John C. Lankford, IAAI-CFI, NAFI-CFEI/CVFI

Background

Mr. John C. Lankford holds a B.S. degree from Auburn University in Agricultural Business and Economics and an A.S. degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Fire Science. He is a Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Association of Fire Investigators.

Mr. Lankford holds numerous certifications from the Alabama State Fire College, including Fire Investigator I and II, Advanced Fire Cause and Origin, and Fire Inspector I, II, and III. He is also a certified Hazardous Materials Technician and has received certification from the National Fire Academy for Fire Arson Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms for Expert Witness Testimony.

Mr. Lankford has a 31-year background in firefighting, fire prevention, fire investigation, and command roles with the City of Auburn, Alabama, Fire Department. After several promotions, he served as the Training Officer for 7 years. In this role, he was not only in charge of training personnel but also responsible for all fire origin and cause investigations for the City of Auburn. After being selected as Fire Chief, he continued to perform investigations and peer review of investigation reports. Mr. Lankford served in the role of Fire Chief for 10 years before his retirement in 2025. In the field of fire investigation, Mr. Lankford has completed complex investigations involving high-value properties, arson cases, and loss of life.