To deliver the highest level of expertise and professionalism, while providing thorough and timely investigations with quality customer service and the highest level of integrity.
Our Team
William J. Allen, CFI
P. O. Box 496072
Port Charlotte, Florida 33949
941-380-5928
Fax: 941-629-3832
Beginning in 1970, Bill joined the Woburn, Massachusetts Police Department as a uniformed patrol officer and progressed through a distinguished 32 year career with the department before his retirement in 2002. During that time period, Bill was assigned to the Fire Investigation unit for 22 years, where he became the first police officer in the Northeastern United States to become a certified fire investigator. Bill conducted a broad range of fire investigations in conjunction with various other investigative agencies and insurance companies. He was instrumental in the prosecution of criminal arson and insurance fraud cases as well as testifying in civil litigation cases related to fire losses and subrogation. As a member of Jack Ward’s team of investigators since 2003, Bill continues to demonstrate his investigative skills and courtroom testimony as an expert in the field of fire origin and cause investigation.
K. David Cheers, CFEI
P. O. Box 16467
Jacksonville, Florida 32245
904-563-6369
Fax: 904-278-7292
davidcheers@jackwardfire.com
After encountering fire for the first time as a volunteer firefighter in 1984, David became a professional firefighter with the Clay County Fire Department, Orange Park, Florida in 1989. His career with Clay County led him to a promotion of Lieutenant and his first taste of origin and cause investigations. After investigative training and working part-time with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office, David became a full time investigator with the bureau in 1997. Prior to his retirement as a Lieutenant from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, David participated in the K-9 arson program as a handler and was recognized multiple times as Investigator of the Year. With numerous courtroom testimonies as an expert in the field of fire origin and cause investigation, David has been instrumental in the investigation of many high profile cases including those involving serial arsonists, arson for profit, and homicides at the state and federal level.
John F. Haight
P. O. Box 9223
Winter Haven, Florida 33883
954-328-8112
Fax: 863-326-6295
johnhaight@jackwardfire.com
In 1986, John began his career by becoming a certified fire fighter and joining the Martin County Fire Department, Stuart, Florida. John was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant before leaving the department and following a criminal justice path into forensic investigation by becoming a police officer with the Atlantis, Florida police department. Combining a fire and police background, John joined the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office in 1995 as a fire investigator. As a member of the bureau, John honed his fire origin and cause investigation skills and became a valuable part of the agency by investigating fires of various causes and leading arson cases to prosecution. His service to the agency was recognized when he earned the Appreciation of Service Award. In 1999, John continued his career path joining Jack Ward’s team and is held as an expert in the field of fire investigation.
John M. Heltman, CFI
P. O. Box 11293
Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
513-300-6280
Fax: 513-481-1795
johnheltman@jackwardfire.com
Prior to his retirement in 2002 from the City of Cincinnati Fire Department in Ohio after an honorable 27 year career, John served in many capacities including fire fighter, fire specialist and fire prevention specialist. During this time period, John was involved in the investigation of hundreds of fires ranging from those involving arson to those determined to be accidental. John also instructed many classes throughout his fire department career related to fire origin and cause and fire death investigations and has been published in these same areas. He was recognized by the Cincinnati Fire Department for Exceptional Work Quality and Criminal Prosecutions during his tenure with the Fire Investigation Unit. Since 1987, John has worked with Jack Ward in multiple positions both full and part time investigating fires and explosions throughout the United States.