ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department is taking a major step toward strengthening fire investigation efforts across the region by spearheading the formation of a Regional Fire Investigation Unit, bringing together investigators from multiple communities to share knowledge, improve communication, and enhance investigative capabilities.
On December 5, 2025, representatives from several area departments gathered to formally discuss the establishment of a Regional Fire Investigation Unit. Attendees included:
- Attleboro: Capt. Nick Sheehan , Lt. Jake Springs, Lt. Jerry Normandin
- Seekonk Fire Dept.
- North Attleboro Fire Dept.
- Mansfield Fire Dept.
- Rehoboth Fire Dept.
- Plainville Fire Dept.
The group emphasized the growing need for enhanced communication and unified procedures among fire investigators. As fire dynamics evolve and investigative standards continue to expand, departments across the region are seeing increased benefits in pooling their resources and expertise.
The initiative is being led by Attleboro’s own Fire Investigation Unit, which includes several IAAI-FIT (Fire Investigation Technician) certified investigators. The IAAI-FIT certification is a nationally recognized credential requiring extensive training, practical experience, and demonstrated competency in fire scene examination, evidence documentation, interviewing, report writing, and courtroom testimony. Achieving and maintaining this certification demands ongoing education and adherence to industry best practices.
Attleboro currently has multiple IAAI-FIT certified members and has conducted dozens of fire investigations over recent years. By forming a regional group, these experienced investigators will now support surrounding communities, improving the consistency and quality of fire origin and cause determinations across municipal borders.
The group emphasized the growing need for enhanced communication and unified procedures among fire investigators. As fire dynamics evolve and investigative standards continue to expand, departments across the region are seeing increased benefits in pooling their resources and expertise.
“The goal is simple. Strengthen communication, share training opportunities, and build consistency across departments so we can better serve our communities” Assistant Chief Dennis Perkins stated.
Monthly Meetings to Build Skills and Standardization
The newly formed unit will hold monthly meetings. The meetings will function as an open forum for:
- Sharing upcoming training opportunities
- Discussing case studies and lessons learned from recent incidents
- Reviewing Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to improve consistency
- Identifying and evaluating local fire trends
- Building relationships through informal meet-and-greet sessions
Fire investigation often requires a broad range of expertise, including fire behavior analysis, electrical forensics, evidence handling, and interagency collaboration. Regionalized communication helps ensure investigators work from the same playbook, particularly when multiple departments respond to the same incident or when investigators are called for mutual aid.
Captain Nick Sheehan, a leading member of Attleboro’s investigation unit, emphasized the value of this partnership. “Every fire scene tells a story, but we interpret those stories better when we learn from each other,” Sheehan said. “Sharing information across departments helps us identify trends, strengthen our investigative techniques, and ensure our communities are getting the most thorough and accurate investigations possible. No single department has all the answers but together, we get a lot closer.”
Fire officials anticipate that the regional unit will enhance both the accuracy and efficiency of fire investigations, especially during complex incidents that require additional personnel, advanced technical skills, or specialized equipment.
By collaborating regularly, departments will be better positioned to:
- Provide mutual aid for major or suspicious fires
- Standardize documentation and reporting
- Track regional patterns in fire causes
- Coordinate training and certification efforts
- Support prosecutors with stronger, more consistent investigative files
The Attleboro Fire Department’s leadership in launching the unit reflects a broader commitment to professional development, modern investigative practices, and regional cooperation.
“This is about raising the bar for everyone,” Assistant Chief Perkins added. “When we work together, the entire region benefits and so do the people we serve.”
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