Oregon I.A.A.I. - Chapter 31International Association of Arson Investigators |
CHAPTER AWARDS
2025 Award Submissions due by Aug. 15, 2025
Investigator of the Year Award - "Frank Herlinger Award"
Frank Herlinger grew up in Klamath Falls Oregon. He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart in 1966. He served with the Oregon State Police Criminal Division. He was an outstanding investigator and was involved in the founding of the Oregon Chapter. Mr. Herlinger died of liver cancer at the age 51.
This award is given to an individual who has shown outstanding achievement and professionalism in the field of fire/arson investigation. The recipient of this award is not required to be a member of this organization. Our goal is to recognize the BEST investigator in Oregon. This award is limited to one (1) award annually.
Life Membership Award - "William S. Hood Award"
William Hood graduated in civil engineering from Oregon State University. During the 1960's he worked closely with the Intelligence Unit of the Portland Police Department, paving the way for his true-life long career of Professional Fire Consultant. He was an early champion to the use of the scientific method in fire investigations During the 1970's he was the Western States liaison to the International Association and was instrumental in starting the Oregon Chapter in 1978. Bill was the first lifetime member for the Oregon Chapter. He was also instrumental in bringing the International Conference to Portland Oregon in 1998.
The Chapter may bestow Life Membership upon any qualified member who has met the following requirements: Active member of Oregon Chapter 31, active member in good standing for at least ten (10) years, the individual must have rendered distinctive service to the Chapter through participation on committees and/or activities for a minimum of five (5) years. This award is limited to two (2) recipients annually.
Distinguished Service Award - "C. Walter Stickney Award"
Walter Stickney was Chief Fire Marshal for Portland Fire Bureau. In 1963, he became the first Oregon State Fire Marshal when OSFM separated from the insurance commissioner and served under the governor. He wrote "Recognizing When Arson Exists" which was one of the earliest publications on conducting fire investigations and it was used locally and nationally as a guide. When he retired, he had a distinguished career as a private fire investigator.
This award is given to individual(s) who have shown outstanding service, effort and direction to the purposes and objectives of the Association. This award is limited to one (1) recipient annually. Formerly known as the exemplar member award.
Outstanding Accomplishment Award – Bill Hakim Award
Trooper Hakim served in the Navy for 20 years, becoming an underwater explosives expert before moving to the Northwest. He joined the Oregon State Police in 1997 and then the Arson/Explosives Section. Hakim was so known for questions that his nickname was "Detective How Come." or "Wild Bill". Hakim and Woodburn Police Capt. Thomas P. Tennant died Dec. 12, 2008, when a bomb they were dismantling exploded at a West Coast Bank branch in Woodburn.
This award is presented to municipalities, agencies (law enforcement or private), and companies which have developed successful programs which help to reduce the incidence of arson by implementing and achieving a progressive, innovative and successful program. This award is limited to one (1) award annually.
Award of Recognition - "Donald G. Petruzzelli Award"
Mr. Petruzzelli was Chief Fire Investigator for Portland Fire Bureau. He was very active in IAAI at the State and International level. He was very progressive and was instrumental in advancing the field of fire investigation. Don was Chief Fire Investigator for Portland Fire Bureau. He was very active in IAAI at the State and International level. He passed away from cancer in 1996 at the age of 49.
This was formerly the prosecutor of the year award. This award may be given to any individual or organization for service rendered to the chapter and its purposes.
Photography Awards - Arson and Accidental
This award is separated into two (2) categories; Arson and Accidental Fire Photography. This award is voted on at the Annual Training Seminar in September. Award give to the top photograph in each category.
Amusing Award
Always a fun award to give to someone who may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Any funny, amusing, silly or accidental event worth recognizing in front of everyone. Awards in this category are only limited by your imagination.