IAAI Indiana Chapter
Learn about the Indiana IAAI Chapter
IAAI Indiana Chapter Information
Learn about the Indiana Chapter of the IAAI
Founded in 1972, the Indiana IAAI chapter exists to to consistently improve the caliber, ability, and in-depth quality of fire investigation in the state.
The Indiana Chapter Won the IAAI Chapter of the Year Award in 2004!
Chapter Information On this Page
Become A Member
IN-IAAI Meetings
IN-IAAI Reigons
Board of Directors
Chapter Information On Other Pages
Chapter Bylaws
Training and Events
Annual Conference
Contact IN-IAAI
IAAI Membership
Benefits of Membership
Membership in the Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI Chapter 14) provides numerous opportunities in the field of fire investigation. Perhaps the most valuable benefit of membership is the fire investigation contacts you will make as a part of the IN-IAAI. You can join either the Indiana chapter only, or the international organization and the Indiana chapter. See the membership page for complete information.
Please contact us if you have questions about membership.
Chapter Meetings
At this time meetings are held in-person and via Zoom. RSVP for more information.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 10:00 am.
Usual in-person meeting location:
MADE @ Plainfield located at 1610 Reeves Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168, in classroom 237 (upstairs)
Indiana IAAI Chapter Regions
Region Representatives
(At Large Board Members)
Northern District
Phil Topor
NEFCO Fire Investigations
(219) 742-0010
ptopor [at] merrillville.in [dot] gov
Central District Director
Bill Dearing
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
(317) 509-0631
wdearing [at] dhs.in [dot] gov
Southern District
Mark Gillaspy
Seymour Fire Department
(812) 525-7944
mgillaspy [at] seymourinfire [dot] org
Indiana Chapter Board Members
The 2025-26 INIAAI Board of Directors
President
Ross Keasling
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
(317) 509-0381
RKeasling [at] dhs.in [dot] gov
First Vice President
Josh Watterson
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
(317) 646-9992
JWatterson [at] dhs.in [dot] gov
Second Vice President
Rick Russell
Shand Forensic Investigations
(317) 502-2242
Rick [at] shandforensic [dot] com
Immediate Past President
Jordan Saunders
Fire and Explosion Consultants, LLC
317-201-7672
Jordansaunders [at] fec-fire [dot] com
Secretary
Jessica Shanahan
Erie Insurance
317-370-6475
Secretary [at] iniaai [dot] org
Treasurer
Dave Kloss, IAAI-CFI®
Shand Forensic Investigations
260-238-5800
dave [at] shandforensic [dot] com
Northern District Director
Phil Topor
Merrillville Fire Department
(219) 742-0010
ptopor [at] merrillville.in [dot] gov
Central District Director
Bill Dearing
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
(317) 509-0631
wdearing [at] dhs.in [dot] gov
Southern District Director
Mark Gillaspy
Seymour Fire Department
(812) 525-7944
mgillaspy [at] seymourinfire [dot] org
IAAI-CFI® Director
Scott McDowell
scottmcdowell [at] goshencity [dot] com
Membership Chair
Jessica Shanahan
secretary [at] iniaai [dot] org
Training and Education Chair
Steve Shand
steve [at] shandforensic [dot] com
We’re looking for your words and pics!
If you have information that you would like to share, or know of any articles or reports that may be of special significance, please contact us.
The chapter is also always looking for interesting and/or unique investigative photographs to display at our annual conference and various training seminars. 8″X10″ photographs are preferred.
Got something for us? Get in touch.