Fire Investigations Branch Team Members
Table of Contents
Chiefs
Branch Chief Todd Hedglin
Chief Hedglin is a seasoned professional with an extensive career spanning over 30 years in public and private service, including the fire service and the United States Military. He pursued his education at Metro State University and Front Range Community College. In 2006, he embarked on a career in fire investigation, initially working in the public sector and later transitioning to the private sector in 2013. Since then, he has been involved in hundreds fire and explosion investigations across Colorado and the United States, and now working for the state of Colorado.
He holds several fire investigation credentials including an International Association of Arson Investigators - Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI®). He is frequently invited to share his knowledge through lectures and presentations on various fire investigation topics, such as fire scene photography, interviewing techniques, and wildland fire investigations. Chief Hedglin has delivered these informative presentations to diverse audiences, including public agencies, private enterprises, universities, and local colleges, both nationally and internationally.
Notably, he has actively contributed to the advancement of the fire investigation community. He serves as the Immediate Past President of the Colorado Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), where he held the positions of 1st Vice President and President for the past ten years. At the same time, held the position of Chairman of the Ethics, Practices & Grievances Committee of the IAAI. His leadership roles demonstrate his commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the field.
Unit Chief Ernie Rodrigues
Unit Chief Rodrigues is a Colorado native with 40 years of combined experience in the fire service within the Denver Metro area. He served as an adjunct instructor in Fire Cause Determination for ten years at Red Rocks Community College and was honored as the 2009 Instructor of the Year at the Colorado Firefighter's Academy. Ernie was also a valued member of the Command Staff that achieved Colorado's first ISO rating with the Federal Heights Fire Department.
In his personal life, Ernie has been married for 46 years and has three adult children and eight wonderful grandchildren. He recently welcomed two black boxer puppies into his family. Chief Rodrigues takes pride in witnessing the growth and success of his wife, children, grandchildren, and firefighters, as they all strive to excel in their endeavors.
Unit Chief Brian Gies
Unit Chief Brian Gies began his journey in the fire service as an Explorer Scout. He gained valuable experience as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) during a summer season at the United States research base in McMurdo, Antarctica. After this, he spent two additional summers as a wildland firefighter, honing his skills and knowledge.
Following his time in the wild, Brian joined the City of Roswell, NM Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter for five years. He then transitioned to a nearly 21-year career with the City of Grand Junction. There, he has taken on various roles, including firefighter, fire inspector, and fire investigator.
With nearly 27 years of fire service experience, Chief Gies brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his work. His diverse background in different fire service environments has equipped him with the expertise to tackle a variety of challenges and contribute to the safety and well-being of his community.
Administrative Assistant
Katherine Rhoadarmer
Katherine is a dedicated Customer Service Advisor with over fourteen years of experience in administrative support and customer relations. Throughout her career, she honed her skills in daily office operations, records management, clerical duties, and basic accounting. She is adept at identifying customer needs and providing timely solutions, whether through email, phone, or in-person interactions. Her ability to manage workloads efficiently, pay attention to detail, and multitask has been key to her success. She contributed to improving customer satisfaction ratings and resolving escalated issues, all while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
Since 2015, she has been providing loving care for her nephews in Aurora, CO, taking on responsibilities such as meal preparation, cleaning, and educational activities. Previously, spent 14 years at Teletech/Convergys Corporation in Denver, CO. As an Assistant Supervisor and Senior Agent for the USPS project, she supported clients, processed requests, maintained productivity metrics, and trained new hires. Her roles also included resolving escalated inquiries and managing international mail requests. Her education includes studies at Metropolitan State College and Front Range Community College, with a high school diploma from Skyview High School.
Investigators
Investigator Josh Dreher
Josh Dreher is a Fire Investigator for the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC). He brings 24 years of experience in law enforcement as a Patrol Officer and Patrol Sergeant to his current role. Additionally, Josh has 15 years of fire service experience as a volunteer firefighter, engineer, and lieutenant.
During his time in the fire service, Josh became a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NFPA-CFEI) and has six years of experience in this field. He joined DFPC as a Fire Inspector in April 2022 and was promoted to Fire Investigator in November 2023.
Josh is enthusiastic about being part of the Investigations Branch and is eager to collaborate with fire service partners on fire investigations and training initiatives. His combined background in law enforcement and fire service makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Investigator / K9 Handler (Ash) Matt Morgan
Matt Morgan is a Fire Investigator for DFPC. He brings with him 15 years of fire service experience, beginning as a volunteer on an engine company for five years. Matt then transitioned into fire prevention and investigations, where he became certified as a Fire and Explosion Investigator, Vehicle Fire Investigator, Evidence Collection Technician, and Wildland Fire Investigator.
In addition to his fire service expertise, Matt served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years during Operation Desert Storm, where he worked as a Combat Engineer and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. His military background contributes to his strong investigative and technical skills.
Matt joined the DFPC as a Fire Investigator and Accelerant Detection Canine Handler in December 2023. He is excited to be part of the Investigations Branch and looks forward to collaborating with fire service partners on fire investigations and training. His diverse experience and dedication make him a valuable asset to the team.
Investigator Kevin Crawford
Kevin Crawford began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Vail (Colorado) Fire Department in 1980. In 1983, he transitioned to a full-time firefighter role with the Provo (Utah) Fire Department. After spending several years with Provo, Kevin discovered a passion for fire investigations. In 2003, he retired from Provo and became a Fire Investigator with the North Metro Fire Rescue District in Broomfield, Colorado.
After 34 years of dedicated service in the public fire sector, Kevin retired and continued his fire investigation work in the private sector. He eventually founded his own company serving the Rocky Mountain region, including Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Throughout his career, Kevin has conducted and assisted in numerous origin and cause investigations.
In addition to his investigative work, Kevin actively shares his knowledge and expertise through teaching and presenting classes for the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), the Colorado Chapter of the IAAI (CIAAI), and DFPC. He particularly enjoys conducting live burns, which help fire investigators gain a deeper understanding of how and why fires behave the way they do. Kevin resides in Grand Junction, Colorado, with his wife Carrie, where they continue to enjoy their shared interests and hobbies.
Investigator Curtis O'Leary
Curtis relocated to Colorado in 2000, having spent his childhood from the age of 10 in the southeastern part of the state. He began his fire service career at the age of 20 with the Ordway Volunteer Fire Department. Soon after, he moved out of state to Great Bend, Kansas, where he worked full-time in the fire service and began assisting with fire investigations.
In 2018, Curtis and his family returned to Colorado, where he joined the Pueblo West Fire Department. While with Pueblo West, he pursued education in fire investigations and continued his work in the field.
In 2024, Curtis joined the Department of Public Safety as a fire investigator. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. His dedication to his career and passion for his interests make him a well-rounded and valued member of the team.
Investigator Allison Frieson
Allison began her fire service career in 2015 as a firefighter/EMT in Hays Kansas at the Hays Fire Department, then later at the Grand Junction Fire Department. While on these departments she has been involved in ARFF, technical rescue team, HAZMAT team, fire prevention and investigations. She grew up in western Kansas and is a graduate of Fort Hays State University. Allison enjoys life on The Western Slope hiking, biking, camping, and reading a good book.
Investigator / K9 Handler (Waffle, Moose, Hiccup) Brian Eberle
Brian comes to us after a 21 year career in the fire service, with his last assignment overseeing the Fire Investigation Unit and working as a K9 Handler. He has been training and working K9s since 2007 and is the co-founder for Bloodhound Man-Trackers. Brian and his dogs have assisted dozens of law enforcement agencies on arson, homicide, and missing person cases. Brian is a member of NecroSearch International as a Decomposing Human Scent K9 Handler, a K9 resource for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and was K9 Search Specialist for FEMA's Colorado Task Force 1 Search and Rescue Team. Brian has testified multiple times as an expert witness in K9 detection.
K9s
Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 Ash
Ash is a two year old female English Yellow lab, Trained as a therapy dog through the ability center in Ohio for about 8 months. Trained as an Accelerant Detection K9 through Jordan Detection K9 for 3 months. Ash is a food reward K9. Ash was obtained by DFPC in June and placed into service on 1 July, 2024.
Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 Waffle
Waffle is a two year old female Black Lab certified as an ignitable liquid detection canine through Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Waffle has been in service and working since 2025. She has assisted dozens of agencies including the ATF, CBI, and FBI on numerous fires.
Decomposition Detection K9 Moose
Moose is a three year old German Shepherd that has been trained in decomposing human scent detection. Moose has been in service and working since 2022. Moose also volunteers his time as a K9 resource with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NecroSearch International.
Bloodhound Tracking K9 Hiccup
Hiccup is a 3 year old Bloodhound that has been trained in tracking/trailing and decomposing human scent detection. Hiccup has been in service and working as a proven Bloodhound since 2022. Hiccup volunteers his time as a K9 resource with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NecroSearch International.
Bloodhounds are renowned for the incredible sense of smell, second to none in the entire K9 world. This sense of smell is what makes Hiccup an invaluable asset for tracking/trailing. In the law enforcement world, a bloodhound's sniffin' ability has created case law in Colorado that allows an officer to obtain a warrant based on the results of the bloodhound's track. So accurate is their sense of smell, the bloodhound is considered a proven animal and their tracks are allowed as "testimony" in court...they are the only animal with this ability. Bloodhounds have been known to follow trails days afterwards (in Colorado, the longest track was over 70 miles and 30 days old!!). They have been able to track subjects through the city, over water, and even in vehicles.
Specifically trained to locate the odor from decomposing human scent (whether its bones, blood, tissue, or bodily fluids), Moose and Hiccup can help locate forensic evidence that may otherwise not be located. Moose and Hiccup work as a team when it comes to larger search areas for potential clandestine graves. Moose, as a Shepherd, has the ability to cover large areas with exceptional stamina. He is fast, agile, and built for working in the open area to complete his task. Moose takes a large area and narrows it down to a workable area of origin; once this is done, Hiccup comes in to locate a more precise location for more accurate evidence collection.
Have questions for the Fire Investigation Branch? Email them at cdps_dfpc_invadmin@state.co.us.