The 2004 IAAI Chapter of the Year

In 2004, the Indiana Chapter (#14) was awarded with the International Association of Arson Investigators James L. Smith Outstanding Chapter Award. The following is a synopsis of the basis for the award:

• An increased membership of nearly 20% during calendar year 2003
• 23 new IAAI CFI’s in the previous two years, including the first two female CFIs in the State
• First State in U.S. (we think) in which every Deputy State Fire Marshal has become an IAAI CFI
• The formation of the Indiana Fire and Arson Conference (Initiated in 1999 with approximately 80 attendees; doubling to approximately 160 attendees in 2002 and 2003). It’s financial success has allowed for the first ever donation ($2,500) to the Indiana Burn Camp for Children
• 2003 Creation of the State Chapter’s first website
• Increased training seminars throughout the State
• Streamlined Chapter organization and efficiency by breaking State up into Districts and coordination of training and communication through District Directors
• Merging with, and assuming the responsibilities of, the Indiana Arson and Crime Association and the statewide Arson Hotline and Reward Program (entailing the development of a set of guidelines and a committee for the oversight of this program)
• One of the first Chapters to go online with International regarding dues payments