investigators with the necessary authority and legal protection.

House Bill 313 is currently awaiting a House committee assignment, and if passed, it will provide much-needed clarity and protection for fire investigators in Ohio.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/adam-mathews/news/callender-and-mathews-introduce-legislation-to-protect-fire-investigators-117289