Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lew Vanden Berg

Blaine

Summary


Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Fire Investigation and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Firefighter

Nascar Track Services
10.2024 - Current
  • Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
  • Assisted in the containment of hazardous materials spills, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
  • Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.

Firefighter

Nascar Track Services
07.2024 - Current
  • Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
  • Assisted in the containment of hazardous materials spills, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
  • Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.

Fire Investigator

SBM Fire Department
07.2021 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
  • Strengthened professional networks by attending conferences and workshops focused on advancements in fire investigation methodologies.
  • Packaged collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers for protection
  • Manufactured preliminary and complete reports on fire origins and causes by observing scene and interviewing witnesses
  • Recorded scene layout, damage and findings by drafting diagrams, numbering items and taking photographs.
  • Analyzed evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
  • Examined fire sites to gather evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood and accelerant residue.
  • Pursued continuing education and training programs to continue professional development
  • Identified arson cases through meticulous examination of burn patterns, debris analysis, and witness accounts.
  • Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.

Fire Investigator

Anoka County Fire Investigation Team
09.2014 - Current


  • Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
  • Examined fire sites to gather evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood and accelerant residue.
  • Packaged collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers for protection.
  • Led 47 investigations of fires to determine causes.
  • Produced timely and accurate reports about findings
  • Pursued continuing education and training programs to continue professional development
  • Identified arson cases through meticulous examination of burn patterns, debris analysis, and witness accounts.
  • Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
  • Collaborated with other experts such as chemists or engineers to analyze complex fire-related evidence, ensuring comprehensive investigation processes.
  • Recorded scene layout, damage and findings by drafting diagrams, numbering items and taking photographs.

Firefighter / Fire Investigator

Ham Lake Fire Department
10.1998 - Current
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
  • Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
  • Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
  • Trained new firefighters to comply with safety protocols and equipment usage.
  • Trained new recruits in fire suppression techniques, improving team efficiency and readiness.
  • Operated hoses, pumps, ladders and other firefighting equipment.
  • Enhanced overall departmental performance by attending professional development courses and conferences, sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues upon return.
  • Improved public awareness and education on fire safety practices through community workshops and school programs.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of fire scenes to determine causes, contributing to prevention efforts.
  • Identified arson cases through meticulous examination of burn patterns, debris analysis, and witness accounts.
  • Improved fire investigation processes by collaborating with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
  • Conducted comprehensive interviews with witnesses, property owners, and first responders for accurate case documentation.
  • Determined fire causes by conducting thorough scene examinations and analyzing evidence.
  • Prepared documentation by writing notes, organizing official interview records, compiling inspection reports and maintaining supporting documents.
  • Recorded scene layout, damage and findings by drafting diagrams, numbering items and taking photographs.

Education

Fire Officer 1 -

Fire Inc
Cross Lake, MN
01.2012

Fire Apparatus Operation -

Fire Inc
Cross Lake, MN
09-2011

Basic And Advance Fire Investigation -

State Of Minnesota Fire Marshal Division
St Paul, MN
04-2010

Fire Investigation - Fire Investigation

CFI Trainer .net
Online
01.2010

Fire Fighter 1 & 2, and Fire Instructor -

Hennepin Technical College
Minneapolis, MN
10-2008

Skills

  • Report preparation
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Report writing
  • Photographic documentation
  • Scene safety assessment
  • Arson investigation
  • Evidence collection
  • Explosive scene investigation
  • Fire pattern recognition
  • Fire cause determination
  • Documentation skills
  • Active listening

Certification

  • Fire Fighter 1&2
  • Hazmat Operation
  • Fire Instructor 1
  • Fire Apparatus Operation
  • Fire Investigator
  • Fire Officer 1

Timeline

Firefighter

Nascar Track Services
10.2024 - Current

Firefighter

Nascar Track Services
07.2024 - Current

Fire Investigator

SBM Fire Department
07.2021 - Current

Fire Investigator

Anoka County Fire Investigation Team
09.2014 - Current

Firefighter / Fire Investigator

Ham Lake Fire Department
10.1998 - Current

Fire Officer 1 -

Fire Inc

Fire Apparatus Operation -

Fire Inc

Basic And Advance Fire Investigation -

State Of Minnesota Fire Marshal Division

Fire Investigation - Fire Investigation

CFI Trainer .net

Fire Fighter 1 & 2, and Fire Instructor -

Hennepin Technical College
Lew Vanden Berg