IAAI Nebraska Chapter

04/29/2026

Registration Link will be coming soon! Please consider joining us September 2026 in Papillion, NE for our 56th Annual Educational Conference!!

04/29/2026

Congrats to our members on their accomplishments!

IAAI – Certified Fire Investigator Program (CFI)
Brett Desh – Papillion Fire Department

IAAI – Fire Investigator Technician Program (FIT)
Seth Lunbery – Kearney Fire Department

IAAI Foundation John H. Primrose IAAI Scholarship Recipient
Brett Desh – Papillion Fire Departmen

04/23/2026

Thirty years ago today, the Omaha Fire Dept. lost a phenomenal firefighter - Capt. John P. Goessling - after a roof collapse at an arson fire at the Family Dollar Store, 6618 N. 30th St. The fire was started by a juvenile arsonist lighting grass on fire next to the building, which ultimately spread to the building and resulted in Capt. Goessling's death.

He was 43 years old when he died and the father of 3 sons. All 3 sons would grow up and become Omaha Firefighters, with 2 of them currently captains.

Take a moment to reflect on the importance of your job as Fire investigators. No matter how small or large the fire is, every fire origin and cause is equally important to determine. We are charged with determining the origin and cause of fires AND if arson, determining who is responsible so they can be held accountable. We do this in the hopes of preventing tragedies like these in the future, not only for our brothers and sisters, but for the public as well.

Thank you to everyone who takes the extra time and effort to better themselves and their profession. Thank you to those who take their commitment far beyond the scene itself.

Fire investigation is not easy work. It takes patience, attention to detail, expertise, and often long hours of continuous follow-up and dedication.

For all this - and for the professional, integrity, and dedication you bring to the field everyday - please accept my sincere thanks!

David Sobotka
President - Nebraska Chapter IAAI

04/07/2026

Great job to our Local Public Agency investigators on their diligent work. This was a great example of local public and private associates coming together to remedie an insurance for profit arson.

A Lincoln man was arrested Friday after being accused of setting his home on fire in an attempt to defraud his insurance company.

Details: https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/06/lincoln-man-set-home-fire-attempt-defraud-insurance-company-police-allege/

12/10/2025

It is with deep sadness that the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of our colleague and friend, Terry Eirich, on December 10, 2025. Terry was diagnosed earlier this year with a presumptive cancer known to affect firefighters at higher rates, and his death is being honored with full fire service funeral honors.

Terry served our community for 38 years in many roles, including Captain, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Inspector for the City of Kearney, and as a part-time instructor for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Training Division. His dedication and impact will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. Please keep the Eirich family in your thoughts and prayers.

In Terry’s honor, Mayor Jonathan Nikkila has ordered flags at all City of Kearney buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on December 16, and invites the community to do the same.

11/26/2025

07/02/2025

The Nebraska IAAI is proud to partner with Metropolitan Community College to offer a comprehensive Fundamentals of Fire Investigation course. This is a two-quarter training titled as Fire Investigation I (FIST_2010) and Fire Investigation II (FIST_2011) that meets the core requirements set by the IAAI and is designed for both new and experienced fire investigators seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.

Taught by seasoned professionals, the course combines some online learning with classroom instruction to enhance critical thinking and investigative skills. Got more info on the following lik:

https://mycatalog.mccneb.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=22&poid=6799

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and meet essential certification requirements for you CFI.

Also, if you are a professional firefighter or law enforcement officer in Nebraska, this class is completely free through the First Responder Tuition Waiver Act.

05/07/2025

Great fire dynamics training for our members. With the assistance of the Waterloo Fire Dept. Our members were able to attend a 2 day training on fire dynamics using a flow path training prop. Thank you to one of our most valued supporters, Paul Davis Restoration, for providing lunch to our attendees.

04/29/2025

Don't forget to take advantage of our upcoming free training. Thank you to Waterloo Fire Dept. for helping to host.

03/22/2025

Today, members of Hastings Fire & Rescue, Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Hastings Police Department - Nebraska, Omaha Fire, NLETC, Grand Island PD, Wateloo PD, and others are participating in a fantastic training on awareness and response to energetic release incidents. Thank you to New Mexico Tech, and the IAAI Nebraska Chapter for helping us host this class and keeping our responders and community safe.