IAAI Nebraska Chapter

Great job to our Local Public Agency investigators on their diligent work. This was a great example of local public and private associates coming together to remedie an insurance for profit arson.

A Lincoln man was arrested Friday after being accused of setting his home on fire in an attempt to defraud his insurance company.

Details: https://www.1011now.com/2026/04/06/lincoln-man-set-home-fire-attempt-defraud-insurance-company-police-allege/

It is with deep sadness that the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of our colleague and friend, Terry Eirich, on December 10, 2025. Terry was diagnosed earlier this year with a presumptive cancer known to affect firefighters at higher rates, and his death is being honored with full fire service funeral honors.

Terry served our community for 38 years in many roles, including Captain, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Inspector for the City of Kearney, and as a part-time instructor for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Training Division. His dedication and impact will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. Please keep the Eirich family in your thoughts and prayers.

In Terry’s honor, Mayor Jonathan Nikkila has ordered flags at all City of Kearney buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on December 16, and invites the community to do the same.

The Nebraska IAAI is proud to partner with Metropolitan Community College to offer a comprehensive Fundamentals of Fire Investigation course. This is a two-quarter training titled as Fire Investigation I (FIST_2010) and Fire Investigation II (FIST_2011) that meets the core requirements set by the IAAI and is designed for both new and experienced fire investigators seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.

Taught by seasoned professionals, the course combines some online learning with classroom instruction to enhance critical thinking and investigative skills. Got more info on the following lik:

https://mycatalog.mccneb.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=22&poid=6799

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and meet essential certification requirements for you CFI.

Also, if you are a professional firefighter or law enforcement officer in Nebraska, this class is completely free through the First Responder Tuition Waiver Act.

Today, members of Hastings Fire & Rescue, Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Hastings Police Department - Nebraska, Omaha Fire, NLETC, Grand Island PD, Wateloo PD, and others are participating in a fantastic training on awareness and response to energetic release incidents. Thank you to New Mexico Tech, and the IAAI Nebraska Chapter for helping us host this class and keeping our responders and community safe.