2026 MN IAAI Annual Training Conference
Class Descriptions
De-Escalating Interviews
Instructor: Tad Hoeschen
Class Summary: This 2-hour verbal de-escalation course is designed to provide a unique insight into how to work with a wide variety of personalities and individuals who may be elevated, angry, or experiencing a mental health crisis. We will explore various types of interpersonal interactions and the myriad of distractions and communication barriers that can occur. Additionally, there will be a deep dive into non-verbal communication and cues that an individual may inadvertently produce that can provide insight into their intent and give significant indications of how to act and communicate so as to not elevate a person’s mood.
This course will provide participants with a greater understanding of human interactions, stress indicators, and individual perspectives. A significant focus of this presentation will be to look at psychologically and physiologically, what happens to us when we are stressed, upset, or scared, and how can we overcome those natural human reactions to better communicate and observe potentially threatening behaviors.
Instructor Biography: Tad Hoeschen
Instructor Bio: Sgt Tad Hoeschen has 27 years of Law Enforcement experience starting out as a police officer in Garden City Kansas and then joining the St Cloud, MN Police Department in September 2000. Throughout his career, Sgt Hoeschen has been a patrol officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Investigator, member of the St Cloud SWAT Team, firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, Mobile Field Force instructor, active threat response instructor, and member of the Community Crime Impact Team. Sgt Hoeschen was promoted in 2015 and currently supervises the Community Crisis Intervention Team (CCIT) which is comprised of three units, the Crime Prevention Unit, the Mental Health Response Unit, and the Threat Liaison Unit.
Sgt Hoeschen has a BS in Communication Studies from South Dakota State University and a MA from Concordia University St Paul in Criminal Justice Leadership.
Motor Vehicle Fire Investigations - Basics and Modern Advancements
Instructors: Brian Haag and Matt Dubbin
This class will provide an overview of vehicle fire investigation fundamentals, serving both as a refresher for experienced professionals and an introduction for newcomers. Key topics will include fire pattern analysis, conducting witness interviews, effective information gathering, and recommended steps for thorough investigations. Particular emphasis will be placed on factors influencing burn patterns, such as ventilation, material composition, and environmental conditions.
The curriculum will address traditional vehicle system components—including engines, transmissions, brakes, batteries, and alternators—as well as contemporary advancements like electric power steering, traction control systems, battery placement strategies, power distribution modules, and CAN bus technology.
Instruction will be supported by data collected from multiple live burn scenarios and supplemented with relevant case studies to reinforce learning objectives.
Instructor Biographies:
Brian Haag: Brian Haag, IAAI-CFI (v) has been active in the field of fire investigation since 1999 and with Whitemore Fire Consultants since 2001. Mr. Haag has investigated over 3000 fire and explosions losses in his career. Mr. Haag specializes in motor vehicle fires and has investigated over 1500 vehicle and heavy equipment fires. Mr. Haag served 30 years in the fire service including 20 years as a paid-on call Fire Chief and was devoted to code enforcement, fire ground command, training, and incident command at fire scenes. Mr. Haag is active in the Minnesota Chapter of the IAAI and served as President, Second Vice President, and Director. Mr. Haag has instructed motor vehicle classes at the Wisconsin Chapter of the IAAI, the Minnesota Chapter of the IAAI, the North Dakota Chapter of the IAAI, the Illinois Chapter of the IAAI, The International Association of Fire Investigators and for the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Matt Dubbin: Matt has been active in the field of consulting and forensic engineering since 1995. He graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Minnesota and a dozen other states nationwide. Mr. Dubbin has taught numerous electrical investigation classes for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension as well as other state, local, and private organizations. Mr. Dubbin's investigations include examinations of electrical equipment failures, electric shock, electrocution, vehicles and structure fires.
Elevating Your Fire Investigation Unit: Achieving Certification, NFPA 1321 Compliance, and Accreditation
Instructors: Rick and Cassie Jones
Elevating Your Fire Investigation Unit: Achieving Certification, NFPA 1321 Compliance, and Accreditation is an instructional course designed to guide fire investigation units through the essential requirements, processes, and best practices outlined in NFPA 1321: Standard for Fire Investigation Units.
This course provides a practical, application-driven exploration of how NFPA 1321 can be used to build, manage, and continuously improve a professional fire investigation unit. Participants will learn how to implement the standard’s requirements related to organizational structure, operational policies and procedures, evidence management, quality assurance, and documentation.
Through real-world examples, the course demonstrates how NFPA 1321 enhances investigative consistency and prepares agencies for compliance. By the end of the course, attendees will understand how to apply NFPA 1321 in developing a high-performing, compliant, and credentialed fire investigation unit.
Instructor Biographies:
Cassandra “Cassie” Jones: Mrs. Jones has 19 years of experience in fire investigations. She has completed numerous courses on fire investigation sponsored by the IAAI and other organizations. She earned a degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University and is an experienced lecturer.
Mrs. Jones supervises personnel, provides guidance and leadership, manages cases, quality control, and evidence, and prepares performance assessments of personnel. She has been actively involved in the Louisiana Chapter of the IAAI, serving as Treasurer on the Board since 2015 and currently serves as Chapter President.
Mrs. Jones currently serves as a principal member of NFPA 1321 – Fire Investigation Units. Additionally, she serves as the IAAI Recording Secretary and as the IAAI-ECT subcommittee chairman and facilitator for the program.
Rick Jones: Mr. Jones has over 28 years of experience in the field of investigations for both the public and the private sectors. He also has prior service and training with local fire districts and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, specializing in the field of fire and explosion investigations. Mr. Jones has completed numerous courses related to fire and explosion investigations sponsored by the National Fire Academy, Maine State Police, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and other federal, state, and local organizations.
He earned degrees in Fire Science, Fire Administration, and Fire Investigation from Columbia Southern University and is an experienced lecturer on fire and explosion investigations. Mr. Jones has been recognized as an expert witness and has provided testimony on state, federal, and international levels.
He has been actively involved in the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), serving on the Board of Directors for six years and advancing through the executive positions to President for the 2020-2021 term. He also serves as committee co-chair for the IAAI Certifications Committee; on the FISC committee; ITC Training Committee; Editorial Review Committee for the Fire and Arson Investigator Journal; and on the Appellate Review Committee. Additionally, Mr. Jones has been an active member of the Louisiana Chapter of IAAI, previously serving on the Board of Directors and advancing to the position of Chapter President on two occasions.
He is a facilitator for the IAAI Evidence Collection Technician (ECT) and Expert Witness/Courtroom Testimony (EWCT) programs and served as committee chair for the IAAI publication Fire Investigator Principles and Practice to NFPA 921 and 1033, for both the 2014 edition and the 2017 edition of the publication.
Additionally, he serves as a principal NFPA committee member for NFPA 921 Fire Investigations, a principal for NFPA 302 Motor Craft, an alternate for NFPA 1321 Fire Investigation Units (FIU), NFPA 1300 Standard on Community Risk Assessment and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development, NFPA 1452 Guide for Training Fire Service Personnel to Conduct Community Risk Reduction, NFPA 1730 Standard on Organization and Deployment of Fire Prevention Inspection and Code Enforcement, Plan Review, Investigation, and Public Education Operations, and NFPA 302 Motor Craft.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools in Fire Investigations
Instructor: Robert Toth
Summary:
This presentation introduces fire investigation professionals to the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) on the fire investigation process.
Key Highlights:
● Industry Innovation:
The session showcases how AI—particularly GenAI tools and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)—is set to revolutionize fire investigation, much like NFPA 921 and the internet did in previous eras.
● Practical Applications:
The presentation covers AI-powered capabilities all aimed at making investigations faster, more accurate, and cost-effective.
● Human-Centric Approach:
AI is positioned as a powerful assistant—not a replacement—for fire investigators, augmenting expert judgment and enhancing productivity, decision-making, and workflow efficiency.
● Real-World Tools & Ethics:
The presentation introduces practical GenAI tools, discuss their security and ethics considerations, and provide best-practice guidance for using AI responsibly, including audit trails and disclosure recommendations.
● Engagement and Outcomes:
The session delivers relatable examples and actionable insights for professionals looking to integrate AI into daily fire investigation tasks. Emphasis is placed on maximizing the benefits of AI while maintaining rigorous standards, accuracy, and professional oversight
Instructor Biography:
Robert Toth began his professional career in the fire service, dedicating nearly 21 years to this field. During his last decade in the service, he transitioned to law enforcement, specializing in fire investigations within both the public and private sectors. In 2002, following his retirement from the fire service, he established IRIS Fire Investigations, Inc., where he currently conducts origin and cause investigations in Colorado and neighboring states.
In addition to his investigative work, Robert is highly regarded for his expertise and frequently sought after to deliver lectures and presentations on various topics. These include fire investigations, NFPA 921, interviewing techniques, internet technology, and digital photography training. His extensive knowledge has been shared with public agencies and private enterprises throughout the United States, as well as internationally in countries such as Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Furthermore, Robert is honored to have held the esteemed position of President within the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).
Arson - Inside the Mind
Instructor: Joe Loving
In 2019, a fire occurred in the middle of the night with an adult and two children inside. The investigation spanned over two and a half years with over 100 leads. Investigators interviewed more than 50 people and obtained over 30 court orders and search warrants. After two and a half years of work, investigators were no closer to finding a suspect. The case was further highlighted because the house appeared targeted due to a confederate flag hanging from the front porch. Eventually, a tip leads to an arrest, conviction and ultimately a full, recorded confession by the suspect detailing the events leading to the crime, the fire itself, and the aftermath.
Instructor Biography:
Joe Loving is a sworn law enforcement officer and fire investigator with over 15 years of investigation experience. He is an IAAI-FIT with 29 years of fire and rescue experience in two departments - serving ten years with the City of Manassas Park Fire & Rescue, and the last 19 years with Shenandoah County Fire & Rescue.
Photography
Instructor: Janet Nelson
Photography in a fire scene is like trying to document a black hole. It's a unique environment that is not covered in the programming of the auto mode in your camera. Join us to learn how to create brighter and sharper photos and smarter ways to use your camera, even in low light. Be sure to check the equipment requirements as this is a hands-on class.
Items to bring to the photography workshop;
1. Bring the camera you use in the field (if you can) otherwise a DSLR, mirrorless or compact camera. A phone is not a camera.
2. Any lens between 18mm-150mm will be adequate. Bring extra lenses if you desire.
3. A detachable flash, if you have one.
4. The LED flashlight you use in the field or comparable. If you have a Foxfury or similar and wish to bring it to try it out, great!
5. A tripod
6. Spare batteries for your camera and the charger.
I will have a few tripods and flashlights for people who need them.
If you don't have a tripod or are considering the purchase of a camera, lens or flash, this is a good place to see what others are using!
Instructor Biography:
Janet Nelson is an IAI certified Forensic Photographer who has been teaching the practical use of on-scene photography for police and firefighters for the past 45 years. During her 20 years as a patrol officer and crime scene investigator in Lakeville, she mentored with the city fire department and Fire Marshal to develop photo skills unique to fire scenes. After serving in Lakeville, she moved to the Special Operations Section of the Mn Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, working as a Special Agent using photography and video to document major crime scenes Statewide with the BCA Crime Scene Team and investigating crimes involving analog and digital media. After 15 years, she retired in 2014 and is now a MN Master Naturalist volunteer, teaching nature photography to children and adults and contributing technical photos of plants and insects to iNaturalist. She continues to provide customized photography training to law enforcement and arson investigators in Minnesota and North Dakota.
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