Hampton Assistant Fire Marshal Receives Award
December 6, 2007
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Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue |
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Jesse Gomes, Assistant Fire Marshal of Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue has been named Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 "Arson Investigator of the Year" on Saturday, November 17, 2007.
Investigator Gomes has investigated many fires in his 3 years with the Hampton Fire Marshals Bureau, with a total of 11 years in the fire service. Gomes was nominated for the award by Captain Maurice Wilson, Deputy Fire Marshal. Captain Wilson said, "Gomes' has spent many dedicated hours of investigation and research to solve cases." One of his arson cases led to the recovery of stolen video cameras from Burbank Elementary School and stolen merchandise from Sports Authority. In another case Investigator Gomes investigated an accidental fire, involving an elderly gentleman. Going beyond his duties, Investigator Gomes established a friendship with the gentlemen and discovered the gentleman's homecare provider was committing larceny from his home. This lead to an investigation and loss of the provider's license. This exemplifies Investigator Gomes duty to public service. Investigator Gomes actively seeks training to enhance his investigative skills and has just become one of only 2 accelerant K-9 handlers in southeastern Virginia. He plays an active role as a member of the Tidewater Regional Arson Panel, the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Association of Special Investigative Units more than qualified him to be a recipient of this award. These qualities directly correlate to the criteria that the recipient must demonstrate to be considered for this award. The Fire Marshals Bureau is proud to have such a dedicated member to deliver quality services to Hampton citizens.