POTSDAM -- A Potsdam police officer is also now a member of the St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team.

Lieutenant Stephen Davis completed a three-week fire investigator course at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

"This extensive hands-on course provides in-depth knowledge and skills necessary to thoroughly investigate fires from fire scene to the courtroom as outlined in NFPA 921," according to Past Fire Chief Christopher Taylor. "It includes fire dynamics, motives, scene documentation, evidence, case preparation and testimony."

He said students engage in a hands-on investigation that includes investigating, documenting and collecting evidence from a fire scene, conducting background checks, interviewing witnesses, case preparation, and testifying at a mock trial in a court setting in front of a judge.

The course also includes both a New York State Certification Test and the Pro Board Fire Investigator National Certification Test, Taylor said.

Prior to the three week residential course, Lieutenant Davis successfully completed two on-line prerequisite fire investigation training courses.

In order to receive his New York State certification he will complete 50 hours of fire investigations in the field under the supervision of a certified investigator.

Davis must complete 12 hours of annual tested training related to the fire investigation field and 12 hours of fire investigations in the field to maintain his certification.