Published 11:03 am Wednesday, August 5, 2026 VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Fire Department announced that Lt. Dereck Willis was sworn in on July 29 as second vice president of the Georgia Fire Investigators Association (GFIA) Board of Directors during the Southeastern Arson Training Conference (SEATC) in Savannah. Willis’ appointment reflects his extensive experience, proven leadership, and longstanding commitment to excellence in fire investigation, fire prevention, and public safety, according to a press release from the fire department. The Georgia Fire Investigators Association, the eighth chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), was chartered on April 21, 1964, and has grown into the largest fire investigation training organization in the State of Georgia. The association is comprised of professionals from the fire service, law enforcement, insurance industry, engineering, and private sector who are dedicated to determining the origin and cause of fires through education, collaboration, and professional development. The GFIA is governed by a Board of Directors and officers elected annually by its membership during the Southeastern Arson Training Conference. The board provides leadership and oversees the business of the association in accordance with its constitution and bylaws while advancing its mission of promoting fire investigation, arson prevention, and the exchange of technical knowledge among fire investigation professionals throughout…
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