I never imagined myself writing a blog, so pardon me if I start to fear that the end is near. With that being said, (and now that I’m actually authoring one), let me say it’s a pleasure to be doing it on behalf of our NC IAAI Chapter. The opportunity to serve the largest state chapter in the IAAI is humbling but exciting. I believe in the greatness of our organization, and I am excited about the direction that we will take this year. I am unable to express the level of my gratitude and respect for Past President Ian Tedder. Ian had a vision for our Executive Board to set both short- and long-term goals that would span several presidencies. We successfully started that plan last year with great results and I intend to continue it with 1st VP Adam Stanley and 2nd VP Andy Thomas.
The launch of our new chapter website and the incorporation of a new online membership application demonstrate two examples of our NC Chapter evolving and continuing to be one of the best in the country. Your Board of Directors stands committed to providing NC IAAI members with more benefits, more training across the state, and a voice to our elected officials. I believe that now is the perfect time to partner with other associations across the state to share our knowledge and expertise in the field of fire investigation. We need to be proud of who we are and what we know, yet humble enough to share so that North Carolina and its citizens’ benefit. We all know one of the first questions asked after a fire has been extinguished is: “Any idea how it started?” That moment is when our membership shines because we are the subject matter experts.
I look forward to serving you and please reach out if you have questions or needs from the Chapter. Check our website often for news and updates. I am still baffled that I just wrote a blog!
Stay safe and commit to going home tonight and every night.
V/R
Darren Solomon
