Bureau History
The Fire Investigation Bureau was officially dedicated on January 1, 1935. This action came as a result of the February 8, 1933 Millard Hotel fire that killed seven(7) firefighters. Captain Sam Taylor was the first Fire Investigator and was assisted by civilian Inspector/Chemist T.R. Smith.
In 1979, the then called “Arson Bureau” was comprised of three (3) investigative teams. Each of these teams consisted of one (1) Omaha Fire Department Captain and one Omaha Police Department Detective. In 1983, the Omaha Fire Department went to the present makeup of Fire Investigator teams—which were and are now comprised of Omaha Fire Department Captains with State of Nebraska Law Enforcement Certification. These investigative teams are responsible for determining how each fire within the city of Omaha began and who was responsible or involved. If a fire's origin is considered to be accidental, the investigation by the Omaha Fire Department fire investigators basically stops and insurance investigators take over. If a fire is considered to be the result of arson, Omaha Fire Department fire investigators keep control of the case until someone is charged with that crime. All unsolved cases remain under investigation indefinitely, since the crime of arson does not have a statute of limitation.
Bureau Personnel
Battalion Chief Craig Schneider (402-444-1962)
Secretary Kelli Rudie (402-444-5789)
Captain John Glesinger (402-444-1970)
Captain Robert Gottsch (402-444-3252)
Captain Joseph Jadlowski (402-444-3253)
Captain Mark Driscoll
(402-444-5720)
Captain John McCormick (402-444-5725)
Captain Michael Pritchard
(402-444-3207)
Arson Hotline
Generally speaking, the act of arson is premeditated. Depending upon the circumstances, the charges for this crime can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 2 felony. Penalties can range from a fine to ten (10) or more years in jail.
Because of the high potential for death and injury from arson fires, Fire Investigation Bureau Investigators are very serious about solving each incident. Critical to many cases is any information that the public may have. Examples of this might be something they saw around the time of the crime or anything they may have heard someone say.
Information such as this may be passed along confidentially by calling the Omaha Fire Department's Arson Hotline at 444-FIRE (3473). Money is often times paid for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of an arson suspect. There is no limit on the time that has passed in order for "Arson" charges to be filed by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office staff.
Reward Money for Information
If you have information that leads to an arrest and/or conviction of an arson suspect you may be entitled to reward money. Please call the Arson Hotline (444-FIRE) or e-mail OMAFFIB@ci.omaha.ne.us with the information. All information is strictly confidential.
