Chapter Awards
NJIAAI recognizes individuals and organizations whose work, professionalism and service advance the field of fire investigation.
Life Membership
Life Membership may be bestowed upon a qualified member who has demonstrated distinctive service to the Chapter and meets the requirements established in the Chapter By-Laws.
- No more than two candidates may be awarded annually
- Nomination requires Awards Committee review
- Life Members retain Active Member privileges without dues
- Nominations must precede the vote by at least 60 days
Investigation Unit of the Year
Presented to an investigation unit that has demonstrated outstanding achievement through professional expertise in both criminal and civil fire investigation.
- Limited to one recipient annually
- Recognizes outstanding investigative achievement
- Criminal and civil fire investigation disciplines
- At least one unit member must be an active Chapter member
Investigator of the Year
Presented to a Chapter member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and professional expertise in the criminal and civil fields of fire investigation.
- Nominee must be a Chapter member
- Limited to one recipient annually
- Recognizes exceptional professional achievement
- Includes both criminal and civil fire investigation
Rich Wolfson Memorial Photography Award
Celebrating excellence in fire scene photography and the ability to document investigative subjects with technical skill, clarity and composition.
- Categories for Arson Fires and Accidental Fires
- One first-place award in each category
- Open to NJ Chapter members in good standing
- Color photographs taken within the previous five years
Scholarships & Grants
These opportunities support professional development, higher education and community programs related to fire investigation, public safety and fire prevention.
White and Williams LLP ITC Scholarship
Supporting qualified public and private sector fire investigators seeking to attend the 2027 IAAI International Training Conference in Reno, Nevada.
- Award: $2,000
- Conference: 2027 IAAI International Training Conference
- Location: Reno, Nevada
- Administered by: NJIAAI
- Eligibility: Qualified public and private sector fire investigators
Applicants will be asked to submit a short application outlining their professional background, financial need, and interest in attending the conference.
Gene Dannenfelser Memorial Scholarship
Supporting newer fire investigators as they build professional knowledge, experience and involvement within the fire investigation community.
- Applicant must be an active Chapter member
- Five years or less of fire investigation experience
- Approved basic fire investigation course required
- Provides one year of NJIAAI Chapter training tuition
Jerry Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
Supporting eligible students pursuing higher education in fire science, criminal justice and qualifying public safety coursework.
- Available to active members or qualifying relatives
- Applicant must be enrolled in higher education
- Fire science or criminal justice focus
- Recipients may reapply once every three years
Robert Czarnicki Memorial Scholarship
Supporting higher education for eligible students pursuing electrical engineering with relevant study or background in fire science or criminal justice.
- Available to active members or qualifying relatives
- Applicant must be enrolled in higher education
- Electrical engineering focus
- Recipients may reapply once every three years
John West, Sr. Memorial Juvenile Fire Setters Grant
Supporting public-sector organizations operating active Juvenile Fire Setters Programs with resources for education, intervention and training.
- For public-sector organizations with an active program
- Maximum grant of $500 annually
- Supports materials and training-related visual aids
- Recipients may apply once every three years
How to Submit
Each award, scholarship and grant currently uses its own application or nomination form. Download the appropriate form above, complete the required materials, and submit everything to the NJIAAI Awards Committee.
Review the programs above and determine which award, scholarship or grant applies.
Use the button on the applicable program card to open its current nomination or application form.
Follow the instructions on the form and include any required narrative, documentation, photographs, transcripts or supporting information.
Submit the completed form and all required supporting materials to the NJIAAI Awards Committee by the annual deadline.
enunn@njiaai.org
Questions about a nomination or application?
Contact the NJIAAI Awards Committee for assistance with eligibility, supporting documentation, nominations, applications or submission requirements.