Chris is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Certified Level II Fire Inspector with over 18 years of experience at the London Fire Department, where he worked in fire suppression, inspections, investigations, and as Acting Chief Fire Prevention Officer. Since 2021, he has served as a Fire Prevention Officer and Investigator with the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex Fire Department.

In addition to his operational work, Chris is a professor at Fanshawe College, teaching fire inspection and investigation in the Fire and Life Safety program and Public Safety Fundamentals. He is the Lead Instructor for the NFPA 1033 Fire Investigation Course with the Ontario Fire College and delivers organization-wide fire inspection and investigation training for the London Fire Department. He also teaches the NFPA 921 Course “Guide for Fire and Explosions” with IAAI Ontario.

Chris specializes in fire department litigation, providing expert analysis in fire origin and cause, suppression tactics, and response protocols. His work supports legal teams and municipalities in defending or prosecuting claims related to fire department conduct, equipment failure, and operational decision-making. With a deep understanding of NFPA standards, the Ontario Fire Code, and departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures, he bridges the gap between fire inspection/investigation and the legal complexities surrounding fire department liability.

Russ is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, as well as a former Fire Captain, Fire Prevention officer, and member of the Arson Strike Force. He has over 20 years of experience and has performed over 1,000 fire and explosion investigations, including large structural losses, vehicle fires, and wildland fires. Russ also investigates and reports on technical failures, specializing in fire sprinkler systems.