(618) 687-4900
(618) 687-4900
Leading Edge Fire Investigation, LLC

Meet The Team

Jay Edwards, Fire Investigator

I began my professional career by starting in law enforcement. In 1995, I was hired as a patrolman in Jemison, AL and within a year was recruited by the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department. After a year of road patrol, I was promoted to investigator which introduced me to all facets of investigations including fire investigations. I remained at the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department until 2002 during which time I assisted on numerous fire investigations and was promoted to Lieutenant and Lead Investigator. I also appeared on an episode of A&E Cold Case File for assisting on a cold case investigation involving the death of two newborn babies.

In May 2002, I took the exam for the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and placed Number 1 in Band 1 and was hired as a Deputy State Fire Marshal where I remained until December 2013. During my employment, I attended the Alabama Fire College and completed their Certified Fire Investigator class, Level 1 and 2. I also received certification in their Fire Inspector Level 1 and 2 course. I was also able to attend ATF’s 2 week course called Advanced Origin and Cause and Courtroom Testimony in Glenco, GA. I worked over 600 fire scenes and testified in court several times where I was recognized as an Expert Witness. I was also awarded Officer of the Year in 2006 where I was the Case Agent on a spree of church fires, whose story received national attention.

In 2013, I partnered with Curt Graff and started Leading Edge Fire Investigations. I resigned from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and took a full time Police Officer’s position with the Clanton Police Department. I have obtained my International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) certification and I am currently licensed to and have worked fires in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. I have also accepted a position as a board member for the Alabama Association of Arson Investigators.

On a personal level, I am married with 3 children. I enjoy hunting, spending time with my family and attending the church where I currently serve as a deacon.

My goal as an investigator is to be thorough, detailed, and concise using the scientific method and systematic approach to report the facts of each incident. I will never compromise my morals or integrity. My opinions will be based on the physical facts of each fire scene and my training, education and experience as a fire investigator. As the industry changes, I will continue to learn through training, in efforts to put forth the best available options to my clients.

Contact

Jay Edwards
PO Box 1096
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Leading Edge Fire Investigation, LLC