Trace Lawless

Trace began his career as a fire explorer in the public sector in 1980 and has more than 28 years of experience in the fields of fire service, law enforcement, and fire/explosion investigations.

Trace has attended fire investigation courses around the United States, including Federal agencies, in the field of origin and cause investigation, evidence collection and preservation, explosive devices, post-blast investigations, and courtroom testimony.  Trace is a graduate of the National Fire Academy as well as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in the area of fire origin and cause determination and investigations.

Trace is retired from the Sycamore Township Fire Department where he was assigned to the County Fire Investigation Unit as an operation officer and accelerant detection canine handler, before joining the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office.  As a fire investigator, Trace maintained a certification in law enforcement and was a sworn Hamilton County Deputy Sheriff  and Ohio Fire Marshal.

In 2007, Trace became a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).  He became a Certified Fire Investigator in 2010 through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).  In addition to the above certificates, he holds certifications in Ohio as a Certified Fire and Safety Inspector, an Advanced Certified Firefighter, and Hazardous Materials Technician.

Several professional memberships are maintained by Trace in the field of fire and explosion investigations.  He is currently active in the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Greater Cincinnati Regional Fire and Arson Seminar.  Trace has participated in and conducted controlled burns of motor vehicles, dwellings, and commercial properties.  Trace has been involved in and/or investigated over 100 fatal fires in residential, commercial, and dormitory settings.  Trace has investigated over 2,000 fires in his professional career.

Trace has testified as an expert in Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court in multiple states.  Additionally, his testimonial experience includes depositions, Grand Jury appearances, preliminary hearings, and juvenile court proceedings, along with criminal and civil trials.Trace’s experience and training in fire, arson, and explosion investigations far exceeds the minimum standards as set forth by the National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 1033).

Fire Investigation Services is licensed as a private investigation firm in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

FIS is First In Service.