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Andrea is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator. She has over 10 years of experience with the Ontario Fire Marshall, prior to which she served as an officer with the Halton Regional Police Service for 22 years after working in several investigative units to include being a lead Homicide Detective for 3 years. She has attended over 200 autopsies with Halton Regional Police and Ontario Fire Marshall office. To date, Andrea has been involved in over 630 fire and explosive investigations. She has been qualified as an expert in fire and explosive investigations in Ontario Court and Superior Court of Justice for the Province of Ontario. Andrea is also an associate instructor for the Ontario Fire College and has taught the NFPA 1033 fire course to firefighters and police.
Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) – 2012 – Present International
Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) – 2006 – Present
National Association of Fire investigators (NAFI) – 2012 – Present
Canadian Arson Investigators Association (CAFI) – 2012 – Present
California Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA) – 2010
Harvard Associates in Police Science, Inc. – 2009
Colonel Henry F. Williams Homicide – 2003
Fire scene assessment and examination pertaining to the origin, cause, and circumstances surrounding fires and explosions; perform comprehensive investigations of fire and explosion scenes which include identifying issues beyond origin and cause as it relates to public fire safety. This entails the identification, collection, preservation, and presentation of evidence and exhibits for use in court.
Andrea is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator. She has over 10 years of experience with the Ontario Fire Marshall, prior to which she served as an officer with the Halton Regional Police Service for 22 years. To date Andrea has been involved in over 350 fire and explosive investigations. She has been qualified as an expert in fire and explosive investigations in Ontario Court and Superior Court of Justice for the Province of Ontario. Andrea is also an associate instructor for the Ontario Fire College and has taught the NFPA 1033 fire course to firefighters and police.
Fire and Explosion Investigator
Origin and Cause
Ancaster, ON
May 2022 — Present
Fire Investigator
Office of the Fire Marshal
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
March 2012 — April 2022
Police Officer
Halton Regional Police Service
January 1990 — March 2012
Coaching Police Professionals
February 1-5, 2021 OPC.
Aylmer, Ontario
40 hours training, practical and written, with pre-course material, a presentation and a written examination.
Indigenous Awareness Training
December 31, 2018 – January 5, 2019
Online training to raise awareness and educate on indigenous culture.
OFMEM – Compartment Fires
December 10-11, 2019
Midhurst – FI Ross, QARM Derstroff and FFPE Bennett – delivered training on compartment fires, reviewing practical burns conducted in Oshawa replicating compartment fires.
Post Blast Investigative Techniques I (Course ID EXPL-CS-0013), ATF
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
February 12-16, 2018
A basic post blast course designed to teach a systematic method of investigating an explosion scene. The course provides instruction in explosives identification and applications, explosives effects, IED component recognition and evidence collection. The course is delivered at a variety of locations throughout the United States based on requests from ATF Field Divisions.
Fire Debris/Chemistry, CFS
August 16, 2017
CFS Fire Group hosted Jeanet Hendrikse from the Netherlands Forensic Institute, her areas of expertise are fire debris analysis and identification of unknowns. She is involved in the training of national fire investigators, works closely together with Page 3 the national Canine Team, and is very active in the forensic fire debris analysis community worldwide. In her previous job at the international Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, she supported onsite inspections by preparing and maintaining the portable instrumentation.
Forensic Identification Conference, OPC
November 7-8, 2016
Examination of Vehicle Fires – Tim Irish OFMEM, The Traffic of Human Remains – Myriam Nafte – PHD McMaster University, Review of R. v. Pan Homicide Investigation Det. Courtice, Det Cooke York Regional Police, 43 Missing Mexican Students Where are They? Greg Olson Laurentian University, Past and Present DNA Jon Millman CFS, Fire Scene Dynamics – A Case Study Tim Irish OFMEM, Identification: Forensic pathology Perspective Dr McAuliffe Pathologist.
Death Investigators Course, OPC
September 26-30, 2016
5-day course at OPC. Manner of death and investigative techniques used in death investigations. Scene preservation, forensic pathology, dentistry, anthropology, psychology and behaviour analysis, crime scene reconstruction case reviews, case law, autopsy’s, Coroner’s role, evidence collection. Police and OFMEM in attendance.
Seminar (FESTI), CAFI
April 20, 2016
Understanding Ventilation and Post-flashover Fire Dynamics – Canadian Association of Fire Investigators (CAFI) Spring Training Seminar Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) – A full day training seminar presented by Jeff MINTEN, BA, CFEI, Fire Investigations Supervisor with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. Topics included: common mistakes, fire science (Thermometry, Fluid Dynamics, Fire Chemistry), flashover, factors affecting fire development, identifying the difference in fire development pre and post flashover, locating the fire triangle, hypothesizing the “when” in fire development, dead air space, flow paths, confined spaces, stairways, chase ways and chimneys.
IAAI (International Arson Investigators) Seminar
Sep 23-24, 2015
2-day course – topics covered – Cybercrime, Investigation techniques including CCTV video – case studies Boston Bombing, UK Large Loss.
OFMEM – Fire Investigator Spring Training, OFC
June 2-5, 2015
5-day training seminar covering topics including Ventilation controlled fires, CISM (Crisis Intervention Stress Management). Test burns in cells – to include ventilation-controlled fire, using cigarettes (Multiple cigarettes had to be used) vs. open flame application to combustibles.
2015 Forensic Investigative Services (FIS) Conference, Toronto Police Service
May 12-15, 2015
4 day training conference covering topics including; Use of Chemical and Biological Agents in Criminal Cases and Terrorism Incidents – A discussion of several criminal cases and terrorism incidents and how local and federal law enforcement responded; and the methods that were used to solve the cases and pursue the terrorist – Presented by Dr. David Hodge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Serial Killer Case Study – A presentation of the Ottawa Police Service investigation of Serial Killer Camille Cleroux as assisted by Forensic Anthropologist Greg Olson – Excavation of Human Remains from Historical Graves, Victim recovery from an air crash during extreme winter conditions – Presented by Greg Olson, MSc; Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Current Challenges to Forensic Evidence – A panel discussion regarding the legal issues related to expert testimony. Including the implications of the Gouge inquiry as well as issues surrounding the tests to qualify an expert witness including a “cost – benefit” analysis – Presented by Justice David Rose – Crown Attorney Paul Tait and Defence Council Enzo Rondinelli, Accelerant on Skin Post Fire – A presentation examining recent research conducted at the Ontario Police College utilizing various materials, gasoline and pig carcasses. Including the results of laboratory examinations – Gasoline in Lung Tissue and Heart Blood – A presentation examining recent research conducted at the Ontario Police College where pig carcasses were exposed to gasoline and gasoline vapours prior to being ignited. The results obtained after necropsy were examined – Presented by Greg Olson, MSc; and Kevin Pahor, MSc; Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management – Advanced photography for FIO (Forensic Identification Officer) – Techniques and concepts including advanced metering, lighting difficult surfaces, using remote flash, using multiple “pops” and gelling the strobe for both practical and creative lighting – Presented by Jason DiMichele & Jennifer Ford Photo Imaging Technicians Toronto Police Service – Processing Tips for Marihuana Grow Labs – Gathering evidence within the often dangerous and high humidity environment of an illegal Marihuana Grow Lab – Presented by Wade Knaap and Jessica Piekny, Case Studies: Lac Megantic and L’Isle Verte A presentation of the logistical issues and evidentiary barriers presented by large scale disasters – Presented by Sergeant Luc Gagnon Surete du Quebec.
Expert Forensic Evidence in Criminal Proceedings
January 16, 2015
A joint program of the Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine at the Osgoode Professional Development Centre (in conjunction with York University) Topics including; New Developments in the Jurisprudence on Expert Testimony, New Developments in Forensic Pathology as a Prototype for Other Forensic Disciplines, distinguishing between Science and Pseudo Science, Issues in Obtaining an Expert’s Opinion, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Issues, Experts in the Media.
Keynote Speaker – James Lockyer, A Case Study – How Forensic Science Came to the Rescue (DNA).
Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliance Fires
5 Benton Harbour, MI
November 2-7, 2014
Intensive 4-day, in-lab, hands-on program for fire investigators. Learn how appliances and electrical components work, fail and cause fires. Spent four days with Fire Findings’ experts on-site in their forensic laboratory. Examined actual appliances and appliance components that have failed, causing fires. Witnessed fire-causing demonstrations involving, Gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas and electric clothes dryers, dishwashers, ranges and microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, space heaters and other small appliances. Taught by Jack Sanderson (Fire Investigator), James Finneran (appliance failures) and Nathan Dwyer (electrical expert).
Toronto Arson Task Force – John D. Dehaan Ph.D, Toronto Fire & EMS Training Centre
October 14-15, 2014
Sources of Ignition, Low Voltage Devices, How the Human Body Reacts to Fire, case Studies involving the Wrongful Convictions, Serial Arsonists.
OFMEM – Fire Investigator Spring Training, OFC
5-day training seminar covering topics including Integrated Risk Module and Vulnerable Occupancies; Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement (Dr. Gilmartin); OFC transition to NFPA; Review of changes to NFPA 921; Fire Dynamics and Heat Release Rate Calculations – Four 12×12 burn cells were evaluated for fuel load and ventilation conditions. Calculations estimating required heat energy to cause flashover were conducted; and a hypothesis on fire development and spread were articulated. The four cells were then ignited, and conditions allowed to develop for 90 seconds past flashover (600°C) or 15 minutes. Each cell then evaluated and compared to hypotheses.
ESA
Midhurst, ON
December 4, 2013
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management training – conducted by ESA. Electrical safety procedures when dealing with locked out electrical panels and circuits, examples and video demonstrations shown.
OFMEM – Fire Investigator Fall Training, OFC
October 2013
Office of the Fire Marshal Annual Fall Training – Ontario Fire College – Gravenhurst – 5-day OFMEM training covering the following topics: Operational updates and a 4 day Retrofit course as it applies in Fire Code and Building Code. (Taught by Jana Gillis).
OFMEM – Fire Investigator Spring Training, OFC
June 2013
Office of the Fire Marshal Annual Spring Training – Ontario Fire College – Gravenhurst – 5-day OFM training covering the following topics – Understanding Crown expectations regarding expert evidence, key elements to become an expert witness. Issues related to working with Police Investigators on Serial Arson Investigations. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Fire Investigations. ATF Page 6 Case reviews. Intensity vs Movement of a Fire, Fire Pattern Development, and timelines associated to full room involvement, and the impact of ventilation on fire pattern development, including demonstration burns, smouldering fires. Butane Extraction, and it’s risks.
Recovery of Human Remains (Ident), OPC
June 2013
Ontario Police College – Aylmer, Ontario, 5 day course provided at the Ontario Police College, and other locations, by a number of Forensic Anthropologists, a Forensic Entomologist, with presentations and practical exercises on the following topics – Methods of locating and collection human remains, Trauma to Bone, Recovery of Human Remains in Fatal Fires, Ground Penetrating Radar, Recovering Surface Scatter Remains and shallow grave remains, and collecting entomological samples for determination of post mortem time period.
NFPA 921 – Fire and Explosion Investigator, CFEI
Mississauga, ON
Sep 2012
Fire Investigator’s Course hosted by the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (Pearson International Airport – FESTI) Attended week-long course teaching to the standard of NFPA 921 with an exam.
Advance Fire Cause Determination and Investigation Course – Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst, Ontario – A 5 module course covering topics dealing with Chemistry of Fire, Spontaneous Combustion, Building Construction, Interviewing and Statement Taking, Vehicle Fires, Comprehensive Fire Investigations, Environmental Impact, Explosion Investigation, Marihuana Grow and Meth Lab Fires, Origin and Cause, Criminal Code and Other Related Statutes, Roles and Responsibilities and the FPPA, Search Warrants, Motives, Fraud, NFPA 921, Incendiary Devices, High Temperature Accelerants as well as Related Case Studies. Taught by senior members of OFM who all Associate Instructors with the Ontario Fire College.
OFM Fire Investigator Spring Training
June 2012
Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Investigator Annual Training Seminar – Ontario Fire College, Gravenhurst Ontario – Five day OFM training covering the following topics: Lightening Strikes and new methods of obtaining data; smouldering ignition with practical demonstrations and field examinations; review of fire alarm systems and strategies for use as investigative tool; Case studies including Brampton house explosion, Timmins attempt murder, Langford homicide, Muskoka Heights Retirement home inquest update.
OFM Fire Investigator Fall Training, OFC
October 2012
Office of the Fire Marshal Annual Fall Training – Ontario Fire College – Gravenhurst – Four-day OFM training covering the following topics – Fire Code as it relates to venerable occupancies, Meaford – Reeds Restaurant Fire – Electrical Meter Fires/Research – Body Recovery – Fire Chemistry
National Association of Fire Investigators – Fire and Explosion Investigator
October 2012
Fire Investigation Training Program
April 2012 – October 2012
Office of the Fire Marshal – An understudy program where the new recruit is assigned a Training Officer who with the Trainee, will develop competence and proficiency through a “learn by doing” type of educational procedure covering all aspects of Fire Responsibilities and the FPPA, Search Warrants, Motives, Fraud, NFPA 921, Incendiary Devices, High Temperature Accelerants as well as Related Case Studies. Taught by members of the OFM – Associate Instructors
Ontario Fire Marshal Fire Investigator Post-Fire Investigative Response (HazMat) Course
March 2012
Office of the Fire Marshal Headquarters, Toronto, ON – Course material dealt with assessing scene hazards and selection of appropriate personal protection equipment.
OFM Fire Investigation Orientation
March 2012
Office of the Fire Marshal, Midhurst, Ontario – Three-week orientation seminar dealing with the corporate structure of the OFM as well as corporate policies, and training of assigned equipment. Bill Hiscott, OFM
Psychology of a Fire Setter
Toronto Arson Task Force
November 2011
One Day conference in Toronto, Dr. Peter Collins of the Behavioural Science Unit, OPP lectured on the psyche of a “Fire Starter”, discussed reasons for this behaviour, interview questions to ask, and potential evidence to be aware of in these circumstances. Fire Investigator Lonnie Schubert reviewed an actual case through a presentation with a case example.
The Evolution of Fire Scene Evidence, IAAI
June 2010
One day seminar in Hamilton hosted by the International Association of Arson Investigators. Case presentations on large scale fires, evidence to look for, how to process the scene using the Scientific Method and following guidelines as set out in the NFPA 921.
Fire Investigation, IAAI Waterloo
June 2006
2 Day course in Waterloo at the Fire training facility, for police fire investigators, insurance fire investigators, and fire prevention officers. The course was put on by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). Through presentations and practical scenarios – examined fire patterns, burns patterns made by a variety of accelerants. Practical burns conducted in mock living room and bedroom room settings. Written exam at completion.
Forensic Interviewing, CPC
May 2003
Canadian Police College – Ottawa, Ontario – This two week course curriculum included personality types, interviewing strategies, barriers of communications, active listening, cognitive interview, statement analysis, interrogation, Reid’s Interview and Interrogation, practical exercises
Multi-Jurisdictional Case Management, OPC
May 2003
Ontario Police College – one week – Working with other agencies – large scale cases, determining who will be the lead. Based on the Major Case Management Page 9 Model – Command Triangle consisting of the File Coordinator, Primary Investigator and Major Case Management. Search warrant coordination, media liaison, interviewing, data input, scene investigation, forensic identification, field investigation and canvassing. Joint management team, investigative consulting team and other topics.
Major Crime Investigative Techniques, CPC
August 2002
Canadian Police College – Ottawa, Ontario, – This course examined the Major Case Management System used in Ontario, and in other parts on Canada, as used by the RCMP, Canvassing, RCMP Forensic Laboratories, Behavioural Sciences, Interviewing, Media, Victim Management, Crime Scene Management, Human Sources, and Undercover Investigations, and other topics.
Homicide Investigation Level 1, OPC
November 1999
One-week course at the Ontario Police College. This course curriculum included – Forensic Interviewing, Statue and Case Law, types of evidence, Crime Scene Management, Resource Management, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Types of Resources Available, Note taking, Canvassing, Search and Seizure, Types of Scenes
Major Case Management, OPC
December 1998
Vaughan Ontario – Two Week Course accredited with the Ontario Police College. This course examined the Campbell and Kauffman Reports, The Major Case Management System, Canvassing, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Interviewing, Media, Victim Management, Crime Scene Management, human Sources, and other topics.
General Investigative Techniques, OPC
December 1996
Ontario Police College, Two Week course accredited with the Ontario Police College. Course curriculum included – handling of physical evidence, crime scene management, and informant development, operational planning, victim issues, death investigation, search and seizure, interviewing and interrogation as well as eyewitness testimony.
Fraud Investigation – Level 1, OPC
September 1995
Ontario Police College, Three Week course accredited with the Ontario Police College. Course curriculum included – handling of physical evidence, crime scene management, and informant development, operational planning, writing warrants for banks and other financial institutions.
Ontario Fire College, NFPA 1033 Accredited Course: Instructor
September 30 – October 4, 2019 (with Instructors Ken Benoit and Clive Hubbard)
Camp Molly, Oakville (14-18 yr old Females) Live Burn Demos and Lectures – May 9-12, 2019 and September 23-26, 2021
Lambton Shores Fire Department, Forest Fire Department
July 14-15, 201
2 day training seminar including a live burn training exercise involving a 12’ X 12’ burn cell. 1 day in class training. Topics covered included Origin and Cause Determination, Ventilation controlled fires, when and why to contact the OFMEM, Fire Science. Attended by 15 persons
CASUI (Canadian Association of Special Investigations Unit): Guest Lecturer
May 18, 2017
OPP and Northern College Fire Fighter Class, Forensic Identification Annual Training: Guest Lecturer
March 1, 2017
Meaford Fire Service: Fire Scene Assessment, Meaford Station
March 10, 2016
Hamilton Arson Investigators: Fire Scene Assessment, Hamilton
October 14, 2015
Spring Training, Ventilation Controlled Fire: Peer Case Presenter OFC
June 2015
Ontario Fire College, NFPA 1033 Accredited Course: Instructor
May 25- 29, 2015 With Instructors: Supervisor Tebby and FI Pahor
Forest Fire Service, Note Taking: Guest Lecturer with FI Hubbard
March 16, 2015
Westervelt College, London, Police Foundations: Guest Lecturer
July 22, 2014
University of Windsor, Forensics 200 Students: Guest Lecturer
January 27, 2014
FSWO (Fire Service Woman Ontario): Conference Speaker
November 1-2, 2013 Ontario Fire College
Spring Training Case Presentation
June 4, 2013
Ontario Fire College: Associate Instructor
November 2012 – Present
DARE Graduation, Year-end Speech – 2009
Crime Scene Management: GIT Presenter for Block Training – 2002
Golden Horseshoe Homicide Investigators: Case Presenter – May 2001
Multi-Jurisdictional Criminal Harassment: Case Presenter – 2000
Grade 8 Career Day, Hamilton: Presenter – 1998
Statement Admissibility Seminar: OPP
October 2007
Ontario Provincial Police Statement Admissibility Course – Orillia, Ontario – Two days in Collingwood – reviewing Statute and Case Law, and various types of statements, written, audio and audio/video recorded, including work being done in British Columbia, by the RCMP.
Threat Management Seminar: OPP
May 2007
Ontario Provincial Police one day seminar – James Van Allen, Behavioural Science expert reviewed case profiling, interview techniques, submission of VICLAS by police. Geographical profiling reviewed.
Terrorism in your Backyard: Seminar w/RCMP
March 2007
Evening seminar – Oakville – Halton Regional Police Headquarters. RCMP presenters giving case studies – outlining the trends in terrorism and what to signs look for that may be overlooked during regular patrol duties.
Interviewing and Interrogation Seminar
February 2007
Evening seminar – Milton, Halton Regional Police Service, put on by Polygraph Officer Det. McLaughlin. Review of case studies, the law, rights to counsel, how to conduct an effective interview, when to change from interview to interrogation.
Death Notification Training: MADD
January 2007
Evening Seminar, Oakville – Halton Regional Police Headquarters – put on by MADD Canada (Mother’s of Drunk Driver’s) The proper way to deliver a death notification by being insightful yet empathetic. Involving Victim services, other resources available.
Homicide Seminar, Vancouver
September 2005
One week seminar held in Vancouver. Case reviews current trends and investigative techniques. Assisted with Registration.
Holly Jones Homicide Seminar: HRPS
March 2005
Oakville – Halton Regional Police Headquarters – evening seminar – presented by Toronto Police Detectives – Homicide case review.
Domestic Violence Investigator Training: HRPS
January 2005
Oakville – Halton Regional Police Headquarters. Victim sensitivity, cycle of violence, review of the law and the Provincial Mandate removing the ability for officers to use discretion.
Accident Investigation: HRPS
November 2003
Halton Regional Police Headquarters, one day review of evidence collection and documentation regarding accidents.
Geographic Profiling: HRPS
June 2002
Halton Regional Police Headquarters, evening seminar. The history of Geographic Profiling – available through OPP Behavioural Sciences. Case reviews and the science behind it.
WHIMIS (Update – Took in May 2000)
April 2002
Hazard Recognition: HRPS
October 2001
Health, Safety and the Law 1 & 2: HRPS
October 2001
Above three courses for Sgts Halton Regional Police Headquarters – all one day. Information necessary to lead a uniform platoon, in a safe and efficient manner.
Advanced Homicide Investigators Seminar: TPS
June 2001
One week seminar hosted by Toronto Police Service – held in Toronto. Review of case studies, new investigative techniques, collection of evidence.
Advanced Homicide Investigators Seminar: TPS
June 1999
One week seminar hosted by Toronto Police Service – held in Toronto. Review of case studies, new investigative techniques, collection of evidence
Third Party Records: OPC
June 1999
Case law – R.v. O’Conner – review of the report regarding the disclosure of third party records and ensuring there is informed consent in writing to obtain these records.
Search Warrant Seminar: HRPS
June 1999
Halton Region Police Service – seminar reviewed the statute and case law relating to various types of search and seizure, with and without a warrant.
Canadian Police Knowledge Network Courses (CPKN) – Online
Ontario Police Video Training Alliance (OPTVA)
University of Toronto
Seneca College
Air Crash Recovery: Forensics Credit
August 2012
Problems encountered by first responders to large mass disaster scenes. The in-field component will involve various aspects of the recovery, mapping, and processing of a mid-air crash scenario of two medium-size commuter jets. Involved the pedestrian search, the identification of aircraft components, personal effects and human remains. Students will work in teams to properly identify, recover, map, photograph and process this overwhelming scene and to overcome problems encountered with these types of scenes. The course will address mass disaster involvement from the perspective of the Tri-Services: EMS, Police and Fire Services – Taught by Greg Olsen – OFMEM Investigator, Forensic Anthropologist
Sheridan College
Humber College
