Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office Becomes First in Texas to Earn International Accreditation for Evidence Management
In a landmark moment for public safety and criminal justice in Texas, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) has received prestigious international recognition for its Property and Evidence Division. The International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE) awarded the department full accreditation on November 13, 2025—an honor that no other Fire Marshal’s Office in Texas has yet achieved.
This milestone not only elevates HCFMO’s status on the national and international stage but also affirms Harris County’s leadership in evidence integrity and accountability. The rigorous accreditation process placed a spotlight on every facet of HCFMO’s operations—from facility security and documentation procedures to chain-of-custody protocols and operational accountability.
“This accreditation is more than a certificate; at its core, this accreditation is about accountability and trust,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen. “It provides independent validation that our evidence handling, chain of custody, and documentation processes are reliable, defensible, and aligned with best practices worldwide.”
As a public safety agency that traces its roots back to its formal establishment in 1974, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for fire prevention, fire investigations, hazardous materials response, and life safety code enforcement across unincorporated Harris County. Serving millions of residents, the agency works to safeguard life and property through a blend of investigation, education, code compliance, and emergency response. The office also plays a critical role in criminal investigations related to arson and explosive devices, making the integrity of its property and evidence operations essential to the justice process.
The IAPE is the world’s largest property and evidence association, with members that include globally respected agencies like Dubai Police and the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Since 2014, only the highest-performing law enforcement divisions have been able to meet the stringent requirements to attain this benchmark of excellence.
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A First for Texas, A Model for the Nation
By becoming the first Fire Marshal’s Office in Texas to receive this honor—and currently the only one in the state to hold it—HCFMO is setting a new bar for professionalism and public service in the Lone Star State.
“This recognition establishes Harris County as a leader in evidence management not only in Texas, but across the nation,” Christensen continued. “From facility management to documentation, every detail mattered, and this accomplishment reflects the collective dedication and professionalism of our entire team.”
The comprehensive process leading to accreditation included a multi-phase assessment: intensive documentation review, thorough questionnaires, and a two-day on-site evaluation in August 2025. The evaluation tested the division’s adherence to best practices in key areas such as:
- Chain-of-custody integrity
- Evidence security and access control
- Facility layout and management
- Recordkeeping and documentation standards
- Operational oversight and compliance protocols
A Team Effort Rooted in Excellence
The achievement was made possible by a team of dedicated professionals working under the strategic leadership of Fire Marshal Christensen and Executive Chief Rodney Reed. Assistant Chief Mitchell Weston ensured that all staff training and procedural alignment met IAPE’s gold standard.
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Key staff members who played instrumental roles include:
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Eddie B. Green, Jr., Evidence Technician – recognized for his long-standing commitment to upholding operational excellence in property and evidence handling.
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Captain Tonya Spencer – who ensured compliance and upheld the highest standards of evidence management.
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Sergeant Florentino Martinez, Compliance & Accreditation Sergeant – who meticulously guided the team through the accreditation process.
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Captain Kyle Pulley, of the HCFMO Arson Bureau – who helped integrate operational excellence across investigative functions.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Accountability
The accreditation is valid through November 13, 2028, but HCFMO leadership says this recognition is just the beginning. The department is committed to not only maintaining this level of excellence, but also serving as a statewide model for how evidence should be handled in the modern era of public safety.
“This accreditation represents a historic achievement for the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and reflects our unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence,” Christensen said.
For residents across Harris County, this recognition serves as a reminder that their Fire Marshal’s Office is working behind the scenes every day to protect the integrity of investigations and keep public trust at the center of its mission.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
