President’s Message

nys iaai president scott shear

It is an honor and a privilege to address you as the newly elected President of the New York State Chapter 23 of the International Association of Arson Investigators. I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. This organization is built on the commitment, professionalism, and passion of its members, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to help lead it forward.

As fire investigation continues to evolve—through advancements in technology, emerging fire patterns, and the growing need for multi-disciplinary collaboration, our mission remains clear: to elevate the standards of fire investigation, support our professionals through education and training, and promote integrity, scientific accuracy, and excellence in every facet of our work.

Over the coming year, my goals are to:

  • Strengthen training and professional development, expanding both in-person and digital learning opportunities. We will look to add to our annual Virtual Training to provide easy access to emerging trends.
  • Enhance communication and outreach, ensuring members across the state feel connected, informed, and supported. We have already increased our social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Support investigators at every stage of their careers, from new investigators to seasoned professionals.
  • Deepen partnerships with law enforcement, fire services, laboratories, legal professionals, and allied agencies.

None of this can be accomplished alone. The success of our chapter relies on the collective effort of our board, our committee members, and each of you. I look forward to working together, welcoming new ideas, and building on the strong foundation established by the leaders who came before me. President Robin has left us in a good spot and built our chapter into one of the greatest in the organization.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I am proud to stand alongside you as we continue advancing the fire investigation profession throughout New York State.

Respectfully,

Scott A. Shear
President
New York State Chapter 23 – International Association of Arson Investigators