13th AnnualNew Jersey Youth Firesetter Intervention Conference

DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2015 MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE ACADEMYSAYREVILLE, NJ

Addressing Youth Firesetting In Our Diverse Communities

For fire service, mental health, law enforcement, social service, and educational professionals.

Presented by: New Jersey Division of Fire Safety & Kean University in association with New Jersey Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators

Registration information at www.keanfiresafety.com/conferencesFor updates, please follow us on Twitter at: @NJFireSafety

MISSION

2015

Our Goal is to bring together State and County resources in the common goal of addressing the issue of youth fire setting throughout the state. We also aim to provide existing county youth fire prevention programs the support necessary to continue their vital mission and make every effort to aid in the development of programs in the counties where none exist.

Addressing Youth Firesetting in Our Diverse Communities

For a state so small in size, New Jersey finds a way to have just about everything.

Beaches and boardwalks; mountains and trails. From bustling cities to the working

farms that make us the Garden State. And densely populated in all of those places are

people from every background; all colors, creeds, shapes and sizes. At the 13th An-

nual Youth Firesetter Intervention Conference we will be examining youth firesetting

through the many lenses that are used to identify those people and places. We will

focus on how to positively impact all kinds of communities – especially as it relates to

youth firesetting and the fire service at large. How can we – a diverse group ourselves,

from several professions – work together towards that common goal?

AGENDA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Conference Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Welcome Address – Amphitheater

William Kramer, Acting Director New Jersey Division of Fire Safety

Keynote Address Don Porth, Portland (OR) Fire & Rescue, Retired SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs, President Youth Firesetting Information Repository & Evaluation System (YFIRES), Executive Team

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Classes in Session

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Afternoon Classes in Session

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Breakfast

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Special Presentation in Amphitheater

“After The Fire” Shawn Simons & Alvaro Llanos

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch

12:30 PM – 3:00 PM Afternoon Classes in Session

13th AnnualNew Jersey Youth Firesetter Intervention Conference

2015 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Complete the registration form below indicating the sessions you wish to attend.Final course assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

The conference fee is $100.00 which includes breakfast, lunch, and break refreshments in the morn-ing and afternoon each day.

Payments shall be made payable to Kean University and returned with completed registration form to:Kean UniversityFire Safety Training Program1000 Morris Avenue, T106Union, NJ 07083

All payments must be received as check no later than November 24, 2015. Please note that payment arrangements must be complete prior to start of the conference or attendee will be denied admission.

For more information, contact Charles Lavin, Youth Firesetter Program Manager, at (609) 633-9722 or email at Charles.Lavin@dca.nj.gov

PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY

Name ________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State _______ Zip _________________

Telephone _________________________________

E-mail (for confirmation of acceptance) _________________________________________

NJ Division of Fire Safety ID Number ___________________________________________

COURSE PREFERENCES: (circle corresponding number)

Thursday AM Thursday PMFirst Choice: 1 2 3 First Choice: 4 5 6Second Choice: 1 2 3 Second Choice: 4 5 6

Friday First Choice: 7 8 9Second Choice: 7 8 9

COURSE LISTINGSTHURSDAY A.M. DECEMBER 3

1. 9:30 AM to Noon“Forming Media Partnerships That Really Work”Instructor: Lt. Michael O. McLeieer

The local media play an influential role in every community. When you tap into their resources effectively, they can serve as powerful vehicles for outreach. Experience has shown that when fire departments take ownership for collaboratively working with the media in their coverage of emergency incidents, the resulting news coverage meets or exceeds stakeholder expectations in terms of being not only timely, but also accurate, comprehensive and professional. Working with the media as a method to inform and persuade the public can aid your efforts to advocate for fire prevention and risk reduction resulting in a change in attitudes and behaviors.

2. 9:30 AM to Noon“The Spectrum of Autism and Juvenile Firesetter Intervention”Instructor: Adrienne P. Robertiello

Autism is called a spectrum disorder because it affects individuals differently and by varying degrees. This disorder also encompasses a spectrum of challenges relating to safety. This workshop will highlight the diverse characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how these characteristics affect juvenile firesetting prevention and response. The presenter will provide practical information and resources to increase understanding of ASD and offer ways to adapt communication and response skills; address diverse safety challenges; modify interviews and assessments; and educate and support communities about ASD and fire prevention.

3. 9:30 AM to Noon“You’re Not The Boss of Me!!!! ”Instructors: Ann Adams and Scott Yeomans

How do you problem solve, make a difference and find a solutions when no one thinks the way you do?Explore how to collaborate by being a leader and a follower. Our young generation counts on us to be role models and strive to make a difference. This interactive workshop will explore how you, through understanding your strengths and weaknesses, can be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.

4. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“Strategies For Marketing Your Prevention Program To Your Chief”Instructor: Lt. Michael O. McLeieer

This presentation will address the challenges fire departments face in shifting their priorities from response to prevention. In many departments, community risk reduction is still considered a low priority. Attendees will be able to lead the process of building organizational support for community risk reduction and learn how CRR will help both the prevention advocate and fire department to become more of a community player in times of decreased budgets.

5. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“YFIRES – The National Youth Firesetting Data System Unveiled”Instructor: Don Porth

This course will explore the newly developed National Youth Firesetting Data System called YFIRES (Youth Firesetting Information, Repository, and Evaluation System). This data system is designed to collect information on youth firesetting cases coming to the attention of any professional discipline working with firesetting behaviors. It shares data with other participating programs in a confidential manner and serves as a mechanism to manage case data in a secure and paperless way. A program can consist of an individual agency or an entire state. Participants will be introduced to this innovation and learn the benefits of using it to manage cases, participate with other programs, and conduct program evaluation.

This 2.5 hour course will help participants:• Become introduced to the data system• Understand the development criteria for YFIRES• Experience case entry through the instructor• Learn the benefits to data collection, storage, and reporting• Explore evaluation techniques relevant to youth firesetting data

COURSE LISTINGSTHURSDAY P.M. DECEMBER 3

6. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“Gangs 101: Fatal Choices”Instructor: Lt. Edwin Torres

Gang membership is increasing at an alarming rate, and so is the violence and illegal activity associated with it. Gangs are no longer limited to urban areas. They are flourishing in neighborhoods all over New Jersey. Their activity - often criminal and extremely violent - also leaves a wake of innocent victims. Gangs are no longer just an inner-city phenomenon. They have become a major problem that must be recognized in the cities and suburbs alike. Lt. Torres will provide an up-close and personal look at the gangs actively recruiting our children and provide the tools necessary to identify the colors, symbols, etc. associated with gang membership. This course will be a dynamic lecture and multimedia presentation using power point. Participants will also receive training aids in the form of handouts and provided with internet resources. The goal of this instruction will be to familiarize the attendee with gang identifiers, signs and symbols and give the attendee insight on the gang culture and psychology, nationally and specifically to New Jersey.

COURSE LISTINGSTHURSDAY P.M. DECEMBER 3

SPECIAL PRESENTATION “AFTER THE FIRE” Shawn Simons & Alvaro Llanos

In the early morning hours of January 19, 2000, the lives of thousands, maybe even millions were changed as a result of a great tragedy.

On the campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, while most of the 650 freshman slept, an arson fire was started in the 3rd floor lounge of the 6-story freshmen residence hall, Boland Hall. As the fire alarms wailed, most students thought it was just another false fire alarm, like the 30 or more false alarms that sounded the semester before. No one had any idea that there was a real fire, let alone where the fire was or how to get out of harm’s way.

Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons, 18 year-old roommates at the time, thought it was just another false fire alarm as well. As they took their time getting dressed, they had no idea what was simmering down the hall from their room 3028 on the 3rd floor. An inferno was brewing at temperatures near 1600 degrees and burning down anything in its path: sofas, carpets, ceiling tile. As Shawn and Alvaro opened their room door, a burst of black smoke forced itself into their room, causing them to quickly shut the door. Reverting to childhood fire safety education which was limited, they got down on their hands and knees, opened the door and were swallowed by the black smoke in the hallway.

Scared and disheveled they crawled into the direction that they were accustomed to going, not knowing that they were crawling right into the fire. If they had gone to their nearest exit, a stairwell they rarely used, there was the possibility that they could have escaped the building without injury. Unfortunately, they went towards the elevators that they used every single day and were met by the fierceness of the blaze.

Losing each other in the blackened hallway, Shawn crawled right through the fire, but not without his hands taking on third degree burns as his hands stuck to the melting floor tiles. He also suffered first and second degree burns to his head and face, bringing his percentage of body burned to 16% and an insurmountable amount of smoke inhalation. Alvaro, unfortunately encountered a worst scenario. As he approached the burning lounge, Alvaro saw a glimmer of light from the stairwell adjacent to the lounge. As he stood up to push the door open, a fireball erupted from the burning ceiling tiles, igniting his coat and caused third degree burns from his head to his torso. As he tumbled out into the hallway still ablaze, two RA’s were able to put the fire out on Alvaro, but not before encountering burns on 56% of his body.

Shawn and Alvaro were transported to St. Barnabas Medical Center Burn Unit in Livingston, NJ along with 56 other injured students and firefighters. Shawn and Alvaro were amongst the 4 victims who were severely burned and left clinging for life. Tragically, Shawn and Alvaro lost 3 fellow classmates. The cause of the fire would later be revealed as arson by two of their fellow freshman classmates who set a banner on a bulletin board on fire as a drunken prank.

COURSE LISTINGSFRIDAY A.M. DECEMBER 4

Shawn endured months of physical and occupational therapy, while Alvaro’s recovery process took years. Not only was it a physical toll on Alvaro and Shawn, but it was a mental and emotional roller coaster as well. Learning to have to deal with being comfortable in their new “burned” skin was a mission all in itself to overcome.

Alvaro and Shawn talk more about their ordeal of being college burn victims nationally at many colleges across the country. They also speak at high schools, as well as fire safety training or fire institutes and fire related conferences. Their motive is to be advocates for fire safety and prevention so that no other students will have to endure the pain that they suffered. Also, they strive to be the voice of many burn victims across the country who may feel “trapped in their new skin.” Their story is one of survival, perseverance, inspiration, hope, courage and friendship. They inspire to motivate students and professionals that life will give you many obstacles. It’s how you overcome those obstacles by drawing strength, knowledge and motivation from those around you.With these tools in life’s endeavors they prove that there is life “After the Fire.”

COURSE LISTINGSFRIDAY A.M. DECEMBER 4

7. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“Integrating Interviewing Techniques for Youth Firesetters and Their Families in Diverse Communities”Instructors: Joseph Ehrhardt and Helge Nordtveit

This course shall walk the student through the components and dynamics required to conduct an effective interview of children and youth who use fire in dangerous and/or inappropriate ways or who set fires in their homes and communities.

Components which will be discussed are the development of the screener’s interviewing skills, environmental and time concerns, special needs children and youth, parental concerns, mandatory reporting requirements, and the natural evolution of the interview into fire safety awareness and effective fire prevention.

Techniques which will be employed will include discussion of the National Fire Academy “IRONIC” model; comparisons between interviews and interrogations; an analysis of video interviews of delinquent fire setters during their treatment; and a discussion of how the student can develop their own “Interview Tool Kit.” Relevant interview models and real life situations shall be incorporated into instruction and discussions.

The student shall gain skills and tools which shall enable them to conduct effective fire setter screenings in both mentored and solo situations.

8. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“Ready, Fire, Aim! ADHD and Juvenile Firesetting ”Instructor: Dr. Linda Nishi-Strattner

This workshop will examine the high correlation between Juvenile Firesetting and ADHD. Anyone who works with juvenile firesetters should be armed with a basic understanding of ADHD, which impacts behavior, judgment, response to the Fire Investigation, and response to intervention. We will review some of the key signs of this neurological and behavioral disorder to develop a working knowledge of ADHD. Interviewing and treatment must be tailored to fit the needs of the ADHD firesetting youth: some approaches for working with this population will be presented. Firesetters who have ADHD may be especially susceptible to suggestions from peers, from the media, and from social media, creating “the perfect storm.” We will look at some examples of how ADHD, firesetting, and social media interact.

Participants will learn about Attention -Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, juvenile firesetting, and social media, and how these interact. Positive and negative aspects of Internet and social media will be

COURSE LISTINGSFRIDAY P.M. DECEMBER 4

discussed. Participants should leave this presentation with an understanding of how technology amplifies the danger of juvenile firesetting, and with ideas about how to keep pace with our Internet and technology-savvy youth.

This workshop is appropriate for fire service, school professionals, mental health, social service, and juvenile justice professionals.

9. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM“Lessons Learned – A Case Review”Instructors: William J. McGovern, Jr. and Anthony S. Brown

Investigators from the Schenectady, NY Police Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will provide an overview of the investigation into a fatal fire, intentionally set by a young male. The program will review the incident and investigation, discuss the importance of a coordinated investigation, and review lessons that were learned in the process.

COURSE LISTINGSFRIDAY P.M. DECEMBER 4

Via Route 9 / Route 35 Northbound: Come up through South Amboy into Sayreville. Do not go over the bridge. Take the exit on to the Route 9/Route 35 circle. The sign for the exit reads North 35. The ramp is just after a large sign marked Colosseum (sic). At the bottom of the ramp merge right into the circle, then move quickly to the left lane to go around the circle. Bear left going around the circle, passing the Amboy Cinemas. After going under Route 9, merge to the right and take the first right turn-off, on to Chevalier Drive, just past the Sayreville Motor Lodge (Note: Chevalier Drive street sign may be missing, look for signs for Garden State Parkway “South”). After 1/4 mile (just past the Parkway entrance) turn left on to Main Street (large church at corner). After 3/4 mile take the exit for Kennedy Drive. At the bottom of the ramp turn right into the Academy.

Traveling from Perth Amboy on Route 35 Southbound: Take Route 35 south, crossing the Victory Bridge, and passing the back of Amboy Cinemas. Follow the Route 9/Route 35 circle under Route 9. After going under Route 9, merge to the right and take the first right turn-off, on to Chevalier Drive, just past the Sayreville Motor Lodge (Note: Chevalier Drive street sign may be missing, look for signs for Garden State Parkway “South”). After 1/4 mile (just past the Parkway entrance) turn left on to Main Street (large church at corner). After 3/4 mile take the exit for Kennedy Drive. At the bottom of the ramp turn right into the Academy.

Via East Brunswick / South River via Route 535: Route 535 is Cranbury Road in East Brunswick. It becomes Main Street in South River. Travel North on Route 535 through South River and over the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge, stay in left lane. At the light after the bridge go straight on to Washington Road. At the next light, (this will be the second traffic light after crossing the bridge) turn left on to Main Street. Proceed to the fourth traffic light (approx. 5 miles) and make a left into the Fire Academy.

Via the Garden State Parkway Northbound: Take Exit 125 (just after the Raritan tolls and before the bridge). At the bottom of the ramp turn left on to Chevalier Drive, then make the first left on to Main Street (large church at corner). After 3/4 mile take the exit for Kennedy Drive. At the bottom of the ramp turn right into the Academy.

Via the Garden State Parkway Southbound: Take Exit 124 (just after the Raritan tolls). At the bottom of the ramp turn right on to Main Street and after a few hundred feet make the first right on to Kennedy Drive. Stay on Kennedy Drive for 3/4 of a mile, through the traffic light, and straight into the Fire Academy.

Via Route 9 Southbound: Take Route 9 south from Woodbridge over the Raritan River. Take the first exit (marked South Amboy Business Center). At the bottom of the ramp take the first right turn on to Chevalier Drive just past the Sayreville Motor Lodge (Note: Chevalier Drive street sign may be missing, look for signs for Garden State Parkway “South”). After 1/4 mile (just past the Parkway entrance) turn left on to Main Street (large church at corner). After 3/4 mile take the exit for Kennedy Drive. At the bottom of the ramp turn right into the Academy.

From the New Jersey Turnpike North or South: Take Turnpike Exit 11 for the Garden State Parkway (GSP). After the tolls, bear left and on to the Garden State Parkway (GSP) traveling south. From the GSP take Exit 124 (just after the Raritan tolls). At the bottom of the ramp turn right on to Main Street and after a few hundred feet make the first right on to Kennedy Drive. Stay on Kennedy Drive for 3/4 of a mile, through the traffic light, and straight into the Fire Academy.

DIRECTIONSMIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville, NJ 08872 732-727-0008

Sheraton Edison HotelRaritan Center 125 Raritan Center Parkway Edison, NJ 08837

Overnight accommodations will be available at the Sheraton Edison Hotel – Raritan Center at a special rate of $118.00 per night, plus tax. There will also be a free shuttle provided to and from the Conference each day (please RSVP to the shuttle the day prior). Overnight rooms should be reserved no later than November 6, 2015. All reservations made after this date will be based on availability and at the standard room rate. For reservations call 732-225-8300. Please state that you are attending the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Conference to qualify for the rate.

Also, for your convenience, a link has been set up specifically to book rooms for the Conference at https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/KeanUniversity2015

ACCOMMODATIONSSHERATON EDISON HOTEL125 Raritan Center Parkway Edison, NJ 08837

Ann H. Adams, M.S.W.

Ann Adams has been a Social Worker since 1981. Prior to her employment at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) in 2002 she has worked as a Regional Team Director at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. While at (DCF) she was the Director of Community Behavioral Health Services where she developed community based crisis services and wrap around supports for youth with behavioral health challenges. In her current position as the Director of Credentialing, she is responsible for monitoring and overseeing community based programs statewide. She has also served as the President of the Northeast Youth Firesetting Intervention and Prevention Task Force. Throughout her different roles within DCF, it was apparent that the State of CT. has not had a consistent statewide response to address the complex issue of youth involved with firesetting. As a result, Ann has worked closely with Fire Services, clinicians and Juvenile Justice to role out a statewide Juvenile Firesetting program.

Anthony S. Brown

Anthony is currently employed as an Investigator by the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the FBI’s Capital Region Safe Streets Gang Task Force. He retired, as a Detective, from the Schenectady City Police Department after twenty one years of service. During his tenure with the police department Anthony was involved in numerous homicide, arson, rape, gang and juvenile investigations. Anthony is an Instructor at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Academy and a guest lecturer at the New York State Fire Academy.

Joseph Ehrhardt

Joe Ehrhardt is a Life Member of the Nottingham Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton Township, Mercer County with over thirty-five years of volunteer service. He currently serves Hamilton Township Fire District #7 as its Fire and Life Safety Educator, Level 1 and coordinates the Township’s Youth Fire Setter Prevention and Intervention Program. Joe is also the Co-Chair of the Middlesex County FireWatch Program and a member of the N.J. Youth Fire Setter Advisory Council.

In 2010, Joe retired from a thirty-three year career in Juvenile Justice Administration at the Middlesex County Department of Corrections and Youth Services. In 2015, Joe was certified as an independent Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) auditor by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

During his Juvenile Justice career, Joe was an adjunct Criminal Justice instructor at both Rutgers University and at Middlesex County College. In retirement, Joe has been a five year instructor for the N.J. Division of Fire Safety through Kean University’s Fire Safety Training Program.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

William J. McGovern, Jr.

William is a Deputy Chief of the Investigation Unit for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control assigned to the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, NY and has served in this position since November of 2013. Prior to his current position William served as an Investigator in that same unit, where he was responsible for instructing various fire investigation courses, organizing numerous educational programs, and providing on-scene technical assistance, and worked as a Correction Officer for the State of New York. William has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology, holds national certifications as an Instructor and Investigator, and numerous New York State certifications in several fire and law enforcement categories.

Lieutenant Michael O. McLeieer

Michael McLeieer has been in the fire service for 21 years and currently serves as the Public Information Officer and Lieutenant in charge of Community Risk Reduction for the City of Olivet (MI) Fire Department. He is the co-author of the National Fire Academy Youth Firesetting Prevention & Intervention course and a frequent instructor for N.F.A. Michael also serves as a Board of Director for the Michigan State Firemen’s Association, is a Past President and currently serves as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors and is the Chair of the River Valley Juvenile Firesetting Coalition serving northern Essex County Massachusetts.

Lt. McLeieer was one of 13 presenters from across the United States and Canada, and the only person from Massachusetts or Michigan, selected to present on model fire prevention programs at the Vision 20/20 Symposium held in Reston, VA May 4-6, 2012.

Michael lectures internationally on model fire prevention programs, specifically ways to develop and sustain youth firesetting prevention and other public education programs, ways to build rapport with community leaders and the media as well as how to leverage support including alternative funding sources through public / private partnerships, especially important during the recent financial crisis. He is also the founder and President of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc., a non-profit charity that works full time to teach children and adults techniques in fire prevention, using service canine Jake the Fire Safety Dog, as well as teaching CPR and first aid.

On May 20, 2013, Michael was the recipient of the Liberty Mutual Insurance National Firemark Award for Community Service and Public Education. This prestigious and highly competitive award also earned his former department, the Merrimac (MA) Fire Department, a $10,000 stipend to be used to expand the department’s Community Risk Reduction outreach and maintain a focus on firefighter and community safety.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

Linda Nishi-Strattner, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Nishi-Strattner is a board-certified clinical psychologist in independent practice in Portland, Oregon. She has been involved with the Oregon State Fire Marshal Juvenile Firesetters Treatment Task Force since its inception in 1994, helping to write the monograph, “The Cycles of Firesetting: An Oregon Model”, and she contributed to David Kolko’s book, Handbook on Firesetting in Children and Youth (2002). She provides psychological evaluation and treatment to juvenile firesetters, case consultation to other professionals, and program consultation and training regarding the psychological issues related to juvenile and adult firesetting. She has worked with research teams at Oregon State Hospital and at CARES-NW, researching various aspects of juvenile firesetting. She has been an instructor for the Washington County Fire Academy since 2002 and for the Tri-County Fire Safety Academy since 2006 and for the Oregon Youth Authority since 2006. Dr. Nishi-Strattner has been an invited speaker at conferences both nationally and internationally, on topics related to juvenile firesetting since 1986.

Helge Nordtveit

Mr. Nordtveit is in his 41st year of Fire Service. Spanning a career that started in the Volunteer Fire Service in Woodbridge Township and includes his retirement after 25 years of service to the Township of Cranford as a Captain, Tour Commander and Department Training Officer. Helge is a New Jersey Division of Fire Safety certified Fire Official/Fire Marshal working for the Iselin Fire District #11 in Woodbridge Township for over 25 years. He possesses a New Jersey Uniform Construction Code License as a Fire Protection Inspector, Fire Sub-Code and Construction Official. The knowledge and experience gained from this code enforcement experience provides an excellent understand of Fire and Life Safety concern and issues for the Public and Emergency Responders.

Helge is a member of the instructor staff at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville NJ and teaches classes on all aspects of firefighting, emergency scene management, fire prevention and firefighter safety. Helge has been an advocate for the Prevention and Intervention of Youth Set Fires for over 24 years. He is a founding member of the Middlesex County FireWatch Program and currently serves as a co-chairperson. He serves on the N.J. Fire Commission, Juvenile Firesetter Prevention Advisory Council. He has provided countless trainings addressing the issues of youth set fires and is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy, Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Class.

Don Porth

Don Porth has been a member of the fire service since 1980. He began his career as a student firefighter with Happy Valley RFPD (Oregon) and continued with the department as a volunteer for three years. In 1983, Don became a Firefighter/EMT with the Salem (Oregon) Fire Department. In 1984, Don went to work for Portland (Oregon) Fire & Rescue, serving his first 6 years as a firefighter/EMT and working as a hazardous materials specialist. In 1988, Don began working with the youth firesetting intervention program and was assigned to manage the program in 1990 when he was promoted to Fire Inspector and assigned to the Public Education Office. In 1996, Don was promoted to supervise the Public Education Office, overseeing all public outreach activities. In 2004, Don was reassigned to a specialist position in Public Education to focus on the development of the Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum, a project he completed in 2008. Don was re-assigned to his supervisory position in Public Education in 2010 where he remained until his retirement from Portland Fire & Rescue in July 2011. Don now works as a consultant and practitioner providing fire and life safety education to his community, the state, and the nation. He provides consultation and support services for the development of safety learning centers/fire museums. He is also working in a support role for Vision 20/20, the national fire prevention initiative. Since 2011, he has served on the Executive Committee of a development team for a national youth firesetting database called “YFIRES,” a project of the International Association of Fire Fighters. Don has served as President of “SOS FIRES: Youth Intervention Programs” since the non-profit’s inception in 1996. SOS FIRES provides training and support services for youth firesetting intervention programs across the United States.

Outside of work, Don spends time with his family and friends at his home or camping around the Pacific Northwest. Don has been married to his wife Beth since 1984 and has two adult sons, now married and employed, one as a design engineer and the other a police officer.

Adrienne P. Robertiello

Adrienne Robertiello is the Autism Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital. Ms. Robertiello has developed and implemented community education initiatives including ‘Autism and Safety – It’s Unpredictable,’ ‘Real Life Tips for Kids with Autism,’ and ‘The Community Hub.’ As part of these and other programs, she continues to provide autism education for fire departments, law enforcement, emergency response teams, and many other community service providers, agencies, organizations, and families. Ms. Robertiello is also a parent of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

Edwin Torres

Edwin Torres is a 28-year veteran of Law Enforcement in New Jersey. He started looking into gangs back in 1993 which led to the creation of the Gang Management Unit for the Juvenile Justice Commission under the Attorney’s General Office. He held several position at the Juvenile Justice Commission and attained the rank of Lieutenant. In 2008 when he left Juvenile Justice to work at the State Commission of Investigation were he is currently employed as a Special Agent in the Organized Crime and Street Gang Unit. Special Agent Torres has been involved in intelligence gathering, suppression efforts, community outreach that includes gang training and speaking to juveniles in schools all across the state. To date, Agent Torres has trained over 30,000 people on Gangs and has spoken on the issue nationally as well. He has served as a liaison with the State Police Street Gang Bureau was assigned to the Essex County Anti-Crime Partnership and in 2005 was deployed with the NJ Hurricane Katrina relief effort, and sat on the Governors’ Gangland Task force. He currently serves on the Executive board the East Coast Gang Investigator’s Association, past president of the NJ Chapter of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association, past president of the NJ National Latino Peace Officers Association, founding member of the National Coalition of Latino Officers and is the Chairperson of the Union County Youth Violence Prevention Board. Agent Torres is Police Training Commission Certified Instructor and an instructor for Rutgers University and has developed gang curriculum for the University. Agent Torres has been recognized as a gang expert by the New Jersey Court and is a consultant for the National Gang Center.

Scott Yeomans

Scott Yeomans has been in the fire service for 30 years. Scott developed, implemented and administered the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program for the Town of South Windsor CT where he also served as Deputy Fire Marshal. In addition, he is currently a Deputy Fire Marshal in the town of Windsor CT., Volunteer Fire Department where he also served as the Deputy Chief/Safety Officer. In 2011, Scott opened Fire Intervention Resources and Education (FIRE), LLC, a company that provides educational services to youth and consultation to private clinicians and other mental health professionals working with juvenile firesetters. FIRE also provides services to local fire departments seeking assistance in developing juvenile firesetter intervention programs.