John A. Kennedy and Associates, the oldest fire and explosion analysis firm in the world, offers a wide variety of fire and explosion investigation and analysis services to attorneys, insurance companies, government agencies, business and industry. In more than 5000 cases over fifty years, the experts of John A. Kennedy and Associates have successfully investigated and analyzed fire and explosion incidents of every kind. Our experts have successfully aided clients in investigation involving: Dwellings; Commercial Structures; Gas and Electric Utilities; Manufacturing and Industrial Plants; Motor Vehicles, Aircraft, and Water Craft; Products, Appliances, and Equipment; Railroad Cars and Tankers; Tank Trucks; and Petroleum and Mining Operations
Offering Fire and Explosion Incident Analysis to both plaintiffs and defense, Kennedy & Associates has court qualified expertise in the following areas: Electrical Incident Investigations; Products Liability and Negligence Litigation; Product Fire Safety Design Evaluations; Design and Manufacturing Defects in Products; Label and Warnings; Incendiary Fires; Toxic Products of Combustion; Fire Protection Engineering; Computer Fire Modeling; and Civil and Criminal Arson Defense
Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:A: BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) - Fire and Safety Engineering Technology
University of Cincinnati, College of Applied Science
Cincinnati, Ohio, Enrolled 1989-1992
[Major Field of Study: Fire Prevention Technology Concentration]
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
University of the State of New York, Regents College
Albany, New York, Enrolled 1979-1980
[Major Fields of Study: Mathematics/Physics]
Bachelor of Science - Communications
St. Josephís College, Rensselaer, Indiana, Enrolled 1965-1969
[Major Fields of Study: Pre-Engineering, Business Administration,
Communications]
Post-Graduate Studies - Engineering
University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin.
Industrial Safety - Occupational Safety Management and Engineering, 1994;
The Role of Warnings and Instructions, March 22-24, 1995.
CERTIFIED FIRE AND EXPLOSION INVESTIGATOR
Patrick Kennedy holds National Board registration as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). This certification is achieved by evaluation of qualifications and experience, and by passing a comprehensive written examination, administered by the National Certification Board.
CERTIFIED VEHICLE FIRE INVESTIGATOR
Patrick Kennedy holds National Board registration as a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). This certification is achieved by evaluation of qualifications and experience, satisfactory attendance at the National Vehicle Fire Investigation Training Program, and by passing the comprehensive written examination, administered by the National Certification Board.
CERTIFIED FIRE INVESTIGATION INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Kennedy also holds National Board registration as a Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII) from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). This certification is achieved by satisfactory attendance at a Certified Fire Investigation Instructor Training Program and by passing a comprehensive written examination, administered by the National Certification Board.
CERTIFIED FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST
Patrick Kennedy has been certified as a Certified Fire Protection Specialist by meeting the standards for education, experience, and competence, and by successfully passing the CFPS written challenge examination required by the Certified Fire Protection Specialist Board of the National Fire Protection Association.
CERTIFIED GAS TECHNICIAN
In November 1998 Patrick Kennedy successfully completed the State of Florida Bureau of LP Gas Inspection Competency Certificate Qualifier Examination as an LP Gas Installer ìC.î The LP Gas Installer ìCî certification qualifies one for licensing in the installation, service, alteration, modification, and repair of LP gas equipment, appliances, and piping.
John A. Kennedy & Associates, Inc. is licensed by the State of Illinois as an agency to conduct fire and explosion, cause and origin investigations under license #26-188 and by the State of Florida under license # A9600409.
Patrick M. Kennedy is individually licensed by the State of Illinois to conduct fire and explosion cause and origin investigations holding license #115-000455 and by the State of Florida under license #C9601016.
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
--Chairman of the Board of Directors
--Executive Secretary, NationalCertification Board (1985-present)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
--Chairman, Past-Director, Fire Science and Technology Educators Section(Chairman 2004-2009, 1991-1996; Director 1986-1991, 1996-2004)
--Principal Member, Technical Committee on Fire Investigations (NFPA 921)
--Member, National Fire Protection Research Foundation
--Research Advisory Council on Post-Fire Analysis.
--Principal Member, Technical Committee on Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications (1991, 2003 - present (NFPA 1033)
--Referee/Reviewer, Fire Technology, NFPA's quarterly technical journal
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
--Member, Fire Investigation Standards Committee (2000-2001)
--Member, NFPA 921 Userís Manual Development Committee
International Fire Marshals Association,
--Member (1991-Present)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
--Member - Committee E-5 on Fire Test Standards, Subcommittee E 30.05 Forensic Engineering
--Member - Coordinating Committee on Flash Points and Related Tests (1985-2000)
--Chairman, Task Group on Sampling Techniques
--Member - Committee E-30 on Forensic Sciences,
Sub-Committee 30.01 on Criminalistics,Sub-Committee E-30.40 on Technical Aspects of Products Liability Litigation
International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)
--Fire Origin and Cause Validation Committee
International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
--Member, ìSafety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations" Sub-Committee A10.15
Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), --Affiliate Member
National Academy of Forensic Engineers
International Fire Photographers Association
International Society of Fire Service Instructors
American Association of Criminology
--National Fire and Arson Investigation Committee (1973)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
--(Arson Committee 1984)
Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners Association
American Foundrymen's Society
National Academy of Forensic Scientists
American Association of Forensic Scientists
--Elected as a "Fellow," 1988
Who's Who In Science And Engineering
--Listed in the Premier Edition, 1992 - 1993, and current editions
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS),
--Fire Research Sub-Committee, Reviewer Member
Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI)
International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: 2002-2004 Teaching Experience
-For a complete listing see CV
Chief Instructor, the National Advanced Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Program Fire Investigation Course for Professional Development, co-sponsored by NAFI, the NFPA, and Eastern Kentucky University,
Richmond, Kentucky, March 2002.
Director of the 2002 National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Program, co-sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Sarasota, Florida, August 2002.
Director and Chief Instructor National Association of Fire Investigators/National Fire Protection Association co-sponsored National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation, Sarasota, Florida, August 2002.
Director and Chief Instructor, National Vehicle Fire Investigation Training Program sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators, September 30-October 2, 2002 held at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.
Lectured for the NFPA on ìFire Modeling and Fire Investigation ñ Practical Applications of Fire Modeling in Fire Investigation,î at the 2002 NFPA Fall Education Conference, Atlanta, GA, November 17, 2002.
Lectured on ìDepth of Calcination Measurement In Fire Origin Analysisî at the 2003 Fire and Materials Conference, January 24, 2003, San Francisco, California.
Chief Instructor, the National Advanced Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Program Fire Investigation Course for Professional Development, co-sponsored by NAFI, the NFPA, and Eastern Kentucky University,
Richmond, Kentucky, March 2003.
Taught for the NFPA on ìManagement of Major Fire Investigationsî at the 2003 NFPA World Safety Conference, Dallas, Texas, May 19, 2003.
Director of the 2003 National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Program, co-sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Sarasota, Florida, August 2003.
Director and Chief Instructor National Association of Fire Investigators/National Fire Protection Association co-sponsored National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation, Sarasota, Florida, August 2003.
Lectured on ìFire Investigation Dynamics,î at the Denver Fire Department 3rd Annual Advanced Arson Seminar, Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2003.
Lectured on ìUpdate on NFPA 921 - 2004,î at the Denver Fire Department 3rd Annual Advanced Arson Seminar, Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2003.
Lectured on ìExplosion Investigation,î at the Denver Fire Department 3rd Annual Advanced Arson Seminar, Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2003.
Director and Chief Instructor, National Vehicle Fire Investigation Training Program sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators, September 30-October 2, 2003 held at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.
Instructor on Fire Patterns, NFPA 921, Fire and Explosion Investigation, NFPA Pre-Conference Seminar, 2003 NFPA Fall Education Conference, November 15, 2003, Reno, Nevada.
Taught for the NFPA ìManagement of Major Fire Investigationsî at the 2003 NFPA Fall Education Conference, Reno, Nevada, November 17, 2003.
Lectured on Dust Explosion Investigation at the 3rd Annual Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosions Symposium for Fire and Explosion Debris Analysis and Scene Investigation, sponsored by the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, November 22, 2003.
Chief Instructor, the National Advanced Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Program Fire Investigation Course for Professional Development, co-sponsored by NAFI, the NFPA, and Eastern Kentucky University,
Richmond, Kentucky, March 2004.
Instructor on Fire Patterns, NFPA 921, Fire and Explosion Investigation, NFPA Pre-Conference Seminar, 2004 NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition, May 22, 2004 in Salt Lake City.
Lectured on , "Flashover and Fire Analysis: A Discussion of the Practical Use of Flashover in Fire Investigation," at the 2004 NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition, May 24, 2004 in Salt Lake City.
Program Director, International Symposium on Fire Investigation, cosponsored by NAFI, NFPA, and the British Fire Service College, at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, England, June 27-30, 2004.
Lectured on ìFire Patterns Analysis in Origin Determination,î International Symposium on Fire Investigation, , at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, England, June 27, 2004.
Presented a monograph, "Flashover and Fire Analysis: A Discussion of the Practical Use of Flashover in Fire Investigation," at the Interflam 2004 Tenth International Fire Science and Engineering Conference at Heriot-Watts University, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2004.
Co-author of a paper and poster, "A Fire Analysis Tool Revisited: Acoustic Soot Agglomeration in Residential Smoke Alarms," presented at the Interflam 2004 Tenth International Fire Science and Engineering Conference at Heriot-Watts University, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2004.
Co-author of a paper and poster, "Outgassing Phenomena in Flash Point Testing for Fire Safety Evaluation," presented at the Interflam 2004 Tenth International Fire Science and Engineering Conference at Heriot-Watts University, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2004.
Director of the 2004 National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Program, co-sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Sarasota, Florida, August 2004.
Director and Chief Instructor National Association of Fire Investigators/National Fire Protection Association co-sponsored National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation, Sarasota, Florida, August 2004.
Director and Chief Instructor, National Vehicle Fire Investigation Training Program sponsored by the National Association of Fire Investigators, September 29-October 1, 2004 held at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: More than 500
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Extensive knowledge, training and experience in the following and other fire, arson, and explosion related subjects:
-Determining the cause and origin of fires and explosions.
-Affixing the responsibility and liability for fires and explosions.
-Subrogation investigation of fire and explosion insurance losses.
-Explosion Dynamics.
-The chemistry, physics, and behavior of fires and explosions.
-Tracing the spread of fire.
-Failure Analysis.
-Computer modeling of fires.
-Fire and explosion scene photography
-Arson.
-Bombs, explosives, and incendiary devices.
-Laboratory tests and experimentation.
-Evidence photography.
-Materials science testing.
-Spontaneous heating of materials.
-Fire Codes and Standards.
-Electrical fire causes.
-Flammable liquids and vapors.
-Fire protection systems
-Natural and LP gas fires and explosions.
-Grain elevator and dust fires and explosions.
-Motor vehicle, mobile home, aircraft, boat and other vehicle fires.
-Railroad and motor vehicle tanker fires and explosions.
-Wildland, grass, brush, and forest fires.
-Cutting and welding fires.
-Oil field, tank farms, and refinery fires and explosions.
-Fuel oil fires.
-Flashover
-Burn injuries and trauma.
-Fire protection systems.
-The design of fire safety systems.
-Compliance to fire safety systems and programs.
-Products liability involving fires, explosions, and personal injury burn cases.
-Labels and warnings.
-Furnaces and heating appliances.
-Electric blankets.
-Paints, varnishes, stains and coatings.
-Household, commercial, and industrial products, appliances, and equipment.
-Consumer products.
-Fires in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.
-Residential Smoke Alarms
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 45%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 45%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: More than 150 in the since 1990
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: October 20, 2004
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: More than 50 times since 1990
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: More than 50 times since 1990
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 40 Years
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: ïFire and Explosion Incident Analysis
ïFire Scene Investigations
ïElectrical Incident Investigations
ïProducts Liability and Negligence Litigation
ïProduct Fire Safety Design Evaluations
ïDesign and Manufacturing Defects in Products
ïLabel and Warnings
ïIncendiary Fires
ïFire Protection Engineering
ïComputer Fire Modeling
ïFire Codes and Standards Consultation
ïFire Science, Codes and Standards Library
ïFire Science and Technology Laboratory Testing
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: Rates Availible upon request.
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: Rates Availible upon request.
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: Rates Availible upon request.
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: Rates Availible upon request.
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Rates Availible upon request.
