Fire and Explosion Investigator Eugene ‘Gene’ C. Lutz, Jr. started his career with the Perry Twp Fire Department, Lake County Ohio, in 1983, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant/Paramedic and completed certifications in Fire Investigations, Life Safety Inspection, Paramedic, Hazardous Material Technician, Fire and EMS instructor.

Gene holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelorette in Public Safety Management, and OFE, Ohio Fire Executive Officer, through the Ohio Fire Chiefs.

In 2002, Gene became the Fire Chief of the Trotwood Fire and Rescue Division. During that time, he received his certification as an IAAI-FIT (Fire Investigation Technician) and developed his skills as a fire Investigator by investigating the origin and cause of over 300 fires.

In 2010, Gene became the Fire Chief of the Madison Fire District in Northeast Ohio. At that time, he got involved with the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, the Lake County East End Fire Investigation Unit, and The Ohio Arson School.

In 2017, he became a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has attended multiple fire investigation courses, including those from federal agencies. He has studied fraud fire investigations, origin and cause investigations, evidence collection and preservation, post blast investigations, vehicle fire investigations, and courtroom testimony.

Gene is a part-time faculty member in the Fire Science Program at Lakeland Community College where he has taught the Fire Investigation Course since 2010. He also is a part-time faculty member of Auburn Career Center teaching Professional Firefighter 260, EMT-Basic and Paramedic programs. He is still an active with the Ohio Fire Chiefs, Legislative Committee and LODD team.

Gene's education, training, and experience far exceed the minimum standards as set forth by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 1033, Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators. He is Pro Board Certified as a Fire Investigator.