Our Team

We proudly introduce you to our team of experts in the fields of fire investigation, forensic engineering, subrogation, investigation of insurance claims, and liability exposures.

Iowa

LONN ABELTINS

President & CFEI, CFS - Senior Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1982

5,200+ Fires Investigated

 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I always try to do the right thing.
  2. I am passionate and committed to my work.
  3. I treat people as I would like to be treated.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

On the golf course!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I have been thanked by many, many times in my career with people crediting me for providing them with closure regarding the cause of a fire or an explosion. Whether the answer is good or bad in their eyes, I can almost always see the relief. As everyone knows, it is impossible to give every person that answer. Giving absolute closure to everyone would be my superpower.

KELLY LaFOLLETTE

CVFI, CIFI - Fire Investigator, Technician

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2009

 

 

Three Things

  1. I love my job.
  2. I strive for balance and prioritize my life: God, family, friends.
  3. I believe life is easier when we treat others the way we wish to be treated.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

If it’s wintertime, hopefully on a beach somewhere. If it’s summertime, hopefully on a golf course.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

If I could choose a superpower, I’d have the ability to help others calm down, breathe deeply, and recognize the happiness and joy of life. 

CHELSEA ABELTINS

Vice President, Special Investigator & Mobile Forensic Analyst

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2009

 

 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I wear my heart on my sleeve!
  2. I always try and take care of the people I love.
  3. I’m a second degree black belt! Watch out… just kidding!

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Designing costume wear, making jewelry, and creating art! Also, hanging with my sweet Mabel and family, and I love the gym!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I wish I could slow down time. Our days, years, and lives fly by too quickly, often too quickly to even realize what we are missing around us before it’s too late. Living in the moment and enjoying our time here on this earth is a luxury we shouldn’t ever take for granted.

CORY BENGE

CFI - Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2008

300+ Fires Investigated

 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I am passionate about the fire service and fire investigations.
  2. I am critical of everything that I do personally and professionally.
  3. If I am there, I am there to win.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

At a dirt track racing cars, watching my kids play sports, or beside the pool.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Time travel – I love history and there are some people I want to meet.

GEORGE HOWE

CFEI - Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1985

5,000+ Fires Investigated

 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I love to read.
  2. I still have a passion for processing fire scenes.
  3. I am always eager to learn new things from other investigators.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Running, biking, walking the dogs & spending time with family!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

X-Ray Vision!

MEREDITH EVANS

Chief Administrative Officer

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2013

 

 

 

Three Things

  1. I’m an extroverted introvert
  2. I put hot sauce on almost everything
  3. Organizing is my favorite pastime.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Most nights you can find me at home cooking dinner and relaxing with my significant other, Nic and our
two cats, Penny and Beyonce. If we aren’t at home, we are traveling, attending concerts or hanging
with friends and family.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to travel quickly to other galaxies because space blows my mind and I want to believe in
other worlds containing life.

Nebraska

KEN SCURTO

CFEI - Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1985

5,200+ Fires Investigated
 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I enjoy hanging out with friends.
  2. I love cooking around a campfire.
  3. I am usually watching football if the tv is on.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

At home working around the acreage or hanging out with my kids and grandchildren.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Supersonic speed to be able to reach people in time to make a difference.

 

MARK SLOUP

IAAI-CFI, CFEI, ECT - Fire Investigator
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2003
1,600+ Fires Investigated
 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I am very passionate about fire origin & cause investigations and the fire service.
  2. I enjoy working and staying busy with family.
  3. I am a workaholic!

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

I can be found with my wife (Tayler) and three kids (Dawsyn, Addisyn, and Sawyer). I can also be found at the local fire department, where I serve as the fire chief. I also own and operate a lawn chemical business, which keeps me busy during the summer months.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To determine with 100% certainty the cause of every fire.

 

ROSEANNE SCURTO

Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2004

 

 

 

Three Things

  1. I am a Grandma of 2.
  2. I love creating anything artsy.
  3. I am a people person!

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

In my art studio or camping!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The power to heal.

 

BRET DESH

CFEI - Fire Investigator, FAA Drone Pilot

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2022

35+ Fires Investigated
 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I’m a huge nerd. If it’s a Sci-Fi or pop culture reference, I’ll probably get it!
  2. I’m endlessly curious. I enjoy knowing WHY things are the way they are.
  3. I’ve been around the fire service my entire life.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Doing one of my many hobbies. (There are way too many to list here!)

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I would want to channel my inner Poseidon and have the power to control water. It would make the whole firefighting thing way easier; fire wouldn’t stand a chance!

Minnesota

GARY HONG

P.E - Electrical Engineer
IN BUSINESS SINCE 1999
2,000+ Fires Investigated
 

 

Three Things About You

  1. I enjoy eating good food.
  2. Some call me the Asian sensation.
  3. That’s about it.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Playing basketball.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I would be indestructible.

 

Kansas

GHATTAS BITAR

Senior Technical Consultant

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1999

1,000+ Cases Investigated
 

 

Three Things About You

  1. Follow the facts only.
  2. Care about people and clients.
  3. Professionalism is very important.

 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Guess the future!

 

 

KENT GRIER

IAAI-CFI, CFEI - Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984

Nearly 4,000 Fires Investigated

 

 

Three Things About You

  1. While working at a large hospital in Wichita, KS, the fire department bug bit me and I ended up making that a career.
  2. I had two beautiful daughters who both graduated from college with honors and then both married. However, I lost both as they were both stricken with Cystic Fibrosis.
  3. I am married to a wonderful woman whom we both share three great grandkids together.

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Hanging out with Grandkids, spending time at our timeshare in Colorado, fly fishing, hiking, etc. I also enjoy music and attend a substantial amount of concert events.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Flying.

Illinois

MIKE DILLEY

CFEI, CVFI - Fire Investigator

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Things

  1. Coming soon!

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

Coming soon!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Coming soon!

DARRIN CLAYTON

CFEI, CFI - Fire Investigator

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2014

170+ Fires Investigated

 

 

Where can we find you when you aren’t conducting investigations?

When I’m not investigating fires for IFIC, I’m spending time with my amazing wife and two children. I also enjoy hunting and fishing.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Mindreading.