Perry W. Weller, IAAI-CFI

Background

Mr. Perry Weller is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators, and a certified Fire Investigator with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs/Virginia Fire Marshal Academy. Mr. Weller has vast knowledge and experience in many facets of the fire service, having served for over 30 years in it. He has spent 28 years with the City of Staunton Fire and Rescue Department, with over 20 years as a fire investigator, where he has investigated and determined the cause and origin of more than 500 fires and explosions occurring at commercial and residential properties, as well as vehicles, agricultural equipment, and heavy equipment.

Mr. Weller has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and an associate’s degree from Pike’s Peak Community College. He is a certified Fire Official through the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. He holds designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) as a Chief Fire Officer and Fire Marshal and has served as a Peer Reviewer with CPSE since 2012. He has been a certified instructor for over 20 years and is an Adjunct Instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Virginia Fire Marshal Academy.

Mr. Weller started his career with the Staunton Fire and Rescue as a firefighter and worked his way through the ranks holding the following positions: Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Fire Marshal, and Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal. He has served as a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.

He possesses knowledge of National Fire Protection Association codes, building and fire code compliance. He has reviewed and approved various fire sprinkler and fire alarm plans for compliance with local, state, and national applicable codes. Mr. Weller has served as a committee member of the Virginia Fire Services Board’s Fire Code committee since 2015, helping to shape the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

Mr. Weller has testified in numerous court proceedings and depositions and has completed various educational seminars and continuing education courses in the field of fire investigations.