Kelly Kistner Wins John R. Rauch Award for Excellence in Arson Investigation and Training

AUSTIN, Texas, March 24 -- The Texas Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

The Texas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) presented its John R. Rauch award to Assistant State Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner on Thursday evening, March 20, 2014, in Austin, Texas.

"Kelly's leadership and vision in the field of fire investigations, training, and fire prevention should be commended," said Jody Henry, President of the Texas Chapter of the IAAI. "We're proud that Kelly is a member of our organization and an advocate for education and training for fire investigators."

The John R. Rauch award is presented for excellence in the field of fire cause determination and arson investigation, along with demonstrated ability in the teaching and promotion of fire investigation, arson awareness, and arson prevention.

"Fire investigation and education are the core functions of the State Fire Marshal's Office," said State Insurance Commissioner, Julia Rathgeber, "I'm so pleased that Kelly's stellar contributions to these efforts are being recognized by his peers."

Kistner is the Assistant State Fire Marshal and is responsible for the fire investigation and fire inspections sections of the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO). He is the former fire marshal of Guadalupe County. In addition to serving as the assistant state fire marshal and a county fire marshal, Kistner also served as a territorial manager overseeing other fire investigators and professional engineers in a private fire investigation firm. He serves as an adjunct instructor for Kilgore College where he teaches fire investigation courses. He received his bachelor degree from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) University in Urban and Regional Planning.

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