The Fort Worth Fire Department’s (FWFD) Arson/Bomb Unit has garnered significant international and state recognition for its exceptional work in fire investigation and arson prosecution, receiving two major awards in the past month. These commendations coincided with National Arson Awareness Week, observed from May 4-10.
Most recently, the unit was presented with the Outstanding Accomplishment Award (Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette Award) at the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Annual Training Conference held last month in New Jersey. This prestigious national award honors agencies that have developed and implemented progressive, innovative, and successful programs to combat arson and explosive offenses. Named after Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette, a respected leader in the arson investigation community, the award recognizes the Fort Worth Arson/Bomb Unit for its strategic and results-driven approach. Over the past year, the unit has filed 90 criminal cases with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, emphasizing its focus on prosecution and accountability for arson/bomb-related crimes.
In addition to its international honors, the unit also received the Jack Sneed Award at the Texas IAAI Conference in March. This marks the second consecutive year Fort Worth’s Arson/Bomb Unit has received this distinguished state award, presented annually for outstanding work in arson investigation and/or prosecution. Winning the Jack Sneed Award back-to-back highlights the unit’s consistent excellence and dedication to ensuring those who commit arson and explosive-related offenses are held accountable. As the unit has demonstrated in Fort Worth, "it’s the wrong city to make a fire and get away.”
Through rigorous investigations, commitment, and hard work to protect the public and firefighters, the Fort Worth Arson/Bomb Unit has set a high standard and solidified its reputation as a leader in the fire investigation community, serving as an example for arson units nationwide with its advanced techniques, tireless dedication, relentless effort, and determination to safeguard its community.
