CHRIS S. FREE
Cullman
Summary
Public safety professional with more than two decades of progressive experience in police, fire, EMS, criminal investigations, fire investigations, and public safety administration. Extensive background in origin and cause determination, NFPA 921 methodology, NFPA 1033 competency areas, evidence collection and preservation, and courtroom testimony. Demonstrated leadership in multi-disciplinary public safety operations, emergency management, and investigative case management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Captain / Deputy Fire Marshal / IT Manager
Center Point Fire District
Center Point, AL
01.2019 - Current
- Conducts fire origin and cause investigations using NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033
- Leads investigative operations, scene analysis, evidence documentation, and case management
- Oversees fire inspections, life-safety compliance, and plan review
- Manages digital evidence systems, reporting platforms, and workflow automation
- Prepares courtroom-ready investigative documentation and supports testimony
- Coordinates with law enforcement, prosecutors, insurance investigators, and AHJs
- Oversee public education, community risk reduction, and safety initiatives
- Supports district-wide fire/EMS operations and administrative functions
Public Safety Director
City of Falkville
Falkville, AL
01.2006 - 01.2019
- Directed police, fire, and EMS operations for the municipality
- Managed administrative functions including budgeting, personnel, training, and policy development
- Conducted criminal and fire investigations, including evidence collection, preservation, and storage
- Oversaw case management, investigative documentation, and courtroom testimony
- Coordinated multi-agency responses, emergency planning, and logistics
- Supervised public safety personnel and ensured compliance with state and federal standards
Public Safety Officer (Police, Fire, EMS)
Port of Huntsville
Huntsville, AL
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Performed dual-role police, fire, and EMS duties in an airport/public safety environment
- Conducted criminal investigations, incident reporting, and enforcement actions
- Responded to fire, medical, and security emergencies
- Assisted with emergency planning, logistics, and interagency coordination
- Supported fire suppression, rescue operations, and initial fire scene assessments
Education
Master of Justice Administration -
Faulkner University
Bachelor of Science - Public Health Administration
Athens State University
Associate of Science - Criminalistics
Wallace State Community College
Skills
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Safety procedures
- Operational efficiency
- Data entry software
- Process monitoring and improvement
- Operational reporting
Accomplishments
Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy, Advanced Fire Investigator, NAFI-CFI, CFI-FIT
Affiliations
Vice President of the Central District for Alabama Association of Fire Investigator.
Alabama FOP.
Alabama Masonic Member.
Alabama Chiefs of Police.
Alabama Fire Chiefs.
National Association of Fire Investigators
Alabama Association of Fire Investigators
International Association of Fire Investigators
NFPA
IFC
Certification
- Firefighter I / II
- Fire Officer I / II
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Investigator I/II
- Apparatus Operator – Pumper
- Apparatus Operator – Aerial
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Public Life Safety Educator
- Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy
- Fingerprint specialist
- Crime Scene Photographer
FIRE INVESTIGATION EXPERIENCE
- Origin and cause investigations using NFPA 921 scientific method
- Fire dynamics, pattern analysis, and hypothesis development
- Evidence recognition, collection, preservation, and secure storage
- Investigative photography and scene documentation
- Witness, occupant, and responder interviews
- Case file development for criminal, civil, and insurance proceedings
- Interagency coordination with law enforcement and prosecutors
- Courtroom preparation and testimony support
COURTROOM TESTIMONY EXPERIENCE
- Testified in criminal and civil proceedings as a public safety official and investigator
- Prepared investigative reports, evidence documentation, and expert analysis for court
- Participated in pre-trial conferences, case reviews, and prosecutorial briefings
- Familiar with courtroom procedures, evidence rules, and expert witness expectations
Timeline
Captain / Deputy Fire Marshal / IT Manager
Center Point Fire District
01.2019 - Current
Public Safety Director
City of Falkville
01.2006 - 01.2019
Public Safety Officer (Police, Fire, EMS)
Port of Huntsville
01.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Public Health Administration
Athens State University
Associate of Science - Criminalistics
Wallace State Community College
Master of Justice Administration -
Faulkner University