The Fire Investigation Team was formally organized in the early 1990’s. Initially, the team was comprised of 7 State-certified Fire Investigators and 1 State-certified arson investigator.

     The Lockport Township Fire Investigation Team’s mission is to investigate the origin and cause of all fires within our fire district for the prevention of future fires. Fire causes are classified as accidental, incendiary, natural, or undetermined at the conclusion of an investigation. Our Fire Investigation Team, along with the Will County State’s attorney’s office and multiple law enforcement agencies within our fire district, has been successful in the identification, arrest, and conviction of persons involved in arson-related crimes. Our team assists and can be assisted by other fire departments with the investigation of fires through the MABAS box alarm system. ATF, OSFM, and accelerant K-9’s from other agencies are utilized as resources, as needed.

     Currently the team is made up of (10) State-certified Fire Investigators and (2) State-certified arson investigators, three of which have been on the team since its inception. We attend monthly team training on various fire investigation topics to keep current with our field/policies and to satisfy our state-mandated re-certification hours. The team uses a recently purchased Fire Investigation Vehicle that replaced our older unit. The new vehicle was custom designed by our team members for our needs. The vehicle is self-supported with a generator, heat/A.C., scene lights, office area, and a tool/equipment area. It is used for fire investigation equipment storage/transport, as well as interviewing and support functions.

     Our current members include: Battalion Chief John Kure, Lt. Bill Piper, Lt. Dan Martis, Lt. John Matthews, Lt. Frank Blaskey, Lt. Robert Vargo, Lt. Ed Rossetto, Lt. Dave Grzetich, FF Tina Pirc, FF Jason Pytlewski, FF Dan Mullner, & FF Alex Mc Glynn.

The fire investigation team can be contacted at 815-838-3287.