This will be a one-hour class to prepare investigators for the 4 hour class NTFIA is hosting in October. Carmen Gifford will introduce investigators to the idea of systematically approaching a crime scene/fire scene.

After the class, NTFIA will host our monthly meeting.

Instructor - Carmen Gifford, Arson Investigator - Irving Fire Department

Carmen Gifford is an Arson Investigator employed by the Irving Fire Department (IFD), where her daily duties involve fire investigation, life safety inspections, and public education. Irving is the fifth largest city within the DFW area, and the twelfth largest city in all of Texas, allowing IFD to work alongside a community of nearly 25,000 businesses, and over 250,000 residents. Investigator Gifford‘s background aligns primarily with law enforcement, as she served with the La Porte Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit, the Bay Area Regional Bomb Squad along the Gulf Coast, and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office before joining the IFD family. She maintains certifications as an Advanced Peace Officer, IAAI Evidence Collection Technician, and Hazmat Technician, and has received her Master’s Degree from the Texas A&M University School of Law, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She and her husband, David, currently reside in Corsicana, Texas, with their dog, Archie. In their free time, David and Carmen enjoy camping, hiking, climbing, and touring the National Parks.

*Class location is subject to change.