About GPI
JEFF LAVERMAN
Jeff has been a Special Agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for 32 years, focusing on fire investigation for 24 years, and member of ATF’s prestigious National Response Team for 20 years (full-time NRT for 12 years). He is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), Certified Explosives Specialist (CES), and credentialed as CFI from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) where he holds membership (MIAAI). He has participated in over 100 NRT callouts and personally investigated over 450 fire and explosion scenes, locally and statewide. While every scene is tragic and worthy of careful investigation, whether it be a house fire, vehicle fire, commercial fire, some of the more high-profile cases he has investigated include the Nashville bombing (2020), the Minneapolis Riot fires (2020), Conception Boat fire (2019), Austin bombings (2018), West Fertilizer Company explosion and fire (2016).
Jeff has testified as an expert witness before the federal grand jury, state, and federal courts. He participates annually in professional training related to all aspects of fire and explosives scene investigation, including live burn testing, live explosives training, hazmat, photography, heavy equipment, building systems, interviewing, drones, fire dynamics, legal issues, evidence collection, etc. Jeff has the FAA 107 license to fly drones.
Jeff has professional instructor experience at recertification training events, as well as special presentations such as for the Bozeman Fire Department and the Iraqi Police in Baghdad, Iraq. Professional Awards/Recognition given to Jeff include the ATF Distinguished Service Medal, ATF Special Service Award, and the ATF Foreign Service Medal. Many years ago, Jeff attended Eastern Washington University and the University of Maryland. CV is available upon request. PSP-PI-LIC-38230
JAIME FENDER
Jaime has been employed by the Billings Fire Department for 11 years, serving as Assistant Fire Marshal and before that as Deputy Fire Marshal. He is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) with the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI); Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); Certified Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, Fire Plans Examiner, and Fire Code Specialist with the International Code Council (ICC). He holds memberships in all organizations. He has investigated over 200 fires. Some of the more noteworthy investigations he conducted include the South 56th Street West storage building fire (2016), the Billings Bronze fire (2017), and the Billings Wastewater Treatment Plant Explosion (2023).
Jaime participates in professional training related to all aspects of fire/arson investigation, interviewing, evidence collection, electrical aspects, fire protection systems, fire prevention, fire and life safety, architectural aspects, egress, special and mixed-use occupancies, hazardous materials, and more.
Jaime holds a fire marshal designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and has experience instructing professional training for Billings Fire Department. Jaime has a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Leadership, Columbia Southern University (2023) and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Management, Columbia Southern University (2018) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, Montana State University-Billings (2017). CV is available upon request. PSP-PI-LIC-44899