John is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Hydrocarbon Fuels Specialist with over 17 years of experience. He holds Journeyperson certifications in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (313A) and Construction and Maintenance Electrician (309A), along with extensive expertise in hydrocarbon fuels. John also possesses regulatory and legal expertise in addition to trade and industry knowledge, which he acquired as Fuels Safety Inspector and Fuels Safety Technical Trainer with the TSSA.
John specializes in natural gas and fuel oil, and is also licensed in liquid propane, compressed natural gas, petroleum, and hydrogen. He holds a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) designation and a commission from the National Board for inspecting boilers and pressure vessels.
John has led over 65 origin and cause investigations, many relating to a regulated fuel. He has also lent his expertise in destructive laboratory examinations and provided expert opinions on legal files.
Fire and Explosion Investigator/Fuels Specialist, Origin and Cause
Ancaster, ON
May 2024 – Present
- Investigate structural fires and explosions
- Prepare technical evaluations of specific component or appliance failures
- Write investigative reports outlining the origin and cause of losses
- Provide technical expertise for hydrocarbon-related fires and explosions
Fuels Technical Trainer, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
June 2022 – May 2024
- Create, maintain, and deliver curriculum for hydrocarbon fuels-specific training for fuels safety inspectors
- Onboard and mentor new inspectors to the TSSA within Fuels, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, as well as Elevating and Amusement Devices
- Serve as technical advisor to all departments within the TSSA to include engineering, inspection, legal, and management
- Member of Hydrogen working group to develop training and standards for the evolving hydrogen fuel industry
Fuels Safety Inspector, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
October 2021 – June 2022
- Respond to fuel oil and liquid fuel spills
- Conduct inspections, investigations, complaints, and audits pertaining to hydrocarbon fuels
- Enhance public safety and ensure compliance to the TSSA Act, applicable Ontario regulations, codes, and standards
- Perform final inspection of field-approved appliance and variance applications
- Assist and advise other Regulatory Agencies when called upon
Contract Professor, Fanshawe College and Conestoga College
September 2018 – October 2021
- Developed and delivered curriculum for commercial and industrial refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical troubleshooting, and gas fitting
- Evaluate and maintain records of both written and practical skills assessments for post-secondary and continuing education students
- Mentor students and educate on the apprenticeship process and career paths within the skilled trades
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic and Construction and Service Electrician, various contractors within United Association Local 787
June 2011 — October 2021
- Completed apprenticeship schooling while gaining practical experience transitioning from apprentice to journeyperson as both a refrigeration mechanic (313A), as well as a construction and maintenance electrician (309A)
- Install, commission, diagnose, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC equipment, including chillers, boilers, and process burners, furnaces, and ventilation equipment
- Perform maintenance/service on hydrocarbon and ammonia refrigeration systems for industrial process, commercial process, and comfort cooling
- Service and maintain commercial and industrial natural gas, propane, and fuel oil burners on boilers, ovens, process equipment, and central heating systems
- Complete comprehensive fuel oil inspections for backup power/heating equipment at institutional facilities and data centers
- Install, inspect, and commission fuel above and below ground fuel tanks and fuel forwarding systems for compliance and safety.
Utility Technician, National Fuel Gas Corporation
Dunkirk, New York
November 2007 — February 2010
- Operate and supervise the operation of heavy equipment to include excavators, backhoes, and directional drilling equipment to safely install natural gas main and service infrastructure
- Experienced with low and medium pressure natural gas distribution mains and services
- Able to locate, excavate, and repair natural gas main and service leaks while ensuring crew and public safety
- Serve as mainline crew leader responsible for safety, productivity and customer service as well as ensuring the timely and accurate completion of reports to supervisors
Staff Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
June 1999 — November 2007
- Staff Sergeant (E-6) with combat service
- Ability to manage difficult situations in adverse conditions
- Mentor and supervise subordinate Marines in diverse and dangerous situations
- Responsible to effectively report to senior leaders on delegated tasks and ensure accomplishment of assigned missions.
- Trained in the operation of heavy equipment, experienced in munitions and various ordnances
- Proven in first responder lifesaving skills
