Walter Scott Flora, IAAI-CFI (V)

Walter retired from the fire service located in southeastern Virginia after 36 years of dedicated service to his community. He began his professional firefighting career in early 1985 and shortly thereafter became a certified EMT-B. Over the next 25 years he would be assigned to the fire suppression section of the department and go on to become certified as an Engine-Pump Operator, Ladder-Truck Operator, EMT-I (Medic), Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Fire Instructor-1, Fire Officer-1 as well as serve as an acting supervisor.

In 2009, Walter changed his career path and began pursuing the fire education, prevention and fire investigation side of the fire service. March 2009, he became a (Pro Board) Certified Fire Inspector I & II-(NFPA 1031) through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs / Fire Mashal’s Academy. In late 2009, a position became available within the Fire Mashal’s Office and Walter jump at the chance to be part of the team and was assigned to the office. In February 2010, He became a (Pro Board) Certified Fire & Explosive Investigator-(NFPA 1033) through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs / Fire Marshal’s Academy. Around the same timeframe he also became a certified Hazardous Materials / Environmental Crimes Investigator. In 2012, Walter graduated from the Virginia Fire Marshal’s Law Enforcement Academy and was sworn in as an Assistant Fire Marshal with full police powers within his jurisdiction.

December 2020, Walter earned his Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators. Inc., and shortly thereafter in March of 2021 obtained his Vehicle Fire Investigator endorsement. In August 2021, became a registered Private Investigator through the Department of Criminal Justise Services of the Commonwealth Virginia.

Walter has investigated over 300 fire related incidents as the lead Fire Investigator and assisted other colleagues (Fire Investigator’s) from his jurisdiction as well as several other surrounding jurisdictions with numerous of others. His fire investigation experiences have included single family dwellings, multi-family type dwelling structures, commercial structures, passenger vehicles, commercial-type vehicles, personal watercrafts, as well as commercial vessels. As an investigator he has also conducted numerous investigations in reference to hazardous materials / environmental crimes incidents, citizen complaints, as well as employee type investigations; such as background checks and internal affairs.

Walter has documented hundreds of fire origin and cause investigations as well as prepared them for criminal and civil trials. He has testified numerous times as an expert and fact witness during preliminary hearings, grand jury hearings and criminal trials on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia within General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and Circuit Court.