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SAVE THE DATE

CCAI October 21-24

Fire Investigation Training Seminar

 

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From Out of the Abyss...

This week’s article from the past is titled Incendiary Fires Can Be Spotted and was written by Benjamin Horton, CPCU, who was President of the National Adjuster Traing School in Louisville, Kentucky..  It is taken from the Decembe 1968 Vol. XVI No.5 issue.

Incendiary Fires Can Be Spotted 

In the new issue of NFPA Journal®, President Jim Shannon said the Association will focus on the leading causes of home fires, including cooking. "We also need to continue to push hard for home fire sprinklers. That's still a large priority for NFPA, and we plan to work very aggressively in 2014 on our residential sprinkler initiative," he said.

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From the Danish Journal of Archaeology

Abstract

During excavations of the Viking-age ring fortress Borgring, Denmark, traces of a devastating fire was uncovered. The National Forensic Services of the Danish Police were invited to participate in a novel collaboration, applying contemporary forensic fire investigation to an archaeological site. This paper presents the results and sets a benchmark for future applications. The investigation leads to a revised reconstruction of the fortress and the development of the fire. The application of fire investigation methods, following the Daubert standard criteria, enhance the documentation and analysis of archaeological sites, while archaeological methods show significant potential at modern fire scenes.

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BY VYTO BABRAUSKAS

SHOCK, INJURY, OR DEATH {ELECTROCUTION) from the passage of electric current through a human body has been studied for more than a century. The level of response or injury depends on the magnitude of the current and also on the frequency, whether it is direct current (DC), power line alternating current (AC), or AC voltages of higher frequency. Some typical values are shown in Table 1.1 Children are generally more sensitive than adults; thus, guidelines often assume that a child is the person to be protected. With firefighting, however, this assumption is not reasonable. Furthermore, protection against a startle reaction is the most severe level of protection. A startle reaction is described as one in which a person jumps because of a small shock that does not injure the person. No direct electrical injury occurs because of startling; there is some hazard caused by jumping, but it is remote.

The "inability to let go" of an energized conductor that has been accidentally grabbed can cause pain and injury if the current increases to an injurious level. This is also called "muscle tetanization." Thus. Many safety requirements are based on a safety-factor-reduced value of the let-go current, even though this is quite a conservative stance. Matters are further complicated. Since individuals show variation in their responses and standards, bodies typically pick a very conservative level (often the 0.5 percentile) instead of the 50-percentile value. Physiological effects of electric current, furthermore, depend strongly on frequency. The most dangerous frequencies are the 50- or 60-Herz (Hz) power line frequencies. The human body becomes less sensitive to electric current at high frequencies.2 Dalziel3 has published a useful summary of safety guidance on electric shock.

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Bylaws

California Conference of Arson Investigators

Constitution and By Laws

ESTABLISHED JUNE 20, 1960

Revised and Adopted February 26, 2024


ARTICLE I

NAME AND OBJECT

The name of this Corporation shall be the California Conference of Arson Investigators. A California Mutual Benefit Corporation.  This Corporation is Chapter 22 of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

The purposes for which this corporation are formed are: to unite for the mutual benefit of persons engaged in the control of arson and associated crimes, promote the free exchange of technical information among such persons , to assist in the prevention and investigation of fires, assist in the suppression of arson and associated crimes in cooperation with governmental enforcement agencies and other associations, and to encourage high professional standards among arson investigators.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the California Nonprofit Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of the above, the masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both the Corporation and a natural person.

SECTION 1.  Principal Office

The Principal Office for the transaction of the business of the Corporation (“Principal Office”) shall be located in the State of California at places from time to time designated by the Board of Directors.  The Directors may change the Principal Office from one location to another within the State of California.  As of February 1, 2006, the Principal Office of the Corporation is located at 1279 N. White Ave., Pomona, California 91768.

SECTION 2.  Other Offices

The Board of Directors may at any time establish branch or subordinate offices at any place or places where the Corporation is qualified to do business.

SECTION 3.  Non-partisan Activities

This Corporation has been formed under the California Mutual Benefit Corporation Law for the purposes described herein and it shall be nonprofit and nonpartisan.  No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall consist of the publication or dissemination of materials with the purpose of attempting to influence legislation except as allowed by law, and the Corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office or for or against any cause or measure being submitted to the people for a vote.

The Association shall not be operated for profit, and its funds may not be used to align with any political body, group or person to advance the candidacy of any individual for public office.

SECTION 4.  Dedication of Assets

The properties and assets of this non-profit Corporation are irrevocably dedicated to fulfillment of the Objectives and Purposes of this Corporation.  No part of the net earnings, properties, or assets of this Corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the exclusive benefit of any private person or individual or any member or Director of this Corporation except in fulfillment of said Objectives and Purposes.  On liquidation or dissolution, all properties and assets and obligations shall be distributed pursuant to the nonprofit provisions of the California Corporations Code then in effect.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

There shall be five classes of membership in the Corporation: Active Membership, Associate Membership, Life Membership for Distinguished Service, Sustaining Membership, and Student Membership. 

SECTION 1.  Active Membership:  Any person eighteen years of age or over, of good moral character and reputation, who is a representative of a governmental agency, the military, a public utility, the legal profession, an insurance company, a business, or an industrial concern, who is at the time of application, or who was for a period of five consecutive years, actively engaged in some phase of fire investigation, fire suppression or the prevention of arson.

No person shall be eligible for any class of membership if that person has been a member, or is presently a member, or becomes a member of a subversive organization, or of any organization whose objectives and purposes are inconsistent with the purposes of the Association.

SECTION 2.  Associate Membership:  Any person eighteen years of age or over, not otherwise qualified for Active Membership may become an Associate Member after review and determination of qualifications by the Membership Committee.  Associate Members shall have the rights and privileges of Active Members, except voting and holding office.

SECTION 3.  Life Membership for Distinguished Service:  The Board of Directors may bestow Life Membership status upon the following that shall then have all rights and privileges of an Active Member without payment of dues:

  • The individual must be or have been an active member of the Association.
  • The individual must be an active member in good standing for a minimum of ten (10) years.
  • Any person eighteen years of age or over who, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, rendered distinctive or extraordinary service to the Corporation through participation on committees or activities for a minimum of five (5) years, or, contributed significant financial support, or other services to or for the benefit of the Corporation.
  • Past Presidents of the Corporation will become life members at the end of their term.

SECTION 4.  Sustaining Membership:  Any corporation, business or other organization interested in furthering the purposes and objectives of the Corporation may be granted Sustaining Membership in the Corporation.  Sustaining Members shall have the rights and privileges of Active Members, except voting and holding office.

SECTION 5.  Student Membership: A student membership may be awarded to a student eighteen years old or over, currently enrolled in a college level Fire Science, Fire Engineering, Criminal Justice, or Administration of Justice program or degree. The student membership is not open to anyone that qualifies for other membership classes. Student Members shall have the rights and privileges of Active Members, except voting and holding office.

SECTION 6.  Membership Approval

All membership applications shall be reviewed by the Membership Committee. In the sole discretion of the Membership Committee, if such applicant possesses qualifications for a membership class, the Committee shall recommend to the Board of Directors that the applicant be accepted for membership.  If, in the sole discretion of the Membership Committee, the applicant does not possess qualifications for membership, the Committee shall recommend to the Board of Directors that the applicant be denied membership.  Each applicant must submit such additional information as may be required by the Membership Committee to determine eligibility for membership.  All information submitted on the written application shall be subject to verification by the Membership Committee.  Concealment of information material to the determination of membership qualifications,

or submission of false information on the membership application shall be grounds for denial or termination of membership in the Corporation.

Once approved by the Membership Committee, all applicants for membership will receive temporary status as such until the next meeting of the Board of Directors.  During this temporary status period, an applicant’s membership may be revoked at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

Each membership application, together with the recommendation of the Membership Committee, shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for final determination at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall then, in its sole discretion, accept or deny the applicant’s membership in the Corporation.

Good Standing: A member is considered to be in good standing if the member is current with payment of annual dues and if membership in the Corporation has not been terminated or suspended.

Active Pending Membership: Pending members will have full rights and responsibilities for their membership class, pending full approval of their application by the Board of Directors.

Cost of Membership: The annual cost and level of membership classes shall be determined and established by the Board of Directors periodically.

Transfer of Memberships: Members may not transfer their membership to any other person or organization.

SECTION 7.  Professional Conduct

All members of the Association shall comply with the Code of Ethics, which shall set out the personal and professional conduct expected of members.  The Code shall be established and may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors by Resolution.

SECTION 8.  Adverse Actions Against a Member

All adverse actions that may result in suspension or termination will follow the Procedures of the Ethical Practice and Grievance Committee.   These procedures are established to ensure that all members receive fair consideration while maintaining and protecting the highest degree of professionalism and integrity of the membership of the CCAI, and additionally, to protect the public and the association membership from violations of the rules or codes of CCAI.

The Board of Directors may place on probation, censure, suspend, or terminate the membership of any member or revoke a CCAI CFI certification, accreditation or designation.  The Board of Directors may temporarily suspend the membership of any member pending evaluation by the Ethical Practices and Grievances Committee.

Actions requiring referral to the Ethical Practices and Grievances Committee shall include but are not limited to:

  • Falsifications or misrepresentations or omissions in the application for membership.
  • Conviction of a felony or other serious offenses under any applicable State or Federal law.
  • Breach of professional responsibilities or legal duties.
  • Violations of the CCAI Constitution & By-Laws, or the Code of Ethics.
  • Misuse or misrepresentation of a CCAI professional designation, certification, or accreditation.
  • Violation of any CCAI committee Standard Operating Procedure that has been approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Falsification or misrepresentation under circumstances intended to influence or affect the outcome of any proceeding, including but not limited to trials, hearings, depositions.

SECTION 9.  Termination of Membership

Causes for Termination. The membership of any Active, Associate, Life, Sustaining, or Student member shall be terminated upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

  • The Resignation of the Member.
  • Except for Life Members, the failure of a member to pay annual dues in the amount and within the time set forth by the Board of Directors.
  • In its sole discretion, the determination by majority vote of the Board of Directors, and, upon recommendation of the Ethical Practice and Grievance Committee, that a member has failed in a material and serious degree to adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws, Code of Ethics of the Corporation, or any written policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors.
  • Or who has been convicted of having committed a serious or felonious offense under any applicable State or Federal law.

SECTION 10.  Reinstatements. Any former member may be reinstated in the Corporation at the discretion of and by the consent of a majority of the Board of Directors, provided, however, that if such a former member shall have been in arrears in the payment of dues or other financial obligation to the Corporation at the time of his separation, he shall be required to pay to the Corporation all such arrears as a condition to his reinstatement, unless the Board of Directors, by majority and for good cause, shall waive the payment thereof. In this instance, the member's original join date shall be retained. If a member has been terminated for more than one year for nonpayment of dues only, the member shall have the option of reapplying for membership, subject to meeting the qualifications outlined in this article, without paying arrearage. In such cases, the member shall be assigned a new join date. The member shall not be able to claim, advertise or otherwise reference his/her join date to imply uninterrupted membership.

ARTICLE III

MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1.  Place of Meetings

Meetings of the membership shall be held at any place or time within or outside the state of California designated by the Board of Directors.  In the absence of any such designation, members’ meetings shall be held at the Principal Office of the Corporation.

SECTION 2.  Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of members shall be held during the first seminar of the year as determined by the Board of Directors, unless the Board of Directors fixes another date and so notifies the members as provided in Article III Section 4.  General and Special Meetings of members shall be held, as ordered by the Directors, from time to time as stated below.  

SECTION 3.  Special Meeting

Authorized Persons Who May Call a Special Meeting.  A Special Meeting of the members may be called at any time by any of the following: The Board of Directors or the President.  Special Meetings of the members may also be called by ten percent (10%) or more of the members. 

Calling Meetings by Members.  If a Special Meeting is called by members other than the President, the request shall be submitted by such members in writing, specifying the general nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail to the President, any Vice-President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  The officer receiving the request shall cause notice to be promptly given to the members, in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Sections 4 and 5, that a Special Meeting will be held, and the date for such Meeting, which date shall be not less than 30 nor more than 90 days following the receipt of the request.  If the notice is not given within 20 days after receipt of the request, the persons requesting the Special Meeting may give the notice.  Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time when a Meeting of members, whether a Special Meeting or otherwise, may be held if the Meeting is called by action of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4.  Notice of Members Meeting

General Notice Contents. The notice shall specify the place, date, and hour of the Meeting.  In the case of a Special Meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted shall be stated in the notice, and in that case, no other business may be transacted.  In the case of the Annual Meeting, the notice need not contain a list of specific items of business to be transacted.

Manner of Giving Notice.  Notice of any Meeting of the membership shall be given by any or all of the following methods:

  • By first-class mail to the addresses appearing on the membership records of the Corporation;
  • By posting in any Corporation publication mailed no later than 20 days prior to the Meeting;
  • By posting on the Corporation’s website no later than 30 days prior to the Meeting; and/or
  • By email, or other approved electronic methods, to the addresses appearing on the membership records of the Corporation.

SECTION 5.  Quorum

Quorum: The members present at a duly noticed Membership Meeting shall constitute a quorum and may transact the business of the Corporation.

SECTION 6.  Adjourned Meetings

Any Annual or Special Membership Meeting may be adjourned by the vote of the majority of the members present at the Meeting.  No other business may be transacted at the Meeting, except as provided in this Article.

SECTION 7.  Voting

All active and life members in good standing as of the date of the vote, are entitled to vote.  No proxy votes shall be allowed.  Candidates receiving the highest number of votes during any election shall be elected as Officers and Directors.

The manner of casting votes shall be determined by Board of Directors.

Unless Otherwise Specified, the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the voting members, in good standing shall be the act of the members.  In the event of a tie vote between candidates for the same position, a ballot will be conducted during the Annual General Meeting, or Special Meeting and will contain the names of the tying candidates only. This ballot will be used to determine the successful candidate and will be repeated as often as necessary until the position is filled. If after three (3) such ballots the tie still exists, a mandatory fifteen (15) minute recess will be called, after which the balloting will be continued.

ARTICLE IV

ELECTIONS, TERMS AND OFFICES

SECTION 1.  Nominations

Members in good standing, possessing the qualifications established by the Board of Directors, may be nominated by any Active Member then in good standing, or personally, by completing and submitting the Nomination Qualification Form to the Principal Office of the Corporation for dissemination to all members of the Nominating Committee before the closing of the nomination period.

Nominating Committee. The President shall, upon assuming office, appoint the Nominating Committee which shall include but not be limited to the two most immediate Past-Presidents of the Corporation, to solicit qualified candidates for election as Officers and Directors of the Corporation.

Nominations. The Nominating Committee shall receive nominations for office by a date established by the Board of Directors.

The Nomination Committee shall determine, at its discretion, eligibility to hold office according to the following requirements as established by the Board of Directors:

In the event there is not a sufficient number of qualified candidates having been nominated, the Board of Directors, by majority vote, shall have the authority to reconsider the necessary qualifications to hold office of any position for the coming election.

Only one Board member (excluding officers) may be elected from a Department, Agency, public or private business or utility, and must serve at least three years as a member of the Board of Directors before being eligible for election to a higher office.

No member can be nominated for more than one position in any one election.

Submission of Slate of Candidates. Upon the close of nominations, the Nominating Committee shall then present a proposed slate of candidates for election as Officers and Directors of the Corporation, verified by the Nominating Committee as meeting the qualifications for office as established by the Board of Directors.   Prior to the General Election, the membership shall be notified of the list of candidates, for each office, posted in any Corporation publication and/or on the Corporation website.

Publications. If the Corporation now or hereafter publishes, owns, or controls a magazine, newsletter, or other publication, or a website, and publishes or posts information regarding any candidate for office or Director, it shall make space available of reasonably equal size and prominence, to all other candidates for that election, with such costs or limitations as established by the Board of Directors.

Use of Corporate Funds to Support Nominee. No Corporation funds may be expended to support a candidate for Officer or Director.

SECTION 2.  Terms of Office

Officers and Directors shall be elected at each Annual Meeting of the members.  The President, the Vice-Presidents, the immediate Past-President shall hold office for a period of one (1) year.  Vice Presidents shall advance to the next vacancy until reaching the office of President unless removed for cause by the Board.

Directors shall hold office from the time of their election and qualification for terms of three (3) years, or until the election and qualification of their respective successors. Their terms shall be so arranged that two (2) Directors shall retire each year.

An Officer and/or Director appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office not to exceed one year or until the next general election where a successor is elected.

The positions of Secretary and Treasurer are elected positions on the Board of Directors with voting privileges. The terms for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be two years in length with one term expiring every other year

The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, is also authorized to appoint ex officio, non-voting, members of the Board of Directors for a period of one year not exceeding his/her term.  Ex-Officio Members shall have privilege of attending and participating in all meetings of the Board but shall not have voting power in such meetings. The Business Agent, Past Presidents and General Counsel shall be Ex-Officio members of the Board.

SECTION 3.  Vacancies

In the event an officer or Board member shall be unable to fulfill their term of office, between Annual Meetings, the following provisions shall apply:

  • The President shall be succeeded by the First Vice President, who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and the next full term of the President.
  • The First Vice President shall be succeeded by the Second Vice President, who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and the next term as First Vice President.
  • The Second Vice President's position shall be filled by appointment of a qualified member, by the President, with the approval of the Board. This member shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term as Second Vice President. The position shall then be filled by election at the next annual meeting. The member who fills the unexpired term may be eligible for election to a complete term but must be nominated and elected in accordance with the By-Laws.
  • In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the President from the list of those persons nominated at the last Annual General Meeting, beginning with the candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast then proceeding to the lowest. In the event the vacancy cannot be filled in this manner, the President may make the appointment of a qualified member.
  • from the general membership with approval from the Board. Such newly appointed member or members of the Board shall hold office only until the next Annual General Meeting.

SECTION 4.  Removal of Officers or Directors

Any Officer or Director may be removed from office for cause by a 2/3 vote of the voting members of the Board of Directors physically or telephonically in attendance at any regular or special Meeting of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

GOVERNMENT

Subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit Corporation Law and any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation, or the Constitution and Bylaws of the Corporation relating to action required to be approved by the members, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed, and all corporate powers shall be exercised, by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be administered and managed by the elected and/or appointed officials of the corporation and may not be conveyed, assigned, or contracted to any entity not a part of the corporation structure as defined in the Corporation By-Laws.

SECTION 1.  Officers

The Officers of the Corporation shall be comprised of the following: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and immediate Past President.  The Officers of the Corporation are members of the Executive Board, as well as the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

SECTION 2.  Term of Office

The Officers of the Corporation shall hold office from the time of their election and qualification, for terms of one year, or until the elections and qualification of their respective successors.  Officers shall assume their respective offices upon installation.

SECTION 3.  Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers

President. The President shall be the Chief Executive officer of the Corporation and it shall be his/her responsibility to supervise and co-ordinate the activities of the Corporation with the Executive Team.  The President shall preside at meetings of the Corporation, the Executive Board, the Board of Directors and all meetings of the members.  The President shall appoint appropriate committees to conduct the activities of the Corporation.  At each Annual Meeting of the Corporation, the President shall also announce to the members the names of those individuals appointed to serve on the Nomination Committee. The President shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and/or the Bylaws.  The President shall hold periodical meetings with the management team, utilizing the “Team Management Concept” to set the goals and objectives of CCAI expressed by the majority of the group.

Vice President(s). In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice President(s), in order of their rank, shall perform all the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.  The Vice President(s) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the Board of Directors and/or the President.

Secretary. The secretary shall attend to the following:

  • Book of Minutes.  The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the Principal Office or such other place as the Board of Directors may direct, a Book of Minutes of all Meetings, with the time and place of holding, whether Regular or Special, and, if Special, how authorized, the notice given, and the proceedings of such Special Meeting.
  • Book of Motions.  The Secretary shall create and maintain an up to date book of all motions put forth in all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual General Meeting.  This book shall reflect each motion as presented along with the votes cast indicating adoption or rejection of all motions.
  • Membership Records.  The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the Principal Office, as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, record of the corporate members, showing the names of all members, and their addresses.
  • Notices, Seal and Other Duties.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all Meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors required by the Bylaws to be given; shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody; shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and/or by the Bylaws.
  • State Filing.  The Secretary shall file or cause to be filed with the Secretary of the State in the State of California a “Statement by Domestic Non-Profit Corporation” as prescribed by law.

Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall attend to the following:

  • Books of Account. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings, and other matters customarily included in financial statements. The books of account shall be open to inspection.
  • Requests to review financial accounts shall be made in writing to the Office and President.
  • The Treasurer will present quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors and shall present a financial report to the members during the Annual General Membership Meeting.
  • Deposit and Disbursement of Money and Valuables.  The Treasurer shall deposit or cause to have deposited all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors; shall disburse or cause to have disbursed the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors; shall render to the President and Directors, whenever they request it, an account of all of the transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation; and shall have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and/or the Bylaws.
  • Bond.  If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in the amount and with the surety or sureties specified by the Board of faithful performance of the duties of his office and for restoration to the Corporation of all its books, papers, vouchers, money, and other property of every kind in his possession or under his control on his death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office.

SECTION 4.  Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of the following 12 individuals:  President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President, and the six Directors.  The authorized number of Directors shall be six (6).  Directors need not be residents of the State of California.

Without prejudice to these general powers, and subject to the same limitations, the Board of Directors shall have the power to:

  • Remove any Officer or Director, for cause, as determined by the Board of Directors.
  • Prescribe any powers and duties that are consistent with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, and with these Bylaws.
  • Change the Corporation’s Principal Office from one location to another in the State of California; cause the Corporation to be qualified to do business in any other state, territory, dependency, or country and conduct business within or outside the State of California.
  • Adopt, make, and use a corporate seal; prescribe the forms of membership certificates; alter the form of the seal and certificates.
  • Borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of the Corporation and cause to be executed and delivered for the Corporation’s purposes, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecation, and other evidences of debt and securities.

Ex officio members of the Board need not be residents of the State of California nor hold membership in the Corporation.   Ex officio members of the Board of Directors shall serve at the will of the President, for terms not too exceed one year.  Other Qualifications shall be established by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5.  Resignations.  

Any Officer or Director may resign, and which resignation shall be effective upon giving written notice to the President.  The President shall acknowledge and confirm all resignations in writing to the resigning Officer or Director with notification to the Board of Directors.  The President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall then appoint a qualified successor to fill the vacancy in accordance with Article IV, Section 3 of these By Laws.   

SECTION 6.  Meetings

Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any place within or outside the state of California that has been designated from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.  In the absence of such designation, Regular Meetings shall be held at the Principal Office of the Corporation.  Special Meetings of the Board shall be held at any place within or outside the state of California that has been designated in the notice of the Meeting or, if not stated in the notice, or if there is no notice, at the Principal Office of the Corporation.

Notwithstanding a Regular or Special Meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at any place consented to in writing by all the Board members, either before or after the Meeting.  If consents are given, they shall be filed with the minutes of the Meeting.

Any Meeting of the Board of Directors, whether Regular or Special, may be held by conference telephone or other approved electronic communication methods so long as all Directors participating in the Meeting can hear one another, in which case all such Directors shall be deemed to be present in person at such Meeting.

SECTION 7.  Annual Board of Directors Meeting

The Board of Directors shall hold a Regular Meeting for the purpose of conducting the business of the organization, and the transaction of other business in conjunction with the Annual General Membership Meeting of members,

SECTION 8. Special Meetings

Special Meetings of the Board of Directors, for any purpose, may be called at any time by the President or any Vice-President, the Secretary or one-third of the authorized number of Directors.

Notice of the time and place of Special Meetings shall be given to each Director by one of the following methods: (a) by personal delivery or written notice; (b) by first- class mail, postage prepaid; (c) telephone or, (d) other electronic methods, either directly to the Director or to a person at the Director’s office who would reasonably be expected to communicate such notice promptly to the Director.  All such notices shall be given or sent to the Director’s address or telephone number as shown on the membership records of the Corporation.  The notice shall state the time and place for the Meeting along with the purpose of the Meeting.

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken at a Special Meeting called by the President, or any Vice-President, the Secretary, or one-third of the authorized number of Directors.  Such action, taken at a Special Meeting, shall have the same force and effect as action taken at any Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors.   The action taken at any Special Meeting shall be recorded in the minutes, which shall then be subject to approval at the next Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 9.  Quorum

A majority of the authorized number of Officers/Directors, seven (7), shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the Officers/Directors present at a meeting duly held shall be regarded as the act of the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit Corporation Law.

SECTION 10.  Waiver of Notice

The transactions of any Meeting of the Board of Directors, however called and noticed, and wherever held, shall be as valid as having taken place at a Meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present.  The waiver of notice or consent need not specify the purpose of the Meeting.  All waivers, consents and approvals shall be filed with the Corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the Meeting.  Notice of a Meeting shall also be deemed given to any Director who attends the Meeting without protesting before or at its commencement about the lack of adequate notice.

SECTION 11.  Compensation

Officers, Directors and members of committees may receive such compensation, if any, for their services, and such reimbursement of expenses, as may be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors to be just and reasonable.

ARTICLE VI

COMMITTEES

With the sole exception of the Executive Board Committee, all committees shall be appointed by and serve at the will of the President.

SECTION 1.  Executive Board Committee

The Executive Board Committee shall, from year to year, be comprised of the current President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President of the Corporation.

The Executive Board Committee’s function is to lead the Corporation using a team-management approach.  The Executive Board Committee’s function is to provide policy recommendations to the Board of Directors, from which corporate policies can be established and implemented.  The Executive Board Committee is empowered to implement tasks and assignments as may be needed.  However, the Executive Board Committee is not empowered to unilaterally establish corporate policies, nor shall the Executive Board Committee independently take any final action on matters requiring Board approval.

SECTION 2.  Standing Committees

All committees shall research and report to the President and/or Board of Directors their findings on assigned subjects.  Committees shall not independently take any final action on matters requiring Board approval. The following Standing Committees shall be appointed annually by the President:

  • Awards
  • Budget and Finance
  • Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
  • Constitution and Bylaws
  • Ethical Practice and Grievance Committee (“EP&G”)
  • Membership
  • Nominations
  • Appellate Review

The Chairpersons for all standing committees shall be appointed by the President at the first Board meeting following the election.  The President may appoint other Ad Hoc committees as needed.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES,

AND OTHER AGENTS

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Article:

“Agent” means an Officer, Director or ex officio member of the Board of Directors while acting on behalf of and in the course and scope of the business of the Corporation.

“Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative.

“Expenses” include, without limitation, attorney’s fees, costs, and other documented expenses incurred in any proceeding to which an Agent is a party by reason of his status as an Agent of this Corporation.

SECTION 2.  Indemnification of Agent

In the event an Agent of this Corporation is a party to and is required to defend any proceeding referred to in this Article, and to the extent not covered by insurance, this Corporation may, but is not obligated to defend and/or indemnify, or contribute to the defense and indemnification of, such Agent.

SECTION 3.  Insurance

The Board of Directors may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase and maintenance of insurance on behalf of the Officers, Directors or any Agent of the Corporation against any liability asserted against or incurred by the Agent in such capacity or arising out of the Agent’s status as such.  Any insurance so procured shall be independent of, primary to and non-contributing with any defense, indemnification or contribution to same, as may be extended by this Corporation.

SECTION 4.  Fiduciaries or Corporate Employee Benefit Plan

Article VII does not apply to any proceeding against any trustee, investment manager, or other fiduciary of an employee benefit plan in that person’s capacity as such, even though that person may also be an agent of the Corporation as defined in Section 1 of this Article.  Nothing contained in this Article shall limit any right to indemnification which a trustee, investment manager, or other fiduciary may be entitled by contract or otherwise, which shall be enforceable to the extent permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE VIII

RECORDS AND REPORTS

SECTION 1.  Inspection Rights

Any member of the Corporation in good standing may submit a written request to the Board of Directors to inspect the records of Members' names and such contact information as may be approved by the Board for general distribution to the general membership.  The Board of Directors shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether and to what extent requested information shall be released or withheld.  The Board of Directors, also in its sole discretion, may delegate the power to respond to such information requests to a Special Committee or individuals, but within Board approved parameters.  Every Director shall have the right at any reasonable time to personally inspect all books, records and documents of every kind and the physical properties of the Corporation.

SECTION 2.  Maintenance and Inspection of Articles and By Laws

The Corporation shall keep at its Principal Office, the original or a copy of the Articles and Bylaws as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by the members at all reasonable times during office hours.

SECTION 3.  Maintenance and Inspection of Other Corporate Records

The accounting books, records, and minutes of proceedings of the members and the Board of Directors and any committee(s) of the Corporation shall be kept at such place or places designated by the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such designation, at the Principal Office of the Corporation.  The minutes and the accounting records shall be kept in written or electronic form or in any other form capable of being converted into written, typed, or printed form.  The minutes and accounting books and records shall be open to inspection on the written demand of any member, in good standing, at any reasonable time during usual business hours, for a purpose reasonably related to the member's interests as a member.

SECTION 4.  Annual Report

The annual report to the members referred to in the California Nonprofit Corporation Law is expressly dispensed with in so far as allowed by law, but nothing in these Bylaws shall be interpreted as prohibiting the Board of Directors from issuing annual or other periodic reports to the members of the Corporation as they consider appropriate. The President, Board members and other responsible individuals shall provide a report of the fiscal responsibility and other issues deemed important, as well as any information required by the California Corporations Code, Section 6322 or by the President/Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.

  • The assets and liabilities of the Corporation as of the end of the fiscal year.
  • The principal changes in assets and liabilities during the fiscal year.
  • The revenue or receipts of the Corporation, both unrestricted and restricted, to particular purposes of the fiscal year.
  • The expenses or disbursements of the Corporation, for both general and restricted purposes, during the fiscal year.
  • Any information required by California Corporations Code, Section 6322.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. Requirements. This Constitution may be amended at any Annual General Meeting of the Association by a two-thirds majority of the total vote, providing:

  • The proposed amendment is presented in a form consistent with and without conflict with the remainder of the existing Constitution of the Corporation
  • The proposed amendment is disseminated to the general membership by publication as prescribed in the constitution for review at least thirty (30) days preceding the next Annual General Meeting of the Corporation
  • The Constitution and By Laws Committee shall review and automatically amend, as necessary, those portions of the Constitution and By Laws which are in conflict with existing Federal rules, regulations or laws pertaining to gender/sex discrimination

SECTION 2.  PARLIAMENTARY GUIDENCE

Parliamentary guidance for rules of order, procedures, and actions will be established by the Board of Directors.  When a question comes before the meeting not specifically provided for herein, the presiding officer shall be governed in his/her decision by the rules contained in “Robert’s Rules of Order” as revised.

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

I, the undersigned, certify that I am the presently appointed and acting Secretary of the CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE OF ARSON INVESTIGATORS, a California Mutual Benefit Corporation, and the above revised Bylaws, consisting of 18 pages, are the By-Laws of this Corporation as adopted at a Meeting of the General Membership held on the 26th day of February, 2024 in the City of San Luis Obispo, California.


Secretary: Chasity Owens

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Location

1279 North White Avenue
Pomona, California 91768
Phone:  (909) 865-5004
Fax (909) 865-5024
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

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