Justin began his fire service career as a volunteer at Tryonota Volunteer Fire Department in 1991. He continued to volunteer while working for Hurst Jaws of Life in Shelby, NC building, testing, and delivering rescue tools. In August 2001 he was hired by Gastonia Fire Department were he worked for 5 years as a Firefighter and a Backup Engineer. In August 2006 he was hired as a Deputy Fire Marshal with Gaston County where he has proudly served since. During his time at Gaston County he is credited with starting the first Accelerant Detection K9 program for the county which ran for 4 years. Since 2006 Justin has investigated over 500 incidents involving everything from accidental fires and criminal arson to multi-million dollar losses and multiple fatalities. He holds a degree in Fire Protection Technology from Gaston College and has 27 years’ experience in the Fire Service. Professional Organizations & Certifications- Member, Gaston County Firefighters Association
- Member, Western North Carolina Firefighters Association
- Member, North Carolina International Association of Arson Investigator’s
- Member, South Carolina International Association of Arson Investigator’s
- Member, National Association of Fire Investigators
- Vice President, North Carolina Fire Fighters Burned Children’s Fund
- President, Gaston County Firefighters Burned Children Fund
- Member, Gaston County Fire Investigation Task Force
- Certified, Firefighter II; State of North Carolina
- Certified, Hazardous Materials Operations level; State of North Carolina
- Certified, Emergency Vehicle Driver; State of North Carolina
- Certified, Fire And Explosion Investigator: NAFI
- Certified, Fire Inspector Level II; State of North Carolina
- Certified, Fire and Life Safety Educator Level III; State of North Carolina
- Certified, Emergency Response to Railroad Incidents; CSX Transportation
- Certified, Level II Fire Instructor; State of North Carolina
- Graduate, North Carolina Breathing Equipment and Survival School
Professional Awards & Commendations- Recipient, Gastonia Fire Department Legion Of Merit, 2002
- Recipient, Gastonia Fire Department, Letter of Commendation from the Mayor, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005
- Recipient, Gastonia Fire Department, Silver Star of Valor, 2005
- Recipient, Gastonia Fire Department, Bronze Star of Valor, 2005
- Recipient, Gastonia Fire Department, Legion of Merit, 2005
- Recipient, Hurst Jaws of Life, Green Cross Award
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