In September 2022, Firefighter Christina Rzepecki met all the requirements to become an independently functioning Fire Investigator after completing National Fire Academy Fire Investigations course. FF Rzepecki is the first female Fire Investigator in HCDFRS.
What made you want to get into this field?
Prior to working for HCDFRS, I worked full-time for the Medical Examiner’s Office, doing death investigations. I loved that, but there wasn’t really any opportunity for professional growth. I decided to make a career change because I wanted more opportunities. I enjoy investigations, so when I came to Howard County, I knew I eventually wanted to get into Fire Investigations. I was fortunate to have the opportunity early in my career to be able to get into the Fire Investigation Division (FID has the responsibility of investigating fires, explosions, or other emergencies).
What kind of training went into becoming a Fire Investigator?
Training for this position is on-going. You learn something new on every scene. My previous experience with death investigations has been helpful in adapting to a different type of investigation. I’ve taken many online classes, attended several two-week fire investigation courses, and am always attending training opportunities provided to us by local Fire Investigator organizations, national organizations, and different institutions. When I first started the process in February of 2021, I shadowed unit members until they felt I was ready to move into the mentoring phase. The remainder of my time has been spent mentoring. I have been the primary investigator on over 30 scenes at this point. My mentor(s) shadow me to ensure that I am on the correct path, answer questions, and teach me everything that they can. The training is never over. This is definitely a position where you have to remain a student forever.
What are you looking forward to as you progress in your career?
I look forward to growing personally and professionally. I will continue to take advantage of the knowledge of the senior guys in my unit and learn everything I can from them, as well as continuing to learn from other members of the department. I look forward to training, locally and throughout the country. I hope to maybe one day have the next K-9 in FID.
Any other interesting facts you’d like to share with the world.
Outside of work I love playing sports and being on the water with my best friends, Mark, Echo, and Finn.
