Robert A. Russell, CFI

Senior Director

Mr. Russell has over twenty-five years of experience in electrical technology and fire investigations. He joined Packer Engineering in 1981, specializing in inspection and analysis of electrical machinery, appliances and circuits. His areas of expertise also cover failure analysis of electrical, electronic, and avionics systems, arcing faults, shock hazards, grounding, lightning damage and light bulb analysis, among others. He also has had experience in the investigation of industrial and transportation-related accidents, and the investigation of HVAC, and furnace failures.

Mr. Russell directs field and laboratory investigations for origin and cause of fires and explosions. He is responsible for the development and implementation of testing programs used in the scientific method of an investigation. He conducts the examination and testing of electrical devices and circuits involved in fires, explosions, electric shock hazards, and lightning strikes. His experience also includes the evaluation of residential and industrial facilities for compliance with various code and standards making entities, including OSHA, the National Electrical Code, and the National Fire Codes. Mr. Russell serves as a key response team member for on-site investigations of major chemical plant explosions and fires, and has assisted the engineering staff in the analysis and documentation of structural collapse, aviation, rail and automotive accidents and fires. He has experience as an expert witness in deposition and courtroom testimony.

Mr. Russell served in the United States Navy as an avionics technician, Petty Officer Second-Class, working in the field of communication and navigational radio, radar, and interrogation systems. He has experience as a flight crew member (radio/radar) on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, and as a crash fire fighter with training in aviation, structural and liquid fuel fires. He is a graduate of the Avionics Class "A" School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee, which provided an intensive education in electrical and electronic theory and practical application.

Mr. Russell is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and regularly attends training seminars by various agencies to maintain and improve proficiency in electrical, fire, and explosion investigations.