Chapter 109:2-17 | Fire Investigator Professional

Rule 109:2-17-01 | Definitions.

• Effective: March 30, 2026
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

As used in Chapter 109:2-17 of the Administrative Code:

(A) "Basic firearms course" means the handgun portion of the peace officer basic training firearms unit conducted in accordance with Chapter 109:2-1 of the Administrative Code or training conducted in accordance with Chapter 109:2-5 of the Administrative Code.

(B) "Commission" means Ohio peace officer training commission.

(C) "Executive director" means the executive director of the commission.

(D) "Fire department" has the same meaning as in section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Fire investigator" has the same meaning as in section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as in section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Revoke" means the administrative action to take away an individual's certificate, leaving the individual without a remaining legal right to the certificate.

(H) "Suspend" means the administrative action to make a certificate held by an individual invalid, while a set of conditions remains in effect.

Last updated March 30, 2026 at 7:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 109.73, 109.7481
Amplifies: 109.73, 109.7481, 109.79, 109.774
Five Year Review Date: 3/28/2031

Rule 109:2-17-02 | Minimum Training.

• Effective: March 30, 2026
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A fire investigator that desires to lawfully carry a firearm while on duty shall first do either of the following:

(1) Successfully complete a basic firearms course approved by the commission;

(2) Prior to October 24, 2024, successfully complete training required by division (C) of section 2301.27 or section 5149.05 of the Revised Code. Such an individual shall also comply with all applicable re-qualifications with their authorized duty weapon.

(B) Fire investigators seeking the ability to lawfully carry a rifle or carbine while on duty shall successfully complete additional training approved by the commission. The training shall include, at a minimum, instruction on the carrying and use of rifles and carbines.

(C) To complete the training required in this chapter, the executive director shall permit fire investigators to attend relevant training classes at the Ohio peace officer training academy.

Last updated March 30, 2026 at 7:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 109.73, 109.7481
Amplifies: 109.73, 109.7481, 109.79, 109.774
Five Year Review Date: 3/28/2031

Rule 109:2-17-03 | Application and Certification.

• Effective: March 30, 2026
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A person that desires to lawfully carry a firearm while on duty as a fire investigator shall file an application with the executive director that includes all of the following:

(1) Whether the application is to carry a (a) handgun; (b) a rifle and carbine; or (c) both a handgun and a rifle and carbine.

(2) Evidence of all of the following:

(a) The person is a fire investigator.

(b) A written statement from the fire investigator's applicable entity that may provide authorization under division (A)(1) of section 109.774 of the Revised Code, that if certified the person would have authorization to carry the applicable firearm while on duty.

(c) Satisfaction of the minimum training requirements for the applicable firearm, under rule 109:2-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(d) A written acknowledgement that the person understands the requirements under section 109.801 of the Revised Code to successfully complete each year a firearms requalification program, and the prohibition on carrying a firearm while on duty if the person fails to successfully requalify.

(B) The executive director may issue a certificate of completion to a person who shows satisfactory evidence of compliance with paragraph (A) of this rule.

Last updated March 30, 2026 at 7:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 109.73, 109.7481
Amplifies: 109.73, 109.7481, 109.79, 109.774
Five Year Review Date: 3/28/2031

Rule 109:2-17-04 | Disciplinary Actions.

• Effective: March 30, 2026
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The executive director may revoke, suspend, or refuse to reinstate a person's certificate under this chapter if any of the following occur:

(1) The person was found guilty of a crime that resulted in a state or federal weapons disability. A certified copy of a plea of guilt to, or a judicial finding of guilt of, any crime that causes a state or federal weapons disability is conclusive proof of the commission of all of the elements of that crime.

(2) For more than four years, the person was not engaged in the profession or employment as a fire investigator.

(3) The person engaged in fraud or deceit in obtaining or renewing a certificate.

(4) The person failed to exercise reasonable care, judgement, or use of the certificate holder's knowledge and ability in the performance of their duties as a fire investigator.

(5) Any other good cause shown.

(B)

(1) An individual whose certificate has been revoked may submit an application for a new certificate. The application for a new certificate shall be subject to all requirements for certification in effect at the time the application is submitted. All disciplinary action taken by the commission against the revoked certificate shall be made a part of the commission's records for any new certificate granted under this chapter.

(2) The executive director may refuse to approve a new certificate for an individual that may jeopardize public safety, or for any other reason under paragraph (A) of this rule.

(C) Either a definite term or an indefinite term shall be imposed for a suspended certificate.

(1) An order for a definite term of suspension shall specify the time period of the suspension. Unless there is a new administrative action against the individual, the certificate is reinstated at the conclusion of the specified time period.

Reinstatement of a certificate does not relieve the individual of the requirements under section 109.801 of the Revised Code to successfully complete a firearms requalification program each year.

(2) An order for an indefinite term of suspension shall contain a written statement of the conditions under which the certificate may be reinstated. Such conditions may include all of the following:

(a) A minimum time period of suspension;

(b) Submission of a written application for reinstatement;

(c) Payment of all appropriate fees, civil penalties, and fines;

(d) Additional education or training;

(e) Demonstration that the certificate holder can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards;

(f) Satisfactory completion of all terms, conditions, or limitations placed upon the certificate holder.

Last updated March 30, 2026 at 7:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 109.73, 109.7481
Amplifies: 109.73, 109.7481, 109.79, 109.774
Five Year Review Date: 3/28/2031