Membership of CCAI, as well as prospective members and those interested in and concerned with the field of fire investigation:

The California Conference of Arson Investigators has been a consistently changing training association since its inception.  Over the years, we have had some fantastic training seminars.  The membership has benefited from some of the best in the field teaching the latest information available.

This year, I feel we have a great staff in place to further the wishes and requests of the membership, namely you.  As your president, I have the duty and honor of leading this organization onward to be the best we can be and to carry out your wishes for the type of training you want but most of all need, to succeed.

Today we are faced with even more requirements on fire investigators within the fields of science and law.  I am confident that CCAI will provide you with the most current methodology concerning investigation, case preparation and the skills required by the courts as well as knowledge of the constantly changing laws and the effects of fire on the newer types of materials being used in construction and furnishings.

Over the years, there have been people who say that CCAI is being run for the private investigators or for the public investigators, and it is true that some of the training provided has appeared to be slanted one way or the other.  It is very important that you know that your Training Committee has diligently worked for a happy blend of the two. As a public investigator, it would benefit you to know what the private investigator is doing and why they are doing it that way, and for the private investigator, the same holds true.

As always, membership is a great concern to me.  This organization, your organization, is only as good as you allow or make it.  I challenge each and every one of you who reads this to commit to helping at least one person join our organization this year.  I personally plan to have five new members by our next seminar.

The training that is being prepared for you as a result of this board reviewing your comments after the conferences looks great.  With the knowledge you will receive from these classes, you will be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s courtrooms, fire scenes and the investigations that await you.  For you newer members, never be hesitant to ask questions, the only dumb question in our career field is the one you did not ask.

Again, I am honored that you have allowed me to work with a great Board of Directors, Round Table Coordinators, and the committees that make up our great organization.  I am confident that together we will have a great year.

Respectfully submitted,

E. R. Scotty Baker