Although challenging, it’s been another successful year here at Jack Ward Fire Consultants! We are proud of everything our team has accomplished despite the global pandemic. First, we would like to thank each and every one of our clients whose support has allowed for every opportunity. We appreciate your continued business and recognize we would not be where we are without each of you.

This year, CEO David Cheers was able to teach CE classes to valued clients across our coverage area. Class topics included large loss management, kitchen fire investigations, and unique fire investigations. David is excited to introduce new class topics in 2021. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a class either in person or virtually.

We would like to recognize our investigators who choose to be involved in industry organizations to expand their knowledge and expertise. Every one of our investigators are members of local and national organizations, and the following employees hold positions:

  • David Cheers serves on the national board of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).
  • Jeff Merritt serves as president of the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention (FACAP).
  • Josh Plummer serves on the board of the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention (FACAP).
  • Tom Angst serves on the board of the Ohio Chapter of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII).


Because of our incredible clients, we were able to hire two new employees in 2020!

Jason Herrman joins us after 18 years in law enforcement, most of it being with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations. Achieving the rank of Captain in 2013, Jason was selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to attend the prestigious, FBI National Academy. Here, Jason learned executive level management training for psychology, media relations, and conflict resolution. He is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators and is recognized by the courts as an expert in the field of fire investigation utilizing his vast knowledge involving fire and explosions. Jason is Pro Board certified and has received his certification as a Fire Investigator I & II with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Fire, Standards, and Training.

Scott Mackanick joins the team after serving his country in the United States Army and then 21 years with the State Police. In 2013, he advanced again to the position of Fire Marshal within the State Police. During his tenure, Scott would respond to fires throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where he conducted origin and cause investigations and made arrests in those cases determined to be fraudulent or arson related. Scott is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) as well as a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators and has been court qualified as an expert in the field of fire origin and cause investigation.

As the year comes to an end, we are excited for new opportunities for company growth to better serve our clients. We look forward to seeing both clients and industry leaders at events throughout 2021 as things (hopefully) return to normal. Expect to see us at FACAP, Florida IAAI, SCIFI, FIFEC, NSPII, OH Arson School, and many of the claims association events and meetings across our coverage areas. Thank you for continuing to choose Jack Ward Fire for your fire investigations, fire code consultations, catastrophic loss management, and more!