Kent Grier, Owner and Senior Fire Investigator

Kent Grier has over 21 years of experience as a Fire/Arson Investigator, working both in the private sector and for the Wichita Fire Department. Prior to entering the field of investigations, he served 6 years as a firefighter/EMT with the Wichita Fire Department. The Kansas International Association of Arson Investigators named Kent the “Kansas Fire/Arson Investigator of the Year” in 1999. Kent has also worked as a Fire Science instructor at the college level.

Kent has both CFI and CFEI certification. He has personally investigated more than 1,800 fires. He has given expert testimony in the area of cause and origin in District, Federal and Municipal courts in both Kansas and Colorado.

Kent has earned an impeccable reputation throughout the industry with regard to both his accuracy and his integrity.

He and his staff are available to investigate fires throughout the United States.

Captain Brad Crisp, Fire Investigator

Captain Brad Crisp is a 17-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department. Brad has spent the last 11 years in fire prevention, as an inspector, public educator, and fire investigator. Brad was certified as an investigator in 1998 and has investigated over 650 fires. He has a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and over 1,000 hours of training in fire investigation. Brad is an adjunct instructor for the Butler Community College Fire Science Program and a Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Accelerant Detection Canine handler. Brad is certified in the Uniform and International Fire Code, as well as being certified through the National Association of Fire Investigators as a Fire and Explosion Investigator. Additionally, Brad is an IAAI – CFI. He is not available for Kansas fire investigations at the present time, but can investigate fires in other jurisdictions.

Don Birmingham, Fire Investigator

Don Birmingham is a graduate from Wichita State University and served 24 years with the Wichita Fire Department. During his time on the Wichita Fire Department, Don spent nearly 14 years as a fire investigator where he was involved in approximately 1,000 investigations. Don also started the first Accelerant Detection Canine Team on the Wichita Fire Department where he and his accelerant-detecting canine investigated and testified in a capital murder/arson case that resulted in a conviction. Don has received numerous awards and certificates as well as taught many classes on fire investigation.

Larry Osterhout, Code Examiner

Larry Osterhout is our Code Consultant. He is ICC Certified as a Fire Inspector II and as a Commercial Building Inspector. He is also certified with the National Fire Academy in Plans Review and Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. Larry retired from the City of Wichita after 18 years of service as Chief Fire Inspector and Firefighter. He also served as a Firefighter with the City of Hutchinson for 3 years. Larry obtained his Certificate in the Fire Science Program from Butler County Community College.

Sherri Brockway, Administrative Assistant

Sherri Brockway has over 20 years experience in the legal field, both in the state of Kansas and the state of Texas. She also served as Secretary of the State Bar of Texas Legal Assistants Committee. Sherri has worked for major law firms in Kansas and Texas, as well as for private corporations, such as Koch Industries. Her legal background serves our clients well when it comes to her research abilities and attention to detail.