An Unanswered Letter to Arson Investigators

Christopher L. Jorgensen
P.O. Box 546
Ames, IA 50010

December 5, 2009

The International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc.
2151 Priest Bridge Drive, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Dear Arson Investigators,

Can you send me information on what is required to become an Arson Investigator?

Lately I have grown to fear for the future of my job. We’ve had layoffs and furloughs and because of this morale is crappy. This makes me want to do something different, something rewarding, exciting, and down right fun, but the problem is what should I do? I mean with the economy being crappy I need work in a recession proof industry. I figure stuff is always going to burn, right? So I thought about looking into becoming a firefighter, but honestly, that seems dangerous. I figure once the fire is safely out though a coward like me could contribute as an Arson Investigator.

I just have no idea where to start. There has to be a training program or a book, right? Or can just anyone do this? Do firefighters get more respect and admiration? How much does being an Arson Investigator pay?

Maybe the job is more dangerous than I imagine. If so, I’m probably not interested.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Jorgensen