Chad Messersmith
Georgetown
Summary
An experienced fire investigator, with the Austin Fire Department, in conducting origin and cause examination of various types of vehicle and structure fires. Focused on the elements relevant to the fire incident being investigated in order to deductively reason and eliminate potential fire causes until only one cause remains. Skilled in conducting thorough follow-up investigations and interviews in order to develop more than sufficient probable cause to make an arrest for fire incidents where an incendiary cause determination has been made.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Investigator
Austin Fire Department
11.2019 - Current
- Conduct thorough investigations of fire incidents to determine the origin and cause.
- Conduct comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
- Collect and package relevant items of evidence for laboratory analysis using industry recognized methods and accountability controls.
- Collaborate with insurance companies and other law enforcement agencies to gather evidence in support of legal proceedings.
- Develop and write comprehensive probable cause affidavits for both search and arrest warrants.
- Conduct analysis of data, information, and items gained through execution of various types of search warrants and grand jury subpoenas.
- Conduct investigations independently, and as part of a team, with minimum supervision.
Fire Inspector
Austin Fire Department
01.2018 - 11.2019
- Conducted thorough inspections of commercial hotel and apartment community properties for fire code compliance with minimal supervision.
- Collaborated with hotel and apartment property manager to educate on fire safety regulations and best practices.
- Administered the Annual Inspection Program for the Operations Division.
- Improved the existing Hotel Inspection program by taking it from 12 months to six months to complete by using available technology and city data bases.
- Addressed internal and external customer issues and complaints within the scope of the fire code and the Fire Marshal's intent.
Fire Specialist
Austin Fire Department
05.2006 - 01.2018
- Operate and maintain various emergency response vehicles and equipment for fire and emergency medical response, as well as multiple Special Operation disciplines.
- Maintain relevant training and skills for multiple capabilities to include fire suppression, basic EMT, Hazardous Materials Technician, Swift Water, Rope Rescue, and Structural Collapse response.
- Work as the Officer-in-Charge of an Engine company in the absence of the regularly assigned officer, being responsible for the safety and performance of the assigned crew members.
- Conducted fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and standards of the local adopted fire code.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts, collaborating with other agencies to enhance response efforts at active emergency incidents.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency Management
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX01-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, ILSkills
- Photographic documentation
- Scene safety assessment
- Evidence collection
- Interviewing techniques
- Problem-solving abilities
- Analytical thinking
- Risk assessment
Affiliations
International Association of Fire Fighters -IAFF
International Association of Arson Investigators -IAAI
Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas - CLEAT
Certification
IAAI - Certified Fire Investigator, July 2025
Timeline
Fire Investigator
Austin Fire Department
11.2019 - Current
Fire Inspector
Austin Fire Department
01.2018 - 11.2019
Fire Specialist
Austin Fire Department
05.2006 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Emergency Management
West Texas A&M University
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Illinois Central College