For recognition of individual(s) who has shown outstanding and significant achievements to the IAAI and the field of fire investigations in general through the use of professional expertise that advances the global mission of the IAAI. The recipient shall display one or more of the following attributes:

1. Character and contributions that display exemplary professionalism to the IAAI and the field of fire investigations in general. The nominee will be vetted based on their personal character, their professionalism, and their positive influences on advancements within the field of fire investigations.
2. A history of managerial or executive contributions through a leadership role in the IAAI which generated a significant contribution to the advancement of the global mission of the IAAI, or another significant contribution to the IAAI outside of a leadership role.
3. Any person who provides a significant contribution in the furtherance of the goals and objectives of the IAAI.

The nominator must submit an approximate 2000-word essay that provides a historical retrospective of the nominee’s contribution to the industry and mission of the IAAI / fire investigative profession and to include a biography of the nominee.

All nominees accepted by the award committee will remain on the list, for future induction consideration, for five years.

The award committee may submit names for posthumous induction without restriction through the 2022 International Training Conference, ITC. Thereafter, the committee may select two individuals (past or present members), from the active nominations, for induction.

The IAAI Board of Directors may, at their discretion, posthumously induct past members without restriction through the 2022 ITC. Thereafter, the IAAI Board of Directors may select, at their discretion, select one past member for posthumous induction into the Hall of Flame.

The recipient shall not be a current Officer or member of the Board of Directors or a member of the Awards Committee. The recipient(s) of this award shall be a member of the IAAI for a minimum of 15 years (past or present).

In addition to the aforementioned awards, the Association presents a Certificate of Appreciation and/or Award of Appreciation annually to selected individuals who have provided or performed services considered to be in the best interest of the Association.

Hall Of Flame Inductees

2019
Jamie Novak (posthumously)

2020
Guy E. "Sandy" Burnette (posthumously)
William "Bill" Buxton (posthumously)

2021
George H. Parker (posthumously)
James L. Smith (posthumously)
Robert J. Doran, Sr. (posthumously)
Richard "Dick" Johnson (posthumously)

2022
John D. Dehaan, Ph.D
Michael Deckelmann

2023
Gerald "Jerry" Naylis

2024
None

Awards will be given in the categories of Arson and Accidental Fire Photography. First and Second place and Honorable Mention awards are presented for each category. Photos will be judged on the quality and content of the cause represented, technique and composition of how well it depicts its category. In addition, photographs will be published in the Fire & Arson Investigator journal. First place award winners may not enter the same category for two years.

Rules for the Annual IAAI Photo Competition:

1. The photographic award competition is open only to members in good standing of the IAAI.
2. All photos entered must be the work of the person entering and must have been taken within the preceding 48 months.
3. There are two categories for competition: Category 1 - Arson Photos; Category 2 - Accidental Photos (Maximum of one submission in each category per entrant.)
4. Photos must be in color.
5. Photos must be digital and shot at 3 to 8 megapixels and in JPG Format. If shot by 35mm, photos must be scanned to digital format at a minimum of 300 dpi. No marks of any kind may be placed on the photograph. A designation of the appropriate category and a brief explanation of the subject of the photograph, including the type of structure or item, must accompany each photograph submitted and reference the digital number of the photograph. Two supporting photographs may be submitted to clarify the actual photograph being submitted. The actual photo being submitted for consideration must be designated. (No training photos)
6. The following information must be placed with the description for each photo submitted: name, mailing address, telephone number, department or company name, date photo was taken, location of photo scene, number sequence of each photo submitted by digital number as described in Rule 5 and current email address.
7. All photo entries become the property of the IAAI and will not be returned.
8. Any entry not complying with these rules will be eliminated.
9. All photos must be submitted with an Nomination Form via email to iaai-photos@firearson.com by December 31st.