With combined experience of more than 90 years in fire department operations, fire and building code administration, and fire training, our expert witnesses, who were all former Chiefs, understand the complexities and nuances of emergency services.

Our expert witnesses can testify regarding industry best practices, fire cause and origin, fire spread, code compliance, fire protection means and methods, hazardous materials analysis and management, building construction, emergency lighting, fire systems, emergency medical services, fire reporting, fire suppression, and fire safety system failure analysis including exiting.

Our experts can provide analysis of fire department operations, including firefighting operations and emergency vehicle operations, safety procedures, and fire scene management. Our experts have extensive experience in different aspects of fire safety, fire service management, fire investigation, and building and fire code requirements along with experience with various codes and standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Other areas of expertise include above ground storage tank (AST), building codes, fire & life safety, fire sprinkler systems, high-rise firefighting, incident command, rescue and extrication, emergency vehicle driving procedures and standards, and fire communications and dispatch procedures.

Case Study: Firefighters Vindicated in Southern California Jury in “Wrongful Death” Trial!

Santa Ana, California – In a highly publicized and emotionally charged wrongful death case filed against the City of Orange and its Firefighters, after an 8-week jury trial that included 34 witnesses, Chief Mike Antonucci served as an expert witness for Everett Dorey trial attorneys Seymour Everett and Kevin Hernandez who obtained a resounding defense verdict in favor of the Orange County Firefighters.

Three Firefighters falsely accused of fabricating a story to cover up a fatal motorcycle accident were vindicated by the jury. The case involved a 25-year-old motorcyclist who crashed into the side of a Fire Engine, tragically causing the motorcyclist’s death and the near death of a Firefighter. In stark contrast to the Firefighter’s testimony that they were safely making a left turn, Plaintiff’s counsel accused the Firefighters of lying and “killing the motorcyclist” by alleging the Fire Engine was not moving forward. Plaintiff’s counsel argued that the Fire Engine was backing up into the intersection without a “spotter,” violating the Fire Department’s policies and procedures.

Trial attorney Seymour Everett argued plaintiffs’ attorneys’ claims were unfounded and motivated by money, as there was no credible evidence to support plaintiffs’ theory of liability. Following the verdict, Everett stated, “The jury got it right. Despite the lack of Video and EVR data, crash debris and testimony from eyewitnesses clearly supported the Firefighters’ testimony they were safely making a left turn.  The true cause of the accident was the motorcycle’s high speed.” Everett added, “experts recreated the accident and estimated the motorcycle was traveling between 75 and 85 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone.”

Everett Dorey Partner Kevin Hernandez successfully defeated plaintiffs’ dangerous condition of public property claim with testimony from key city witnesses. Mr. Hernandez commented, “City employees clearly established the intersection presented no danger to vehicles traveling at safe and reasonable speeds.  The sight distance confirmed by the California Highway Patrol provided adequate time for the motorcycle to yield to oncoming traffic.”  The City retained critical experts to counter plaintiffs’ claims. Everett Dorey co-founder Samantha Dorey explained the importance of retaining and collaborating with the right experts, “Accident reconstruction, trucking and biomechanic experts were able to artfully explain to the jurors that the accident was inevitable based on the speed of the motorcycle.”

Our Fire Department Operations Expert Witnesses

Kurt Henke has over thirty-four years of experience in the fire service and has held the ranks of Firefighter through Fire Chief.  Prior to becoming the Fire Chief of California’s seventh largest fire department, Kurt served as Union President of one the state’s largest labor groups, serving multiple Cities and Districts.  In addition, he was the Chairman of the California Metropolitan Fire Chiefs, was an Executive Board member of the California Fire Chiefs Association from 2011 through 2014 and was named the 2013 California Fire Chief of the Year.

Chief Michael Antonucci, Jr. has more than 45 years of experience in the fire service, having served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain/Training Officer, Battalion Chief/Arson Investigator, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, and Emergency Manager. His operational and administrative assignments have included Training Officer, Urban Search and Rescue program task force leader, Air Operations, Hazardous Materials, Fire Prevention, Post Explosion Blast investigations, Emergency Medical Services, Wildland Fire (initial, sustained, and interface attack), Command and Control for all-risk emergencies. Chief Antonucci served as a Fire Chief in two California Fire Departments and is an expert in creating and enforcing policies and procedures, strategic plans, arson investigation, and fire prevention.  

Chief Donald Trapp has over 30 years of experience in municipal fire service, including suppression, operations, administration, training, and emergency medical services. He has negotiated auto, and mutual aid agreements worked with local, state, and national organizations on EMS regulations to improve patient care and control costs. He has decades of experience as a paramedic, including continuing education instructor, skills instructor, pre-employment and probationary testing coordinator.

Detailed CVs are available upon request.