Buncombe County Firefighter's Association

06/06/2026

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
NC FIRE MARSHALS’ INSTITUTE 2026
THOMAS A. GOFORTH
Fire Investigator / ATF Ignitable Liquid Detection (ILD) K9 Handler

Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force

BIOGRAPHY

Thomas A. Goforth is a highly experienced fire and explosion investigator with more than 30 years of service in the fire service and over 20 years of specialized experience in fire origin and cause investigations.

He currently serves as a Fire Investigator and ATF Ignitable Liquid Detection (ILD) K9 Handler with the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force, where he conducts complex fire investigations, determines fire origin and cause, assists law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations, and prepares cases for prosecution and courtroom testimony.

In 2021, Mr. Goforth was selected and certified by the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Division as an Ignitable Liquid Detection (ILD) K9 Handler and has successfully maintained annual recertification since that time.

Since joining the Charlotte Fire Department in 2006, Mr. Goforth has served as the lead investigator and assisted on more than 2,500 fire scenes and investigations involving residential, commercial, vehicle, and incendiary fires.

Alongside his ATF-certified canine partner, K9 “Captain,” he provides ignitable liquid detection assistance to fire and law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina and across the United States.

Through his extensive investigative experience, courtroom testimony, ATF canine expertise, and commitment to professional education, Mr. Goforth brings practical, real-world knowledge and nationally recognized credentials to every training program and classroom presentation.

HIGHLIGHTS

🔥 30+ Years of Fire Service

🐕 ATF-Certified Ignitable Liquid Detection (ILD) K9 Handler

🔍 2,500+ Fire Investigations as Lead or Assisting Investigator

⚖️ Qualified Expert Witness in Criminal and Civil Proceedings

🎓 Instructor and Guest Lecturer for Fire Investigation Programs Across North Carolina

EDUCATION
Associate in Applied Science Degree, Fire Protection Technologies – Gaston College
Bachelor of Science Degree, Criminal Justice – Western Carolina University
CERTIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
Pro Board Certified Fire Investigator
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator
North Carolina Certified Fire/Arson Investigator
North Carolina Fire Inspector Level III
Firefighter Level I
ATF National Canine Division Certified Ignitable Liquid Detection (ILD) K9 Handler
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force

Fire Investigator / ATF ILD K9 Handler

Conducts complex fire and explosion investigations
Determines fire origin and cause
Assists law enforcement with criminal investigations
Prepares cases for prosecution and courtroom testimony
Provides regional and national ignitable liquid detection assistance with K9 Captain
Previous Positions
Senior Fire and Explosion Consultant – Envista Forensic Consulting Services
Deputy Fire Marshal – Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office
Volunteer Firefighter – East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteer Firefighter – New Hope Volunteer Fire Department
COURTROOM EXPERIENCE

Mr. Goforth has been qualified and testified as an expert in fire origin and cause in both criminal and civil proceedings. His experience includes testimony involving:

Arson Investigations
Insurance Litigation
Fire-Related Civil Claims
Criminal Prosecution Cases
EDUCATOR & INSTRUCTOR

For more than a decade, Mr. Goforth has instructed fire investigation courses throughout North Carolina and regularly serves as an instructor for the State of North Carolina Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) Certification Program.

Instructional topics include:

Live Burn Investigations
Scene Examination
Fire Investigation Methodology
Motor Vehicle Fires
Explosion Investigations
Fire Death Investigations
Appliance Fires
Evidence Analysis

He has also taught and lectured for:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Cleveland Community College
York Technical College
ECPI University
Public Schools
Numerous Fire Service Training Organizations
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
North Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators
North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association
RECOGNITION

🏆 Charlotte Fire Department Fire Chief’s Letter of Commendation

🏆 Charlotte Fire Department Fire Chief’s Award for Exemplary Action

06/05/2026

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
Special Agent Dustin Burkett

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
ATF Ignitable Liquid Detection (IGL) Canine Handler

Special Agent Dustin Burkett has served with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) since 2021 as a Fire Investigator, conducting fire scene examinations across North Carolina. Throughout his career with the SBI, he has been qualified and testified as an expert in the field of arson investigation and regularly assists with a wide range of criminal investigations.

Prior to joining the SBI, Special Agent Burkett served as the Fire Marshal for Lenoir County, where he developed extensive expertise in fire codes, fire prevention, and building construction systems. His strong background in code enforcement and construction practices has proven invaluable in conducting detailed fire scene examinations and determining fire origin and cause.

In addition to his investigative responsibilities, Special Agent Burkett serves as a Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF) Ignitable Liquid Detection (IGL) Canine Handler. Working alongside his canine partner, he provides specialized support to local, state, and federal agencies in the detection of ignitable liquids and the investigation of suspicious fires.

Committed to advancing the fire investigation profession, Special Agent Burkett also assists with instruction at the SBI Academy and the North Carolina Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) Program, helping develop the next generation of fire investigators and law enforcement professionals.

2026 North Carolina Fire Marshals’ Institute Instructor
Fire Investigation 101 – What Does It Mean to Be a Fire Investigator?
(Co-Instructor with Andy Goforth, Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force)

September 21–25, 2026
North Carolina Fire Marshals’ Institute
Greensboro, North Carolina

"No Acceptable Losses"

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Please see the full class schedule below for this year's FMI!!

06/04/2026

Part-time job opportunity!

06/03/2026

Job Opportunity!

06/03/2026

Job opportunity!

Job Opportunity, full time and part time.
For the current process for full time, applications should be received by 08:00 on June 22nd, 2026.
While there is much more we would like to add to the posting, there is only so much space. Please send us a message with questions or come visit, take a tour, and get a real window into our service environment. We have an open house on June 20th, flyer pinned to page top.
We look forward to meeting each of you that apply.
http://www.svfd.net/SVFD%20SD/Administration/A1%20Application.pdf

05/22/2026

🚨 Instructor Spotlight – Adam B. Cloninger 🚨

The North Carolina Fire Marshals’ Institute is proud to welcome Adam B. Cloninger, Water Supply Officer / Fire Inspector with the Charlotte Fire Department, as an instructor for the 2026 Institute.

Adam’s passion for serving others has been evident throughout his life and career. From raising money for Leukemia research through bike riding at a young age to serving through church functions, school donation drives, military service, volunteer firefighting, and career fire service leadership, Adam has consistently dedicated himself to helping others and strengthening the communities around him.

With nearly 29 years of fire service experience, Adam has served in both volunteer and career roles while also contributing to the advancement of the profession through leadership within the North Carolina Fire Marshals’ Association, including service as both Treasurer and President. His commitment to mentorship, education, and professional development continues to impact firefighters and fire marshals across North Carolina.

As he approaches the later years of his fire service career, Adam remains passionate about sharing both his professional knowledge and life experiences with the next generation of fire service leaders so they can continue serving others with excellence.

📅 September 21–25, 2026
📍 North Carolina Fire Marshals’ Institute