Digging deeper

Deepa Bharath

Digging into rubble. Sifting through charred remains. Questioning

witnesses.

It took five Costa Mesa firefighters all that and more to become

part of the department’s first ever Arson Investigation Unit.

The five-member team, which has been trained over the last three

years in all aspects of criminal investigation, will be called when

firefighters suspect arson, said Kirk Dominic, a Costa Mesa Fire

Department training officer.

“In the past, the department had other agencies help with arson

investigation,” he said. “But this is great because it’ll help save

property and life.”

This special unit is composed of Capt. Kevin Diamond, Capt. Herbe

Ohde, Capt. Marty Huguenin and firefighter paramedics Shawn Brosamer

and Greg Beutz.

Over three years the five members have undergone training in

several areas of investigation, including photography, investigation

of what is known as “origin and cause” of the fire, basic crime scene

investigation, witness interview techniques, legal proceedings and

courtroom testimony.

They even went to the FBI Academy in Virginia and the National

Fire Academy in Maryland for part of their training.

The group has learned a lot primarily by partnering with the Costa

Mesa Police Department, Diamond said.

“Learning police techniques has been a challenge for us,” he said.

“But it’s been very interesting.”

The team members will work as investigators in addition to their

regular duties as firefighters, Diamond said.

Fire Chief Jim Ellis said he applauds the Arson Investigation Unit

members for taking the initiative and for having gone through the

training on their own time.

“They’ve investigated more than 150 incidents now,” he said. “In

the long run, it could be beneficial for citizens by bringing down

what we pay for insurance.”

Ellis said this “was a long time coming.”

“It’s been a great effort on everybody’s part,” he said. “And this

is yet another way to enhance the level of service we provide to our

community.”

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.