We Know the Terrain
J. F. Goetz & Associates’ Investigators are based in and have consistently worked in each of the geographical areas that we serve. Our close working relationships with the fire service and law enforcement communities in which we operate is unrivaled and is a direct result of years of partnership in these communities.
John F. Goetz - IAAI-CFI
[email protected]
Utilizing a Master's Degree in Fire Science, John Goetz's distinguished career has made him a force in the fire investigation community. As a member of the ATF's national and international response teams, he acted as a team leader during the first World Trade Center bombing. Mr. Goetz's expertise has been integral in the development of national fire investigation standards, as he served on the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 committees. He has also served on the International Association of Arson Investigators' CFI and Test Rewrite committees.
Prior to the foundation of J. F. Goetz & Associates, Mr. Goetz was retained by Royal Insurance and a private investigation provider to investigate large losses throughout the northeast.
[email protected]
Utilizing a Master's Degree in Fire Science, John Goetz's distinguished career has made him a force in the fire investigation community. As a member of the ATF's national and international response teams, he acted as a team leader during the first World Trade Center bombing. Mr. Goetz's expertise has been integral in the development of national fire investigation standards, as he served on the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 committees. He has also served on the International Association of Arson Investigators' CFI and Test Rewrite committees.
Prior to the foundation of J. F. Goetz & Associates, Mr. Goetz was retained by Royal Insurance and a private investigation provider to investigate large losses throughout the northeast.
Gerard Piotrowicz - Operations Manager, IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI
[email protected]
During his 30 year career in Federal Law Enforcement, Gerry Piotrowicz distinguished himself within the Fire Service and Law Enforcement communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. He has been recognized by United States Attorney’s Offices, District Attorney’s Offices and State Attorney General’s Offices throughout the country for his role in major investigations involving both national and regional fire and explosion investigations. As an ATF Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator, he investigated Federal arson and explosives violations and provided expertise to Prosecutors regarding origin and cause determinations, court preparation and presentation of evidence, technical interpretation of fire and explosion related information and presentation of expert witness opinions. He served as an instructor at both the National Fire Academy and ATF National Academy providing training in the areas of fire scene investigation, fire dynamics, fire behavior and interview/interrogation. He also established, implemented and supervised the daily operation of the Philadelphia City-Wide Joint Arson/Explosives Task Force.
Having conducted and participated in over 2000 fire scene examinations, Mr. Piotrowicz has enriched J. F. Goetz & Associates with his exceptional investigative skills in the private sector since July 2014.
[email protected]
During his 30 year career in Federal Law Enforcement, Gerry Piotrowicz distinguished himself within the Fire Service and Law Enforcement communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. He has been recognized by United States Attorney’s Offices, District Attorney’s Offices and State Attorney General’s Offices throughout the country for his role in major investigations involving both national and regional fire and explosion investigations. As an ATF Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator, he investigated Federal arson and explosives violations and provided expertise to Prosecutors regarding origin and cause determinations, court preparation and presentation of evidence, technical interpretation of fire and explosion related information and presentation of expert witness opinions. He served as an instructor at both the National Fire Academy and ATF National Academy providing training in the areas of fire scene investigation, fire dynamics, fire behavior and interview/interrogation. He also established, implemented and supervised the daily operation of the Philadelphia City-Wide Joint Arson/Explosives Task Force.
Having conducted and participated in over 2000 fire scene examinations, Mr. Piotrowicz has enriched J. F. Goetz & Associates with his exceptional investigative skills in the private sector since July 2014.
Augustine Tackacs - IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI
[email protected]
Serving as a Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, and Fire Investigator for the City of Trenton, Gus Tackacs has proven himself a detail-oriented, ambitious, and outgoing investigator. With over fifteen years of fire service, he has been exposed to a broad range of both large and small losses, and has taken his breadth of knowledge to the private sector in recent years. In addition to his extensive training, Mr. Tackacs serves as the Chief of Training to the Trenton Fire Department, and has provided his expertise to numerous training programs throughout New Jersey.
Having conducted and participated in over 1000 fire scene examinations, Mr. Tackacs brings a diverse wealth of knowledge to the investigative team of J. F. Goetz & Associates.
[email protected]
Serving as a Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, and Fire Investigator for the City of Trenton, Gus Tackacs has proven himself a detail-oriented, ambitious, and outgoing investigator. With over fifteen years of fire service, he has been exposed to a broad range of both large and small losses, and has taken his breadth of knowledge to the private sector in recent years. In addition to his extensive training, Mr. Tackacs serves as the Chief of Training to the Trenton Fire Department, and has provided his expertise to numerous training programs throughout New Jersey.
Having conducted and participated in over 1000 fire scene examinations, Mr. Tackacs brings a diverse wealth of knowledge to the investigative team of J. F. Goetz & Associates.
Edward Johnson - NAFI-CFEI
[email protected]
With over 30 years experience as a fire investigation specialist, Edward Johnson brings with him a broad experience in both small and large loss fire scenes. After 15 years as a New Jersey Fire Marshal, and 26 years in law enforcement, Ed's transition from public service to the private sector has brought an immense talent to the field.
As a certified Fire Code Official for the State of New Jersey, and having been called as an expert witness in both the New Jersey Superior Court and the Federal Court of New Jersey, Edward has an intimate knowledge of fire scene analysis.
Having conducted and participated in over 1585 fire scene examinations, Mr. Johnson brings a unique and diversified perspective to the investigative team of J. F. Goetz & Associates.
[email protected]
With over 30 years experience as a fire investigation specialist, Edward Johnson brings with him a broad experience in both small and large loss fire scenes. After 15 years as a New Jersey Fire Marshal, and 26 years in law enforcement, Ed's transition from public service to the private sector has brought an immense talent to the field.
As a certified Fire Code Official for the State of New Jersey, and having been called as an expert witness in both the New Jersey Superior Court and the Federal Court of New Jersey, Edward has an intimate knowledge of fire scene analysis.
Having conducted and participated in over 1585 fire scene examinations, Mr. Johnson brings a unique and diversified perspective to the investigative team of J. F. Goetz & Associates.
Robert Disbrow - IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI-CVFI
[email protected]
Having conducted and participated in over 1050 fire examinations, Captain Robert Disbrow has worked in the field of fire services in a volunteer, instructor and career capacity for over three decades. His experiences are in both State and Federal Departments and currently he serves the city of Bayonne, New Jersey as a Fire Captain, assigned to Rescue Company 1.
In between his active duty as a fire investigator, Robert also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Science program at Middlesex County College and is a District Fire Warden with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Since 2010, Robert has been a contributing author to Firehouse.com, submitting articles with his insights on fire investigation and services.
As a CVFI (Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator) Robert brings a new and fresh set of experiences and skills to the J. F. Goetz & Associates investigative family.
[email protected]
Having conducted and participated in over 1050 fire examinations, Captain Robert Disbrow has worked in the field of fire services in a volunteer, instructor and career capacity for over three decades. His experiences are in both State and Federal Departments and currently he serves the city of Bayonne, New Jersey as a Fire Captain, assigned to Rescue Company 1.
In between his active duty as a fire investigator, Robert also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Science program at Middlesex County College and is a District Fire Warden with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Since 2010, Robert has been a contributing author to Firehouse.com, submitting articles with his insights on fire investigation and services.
As a CVFI (Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator) Robert brings a new and fresh set of experiences and skills to the J. F. Goetz & Associates investigative family.
Joshua Jamison - CFEI
[email protected]
Josh Jamison joined the J.F. Goetz & Associates team in the spring of 2020 and quickly earned a name for himself on our team. His dependability is matched only by his attention to detail on a loss scene.
Building upon his public sector experience as a Fire Inspector, Firefighter, HAZMAT Specialist, and Fire Instructor in New Jersey’s West Windsor Township, Josh’s passion for new and emerging technologies has helped to fulfill J.F. Goetz & Associates’ core mission of always utilizing the latest investigative techniques to give our clients the best experience and results.
[email protected]
Josh Jamison joined the J.F. Goetz & Associates team in the spring of 2020 and quickly earned a name for himself on our team. His dependability is matched only by his attention to detail on a loss scene.
Building upon his public sector experience as a Fire Inspector, Firefighter, HAZMAT Specialist, and Fire Instructor in New Jersey’s West Windsor Township, Josh’s passion for new and emerging technologies has helped to fulfill J.F. Goetz & Associates’ core mission of always utilizing the latest investigative techniques to give our clients the best experience and results.
Robert Crowe - CFI, ECT, CFEI, CVFI, CFII
[email protected]
After working in the Philadelphia Fire Department for 35 years, Robert Crowe joined J.F. Goetz & Associates in the fall of 2020, and has already shown himself to be an invaluable addition to our team.
Whether working with the Philadelphia District Attorney assisting with the the prosecution of criminal violations of arson/explosive statutes (by obtaining evidence, preparing/presenting expert reports and/or testifying as an expert witness), as a full-time Federal Task Force Officer assigned to the ATF Joint Arson & Explosives Task Force (investigating criminal violations of Federal arson and explosive statutes), or assisting Special Agents in the preparation of search and arrest warrants, Robert has proven himself a veteran in the field of fire investigations.
Having personally investigated over 1500 fire and explosion scenes, Robert has become a well-known resource and mentor to junior Philadelphia Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshals and an invaluable partner to the fire service in neighboring counties, passing along his unique background and insights to the fire investigation community.
[email protected]
After working in the Philadelphia Fire Department for 35 years, Robert Crowe joined J.F. Goetz & Associates in the fall of 2020, and has already shown himself to be an invaluable addition to our team.
Whether working with the Philadelphia District Attorney assisting with the the prosecution of criminal violations of arson/explosive statutes (by obtaining evidence, preparing/presenting expert reports and/or testifying as an expert witness), as a full-time Federal Task Force Officer assigned to the ATF Joint Arson & Explosives Task Force (investigating criminal violations of Federal arson and explosive statutes), or assisting Special Agents in the preparation of search and arrest warrants, Robert has proven himself a veteran in the field of fire investigations.
Having personally investigated over 1500 fire and explosion scenes, Robert has become a well-known resource and mentor to junior Philadelphia Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshals and an invaluable partner to the fire service in neighboring counties, passing along his unique background and insights to the fire investigation community.
Joseph Conte - NAFI-CFEI-CVFI
[email protected]
As a Captain in the Newark, NJ Fire Department, Joe Conte supervises all aspects of fire suppression, investigation and code enforcement operations within his district. His certifications include fire and explosion investigations, a hazardous materials technician, urban search and rescue technician as well as certifications in fire suppression, rescue and EMS. Joe also holds a Bachelors Degree from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
On the private side, Joe’s employment experience includes working as a Fire Investigator with a National Fire Investigation Company as well as a Senior Evidence Technician with one of the largest evidence collection and storage companies in New Jersey. The unique combination of Joe’s practical experiences in fire and explosion investigation, evidence handling, training and formal education have quickly established him as true asset to the J.F. Goetz & Associates team.
[email protected]
As a Captain in the Newark, NJ Fire Department, Joe Conte supervises all aspects of fire suppression, investigation and code enforcement operations within his district. His certifications include fire and explosion investigations, a hazardous materials technician, urban search and rescue technician as well as certifications in fire suppression, rescue and EMS. Joe also holds a Bachelors Degree from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
On the private side, Joe’s employment experience includes working as a Fire Investigator with a National Fire Investigation Company as well as a Senior Evidence Technician with one of the largest evidence collection and storage companies in New Jersey. The unique combination of Joe’s practical experiences in fire and explosion investigation, evidence handling, training and formal education have quickly established him as true asset to the J.F. Goetz & Associates team.
Timothy Lynch - CFEI
[email protected]
As a Senior Fire Investigator with the Bayonne, NJ Fire Department, Tim Lynch routinely navigates the challenges of conducting investigations in a busy urban environment. His work includes investigating fire and explosion scenes for criminal violations as well as accidental causes. Often these duties work in conjunction with other municipal, state and federal investigators and assists the District Attorney’s Office with the prosecution of criminal violations of state arson and explosives statutes. Tim also regularly conducts joint fire and explosion scene investigations with private sector fire investigators.
Tim has obtained and maintains certifications in Fire and Explosion Investigation, Fire Suppression and Code Inspection. In addition, he holds a Bachelors Degree from Loch Haven University.
[email protected]
As a Senior Fire Investigator with the Bayonne, NJ Fire Department, Tim Lynch routinely navigates the challenges of conducting investigations in a busy urban environment. His work includes investigating fire and explosion scenes for criminal violations as well as accidental causes. Often these duties work in conjunction with other municipal, state and federal investigators and assists the District Attorney’s Office with the prosecution of criminal violations of state arson and explosives statutes. Tim also regularly conducts joint fire and explosion scene investigations with private sector fire investigators.
Tim has obtained and maintains certifications in Fire and Explosion Investigation, Fire Suppression and Code Inspection. In addition, he holds a Bachelors Degree from Loch Haven University.
Michael Adams - IAAI CFI, IAAI CFI (V), IAAI FIT, CFEI
[email protected]
With 20 years of distinguished service and experience in both Fire Service and Law Enforcement, Mike Adams brings an unparalleled level of expertise to our investigative team. Mike has been employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Fairfax County, Virginia Sheriffs Department, a Firefighter in the Fairfax County Fire Department and is currently a Lieutenant/Assistant Fire Marshal in the Fairfax County Fire Marshal’s Office. In this capacity, he has provided expert witness testimony regarding the origin and cause of fires in criminal trials. In addition, since 2020, Mike has also worked as Private Fire Investigator.
Mike has obtained numerous certifications in the field of Fire Investigation, the Fire Service and Law Enforcement and has investigated over 500 fires. In addition, he holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Maryland. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and training to our team.
[email protected]
With 20 years of distinguished service and experience in both Fire Service and Law Enforcement, Mike Adams brings an unparalleled level of expertise to our investigative team. Mike has been employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Fairfax County, Virginia Sheriffs Department, a Firefighter in the Fairfax County Fire Department and is currently a Lieutenant/Assistant Fire Marshal in the Fairfax County Fire Marshal’s Office. In this capacity, he has provided expert witness testimony regarding the origin and cause of fires in criminal trials. In addition, since 2020, Mike has also worked as Private Fire Investigator.
Mike has obtained numerous certifications in the field of Fire Investigation, the Fire Service and Law Enforcement and has investigated over 500 fires. In addition, he holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Maryland. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and training to our team.
Mitch Remig - CFEI
[email protected]
Throughout his 15 years in Law Enforcement, the Fire Service and Private Investigations, Mitch Remig has been recognized as an innovator and leader within these fields. While serving as a Detective in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, he investigated New Jersey State arson and explosives violations and served as an expert witness to the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office. He has served as an instructor in the areas of fire pattern recognition, fatal fire investigation and origin and cause determination at the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice’s Basic Course for Arson Investigators. Mitch was also employed by the Plumstead Township, New Jersey Fire Department and served as a Firefighter, EMT, Fire Investigator and Fire Inspector.
Mitch has obtained and maintains numerous Fire Service and Law Enforcement certifications as well as a Bachelors Degree from Kaplan University. He also has been employed as a Private Fire Investigator since 2016 bringing a seasoned talent to both our team and clients.
[email protected]
Throughout his 15 years in Law Enforcement, the Fire Service and Private Investigations, Mitch Remig has been recognized as an innovator and leader within these fields. While serving as a Detective in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, he investigated New Jersey State arson and explosives violations and served as an expert witness to the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office. He has served as an instructor in the areas of fire pattern recognition, fatal fire investigation and origin and cause determination at the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice’s Basic Course for Arson Investigators. Mitch was also employed by the Plumstead Township, New Jersey Fire Department and served as a Firefighter, EMT, Fire Investigator and Fire Inspector.
Mitch has obtained and maintains numerous Fire Service and Law Enforcement certifications as well as a Bachelors Degree from Kaplan University. He also has been employed as a Private Fire Investigator since 2016 bringing a seasoned talent to both our team and clients.
John Sahatjian - CFEI
[email protected]
During his 15 years in the Fire Service and Private Fire Investigations, John Sahatjian has been recognized as an outstanding investigator and a leader in the field. While rising through the ranks at the Brick, New Jersey Fire Department to his current
position as a Captain, he investigated fires within his jurisdiction along with other investigators from the County, State, and Federal Government as well as private sector investigators. He serves as an instructor with the New Jersey Division of Fire
Safety, the Middletown New Jersey Fire Academy and as lead instructor for a private fire service company. In addition to his employment as a Captain with the Brick Fire Department, John has also served as a Firefighter, Private Fire Investigator, Fire
Chief, Municipal Telecommunicator, and Telecommunications Supervisor.
John has obtained and maintains numerous Fire Service and Fire Investigation certifications as well as an Associate Degree from Columbia Southern University. He has been employed as a Private Fire Investigator since 2023 and brings solid
field experience to the JF Goetz family.
[email protected]
During his 15 years in the Fire Service and Private Fire Investigations, John Sahatjian has been recognized as an outstanding investigator and a leader in the field. While rising through the ranks at the Brick, New Jersey Fire Department to his current
position as a Captain, he investigated fires within his jurisdiction along with other investigators from the County, State, and Federal Government as well as private sector investigators. He serves as an instructor with the New Jersey Division of Fire
Safety, the Middletown New Jersey Fire Academy and as lead instructor for a private fire service company. In addition to his employment as a Captain with the Brick Fire Department, John has also served as a Firefighter, Private Fire Investigator, Fire
Chief, Municipal Telecommunicator, and Telecommunications Supervisor.
John has obtained and maintains numerous Fire Service and Fire Investigation certifications as well as an Associate Degree from Columbia Southern University. He has been employed as a Private Fire Investigator since 2023 and brings solid
field experience to the JF Goetz family.
