FSIO Meeting Minutes 2018
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:05 am, on March 8, 2018 at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Laboratory, 1583 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio. President Nasir Butt (CCRFSL) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present: Tammy Bonner (OSHP), David Cogan (Toledo), Bill Dean (Hamilton Co. Retired), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark), Karen Kwek (BCI London), Jim Smith (BCI London), Brandon Werry (OSHP), Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal), Doug Rohde (Lake County), Chris Williams (MVRCL), Brooke Ehlers (MVRCL), Matt Juhascik (MVRCL), Jami St. Clair (CPD - retired), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton County), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Laurel Hart (OSHP), and guest Lt. Jason Brown (Toledo PD). A quorum was present. Twelve of the nineteen eligible voters were represented. Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired) was represented by proxy.
Chad Wissinger presented the minutes of the Dec 14, 2017 meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Brandon Werry; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger presented the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed that the FSIO has a checking account balance of $14,016.68, a savings account balance of $5,001.07 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $45,028.92.
Old Business:
David Cogan and Lt. Brown updated members on their ANAB accreditation progress. They are in the process of completing internal audits and soon the management meeting. They will be seeking accreditation in Firearms, Toolmarks, and Drug Chemistry. The assessment has been set for March 27-28, 2018. The lead assessor has been selected, but ANAB is having a hard time finding assessors.
Michael Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) gave an update on the proposed gunshot residue distance determination course. The instructor they were hoping to teach the class (John Dillan) had recently retired and as not able to. They are sending analysts to the AAFTE meeting and will be looking for potential instructors.
Nasir Butt discussed an upcoming training from Ron Smith and Associates. The 4.5 day Latent Print class will be held in Cleveland. Price is $600 per student.
New Business:
Chad Wissinger presented the group with the details of the Tong Awards fund that we administer. Chad indicated that with the approval on the Tong Awards board, we have sold our investments that was previously with Wells Fargo and transferred the proceeds
(Approximately $45,028.92) to Edward Jones. We were able to use the $35,000 principle to purchase a 10 year CD that is giving 3.0% interest semi-annually. The remaining $10,028.92 was put into a money market/checking account that can be used to write the checks for the Tong Awards and Science Awards. FSIO is still owed approximately $9,870.23 for past Tong Awards that FSIO was paying from our checking account and had not been reimbursed for since 2004. Chad presented a motion that we forgive $870.23 of that debt and only invoice Tong Awards for $9,000, which would leave approximately $1,028.92 in the Tong Awards checking account to pay for upcoming Tong Awards. Second, Brandon Werry. All members voted in the affirmative.
Karen Kwek presented the upcoming Midwest Crime Lab Director’s meeting that will be held in BG on June 5th and 6th.They anticipate approximately 50 registrants for the two days. There was also some discussion about Chad setting up an Eventbrite for registrants to use credit cards. Due to the fees of Eventbrite, we may need to charge a little higher fee than the $65. Chad will check into that possibility. Karen motioned that we use FSIO as a pass-through for the funds from the meeting, since Midwest Crime Lab Directors has no way of collecting money from registrations. Mike Trimpe, Second. All members voted in the affirmative.
Karen then discussed the possibility of FSIO sponsoring a lunch as suggested by Bob Budgake. After some discussion, Chad Wissinger motioned that we provide a donation of
$1,000 (since we have plenty in our checking accounts) to Midwest Crime Lab Directors Conference to be used for lunches on June 6th and the remainder of the $1,000 can be used for misc. expenses associated with the conference. Second, Tammy Bonner. All members voted in the affirmative.
Membership Applications – Chad and Bob had received three applications for membership. Denise Rankin (MVRCL – retired) – Emeritus membership, Laurel Hart (OSHP Crime Lab) – Member, and Matthew Paul Juhascik (MVRCL) – Member. After reviewing the applications and having the member applicants step out of the room, Chad made a motion to approve the applicants for membership. Second, Tammy Bonner. All members voted in the affirmative.
Misc. Business:
Nasir Butt asked BCI if there had been truth about BCI crime lab employees being switched into the Police and Fire Pension funds. He had received questions from staff about the possibility and had heard the FDLE had transitioned lab employees from civilian pensions to the police and fire pension system. After some discussion, Nassir was going to look into the possibility of that happening in Ohio and will update us with any progress.
Chad had asked about any desire to have an ISO 17025:2017 transition course in Ohio. Karen indicated that Jeff Lynn had inquired about it and thought that it was too expensive, so it was never planned for hosting by BG. Jamie indicated that it might be around $6,000 for the first 10 registrants and $350 per person after that for up to 30 people. Because of the interest, Chad will look into the possibility of hosting later in 2018.
The next meeting of the FSIO is scheduled for 10 am, Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the State Fire Marshal Forensic Lab, 8895 East Main St, Columbus, Ohio 43068. Motion, Brandon Werry; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45am. Motion, Brandon Werry; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Chad Wissinger, Treasurer, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:08 am, on June 14, 2018 at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2304, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present: Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Jason Brown (Toledo), Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Jen Duvall (BCI London), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark), Matthew Juhascik (Miami Valley), Karen Kwek (BCI London), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Adam Pasternak (USFDA), Sonja Rawn (State Fire Marshal), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Anthony Stender (Ohio U.) and Chris Williams (Miami Valley). A quorum was present. Eleven of the nineteen eligible voters were represented. Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal) was represented by proxy.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the March 8, 2018 meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Sonja Rawn offered the Treasurer’s report. She disclosed that the FSIO has a checking account balance of $23,181, a savings account balance of $5,001 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $33,898. Sonja revealed, that in March, the FSIO was reimbursed $9,150 from the Tong Award’s Fund, for multiple years of subsidizing the state science fair awards. President Butt added, that the FSIO voted to donate $1,000 to the June Midwestern Crime Lab Director’s Conference for lunches and miscellaneous expenses, but our actual cost was only $365. He thanked Ohio BCI and Bowling Green State University, who hosted the meeting, for being good stewards of our money.
Old Business:
Jason Brown and Dave Cogan revealed that they received ANAB accreditation this spring. They only had five minor deficiencies. The membership praised them and their staff for accomplishing this milestone in less than a year.
Michael Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) indicated that they are willing to organize a three day gunshot residue distance determination course. The course will consist of a day each of lecture, firing range work and processing. Mike anticipates to hold this offering in the spring of 2019. The instructor’s fee is expected to be $3,500.
Karen Kwek announced that the June, Midwestern Crime Lab Director’s Conference, held at BCI Bowling Green, went very well. Twelve labs were represented by approximately 50 attendees. Next year’s meeting will be held in Wisconsin.
Sonja Rawn mentioned that Chad Wissinger will discuss the proposed ISO 17025:2017 transition course at our next meeting.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Membership application of Chris Williams, who is the Director of Operations at the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab. Motion to accept, Bob Budgake; Second, Michele Foster. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Sonja Rawn asked the membership to consider sponsoring a four day Ron Smith course entitled, Finding Latent Print Evidence with Chemistry and Light. The Fire Marshal’s Office is willing to host this event. The unsubsidized tuition per student will be $600, with a minimum fifteen attendees needed. The membership indicated that there was sufficient interest for this offering and to have Chad Wissinger put together a proposal if FSIO support is needed.
Mike Trimpe led a lengthy discussion regarding the need of a yearly court testimony course. Jeff Lynn offered to organize such an event and will report back to the membership.
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Angela Farrington (Columbus), reported that Columbus is hosting an Ohio firearms examiner’s meeting on August 29, 2018. The morning will be the meeting and the afternoon will comprise of a Hi-Point armorer’s course. Angela is anticipating 35 attendees. Bob Budgake motioned to allot $450 for lunches; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The next meeting of the FSIO is scheduled for 10 am, Thursday, September 13, 2018, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Motion, Sonja Rawn; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:49am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Michele Foster. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:03 am, on September 13, 2018 at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present: Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark), Steve Greene (BCI Retired), Karen Kwek (BCI London), Kevin Lattyak (Hamilton Co.), Kaitlyn Porter (Toledo), Tony Tambasco (Mansfield), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Jami StClair (Columbus Retired), Anthony Stender (Ohio U.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Twelve of the nineteen eligible voters were present.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the June 14, 2018 meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger offered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed that the FSIO has a checking account balance of $22,750, a savings account balance of $5,001 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $35,444.
Old Business:
Michael Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) previously indicated the willingness to organize a gunshot residue distance determination course. Mike revealed many labs have ceased or suspended doing this analysis, because of accreditation standards requiring an uncertainty of measurement calculation for this procedure. President Butt asked Mike to query the membership, to ascertain if there is still interest in such an offering.
Chad Wissinger previously proposed an ISO 17025:2017 transition course. The Membership tabled this proposal due to lack of interest of those present.
Chad Wissinger discussed a four day Ron Smith course entitled, Finding Latent Print Evidence with Chemistry and Light. The Fire Marshal’s Office is willing to host this event. The unsubsidized tuition per student will be $600, with a minimum fifteen attendees needed. Chad volunteered to query the membership, to see if there is sufficient interest in this offering to move forward.
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Jeff Lynn (BGSU), announced that Introductory Expert Witness Testimony Training will be held at Ohio BCI, located on the Bowling Green State University campus, November 7-8, 2018. This offering had a lot of interest and is already closed to new registrations. Bob indicated that Jeff is willing to repeat this offering in the future. Bob disclosed Jeff’s interest in hosting our spring 2019 FSIO meeting, on the BGSU campus, so that they can show off their newly renovated forensic science education area.
Angela Farrington reported Columbus hosted an Ohio firearms examiner’s meeting in August. They had 26 attendees for the morning session and 20 remained for the afternoon workshop. Kevin Lattyak, who attended, thought it was an exceptional meeting. He was impressed with the presentation by Chris Monturo (Miami Valley) regarding manufacturers & toolmarks. Kevin expressed that this could be a worthy FSIO offering to consider in the future.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Emeritus Membership application of Linda Erdei, who recently retired from Lake County after 18 years as Director, 26 years total. Motion to accept, Bob Budgake; Second, Michele Foster. All Members voted in the affirmative. The Membership wished Linda well. Bob advised that the Founding Member status of Ken Betz (Miami Valley) will be converted to Emeritus. Ken has not attended a FSIO meeting in a year, therefore triggering this change of status.
Mike Trimpe gleefully volunteered to organize an Ohio drug chemist’s meeting for the spring of 2019. Angela Farrington offered the Columbus PD training facility as a possible location. Motion to provide lunch and anticipated lecturer’s travel expenses; Second, Heather Sheskey. All Members voted in the affirmative. The Membership instructed Mike to come back to the group, with an estimate of the total cost, so the Membership can authorize.
Nasir Butt delightedly revealed the Board appointed him to represent the FSIO on the Ohio Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Advisory Committee.
He stated their first meeting was August 27th. The intent of the AG is to give victims the ability to track the status of their sexual assault kit, as it makes its way through the criminal justice system. Nasir recommended this proposed tracking does not reveal the examination results. He asked the membership to e-mail him nbutt@cuyahogacounty.us regarding any suggestions or concerns about this endeavor. Nasir noted that Idaho has such a system up and running and Michigan & Washington are in the process of implementing. Tony Tambasco questioned if the minutes to this meeting were available for review. Karen Kwek stated that she would look into this matter.
The next meeting of the FSIO, which is our Annual Meeting, is scheduled for 10 am, Thursday, December13, 2018, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:47am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Michele Foster. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
The Annual Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 11:05 am, on December 13, 2018 at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2305, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
President Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present: Tammy Bonner (OSHP), Jason Brown (Toledo), Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Jennifer Duvall (BCI London), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Laurel Hart (OSHP), Mark Hiatt (Newark), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Doug Rohde (Lake County), Heather Sheskey (OSHP),
Jim Smith (BCI London), Anthony Stender (Ohio U.), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). Anthony Tambasco (Mansfield) was represented by proxy. A quorum was present. Eleven of the eighteen eligible voters were present or represented.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the September 13, 2018 meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Angela Farrington. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger offered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed that the FSIO has a checking account balance of $22,349, a savings account balance of $5,001 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $34,095. Chad revealed that Member David Cogan’s home experienced substantial damage due to a fire. There were no family members injured, but he lost several pets. Chad presented David with a check for $850, which was donated by the membership.
Old Business:
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Michael Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), stated that there was a lack of interest in having a gunshot residue distance determination course. Bob revealed many labs have ceased or suspended doing this analysis, because of accreditation standards requiring an uncertainty of measurement calculation for this procedure. The membership agreed to table this proposal.
Chad Wissinger discussed a four day Ron Smith course entitled, Finding Latent Print Evidence with Chemistry and Light. The Fire Marshal’s Office is willing to host this event. The unsubsidized tuition per student will be $600, with a minimum fifteen attendees needed. Chad volunteered to move forward with this offering, targeting the later part of 2019.
Jeff Lynn revealed that the Introductory Expert Witness Testimony Training course held at Ohio BCI, located on the Bowling Green State University campus, November 7-8, 2018, went very well. Thirteen students from five agencies attended. This course consisted of one day of lecture and one day of testimony. He thought that a class size of eight to ten students would be more ideal. Jeff agreed to organize another session in the summer of 2019.
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Michael Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), stated that an Ohio drug chemist meeting is planned for the spring of 2019. He plans to have a roundtable discussion for the morning session and a presentation by Donna Lula, Cayman Chemicals, in the afternoon. Mike will get back to the membership with a projected cost for the speaker’s travel expenses and lunch for the attendees. Doug Rohde queried if Jeff Lynn would consider hosting future such events and provide lunch. Jeff indicated this would be a possibility.
Nasir Butt advised of the progress of the Ohio Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Advisory Committee. The legislation authorizing the tracking system has passed the Ohio Senate and House. They have sought bids and received three vendor quotes. At our last FSIO meeting, Tony Tambasco requested that the minutes to these Advisory Committee meetings be distributed. Hence, Jennifer Duvall brought the minutes of the August 26th meeting. Bob Budgake stated that he will email these to the membership. Additionally, the membership thanked Nasir for dutifully representing the FSIO on this Advisory Committee.
New Business:
Jeff Lynn, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate of officers for year 2019: President-Elect – Jennifer Duvall (will become President in 2020), Secretary – Bob Budgake and Treasurer – Chad Wissinger. Motion to close the nominations and approve the presented slate of candidates, Jeff Lynn; Second, Jim Smith. All Members voted in the affirmative. Heather Sheskey will become President on January 1, 2019. Current President Nasir Butt will remain on the Board and serve as Advisor.
Bob Budgake presented the Membership applications of Mark Hiatt, Jacqueline Smith (OSHP) and Meredith Sweeney. Motion to accept, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative. Doug Rohde expressed his enthusiasm for these younger professionals becoming active in our organization.
Chad Wissinger asked the membership to consider opening a PayPal account, so that dues, course fees and other charges, could be paid online via credit card or bank account transfer. Chad stated the fee is 2.2% plus $0.30 per transaction. Therefore, a $25 membership dues payment would cost the FSIO $0.85. Motion to authorize Chad to set up such an account, Bob Budgake; Second, Anthony Stender. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Angela Farrington plans on hosting an ANAB ISO/IEC 17025-2017 Assessor Training Course in the late summer or the fall of 2019. The anticipated tuition is $1,000 per student, but this will reduce as student enrollment increases. Angela stated that they already have 12 committed to attend, with the class maximum set at 24 students.
Jennifer Duvall announced that their BCI Bowling Green Lab is hosting two training events:
- April 8-11, 2019 ANAB Internal Auditor Training. A maximum of Twenty (20) non- BCI attendees slots are available, at a tuition cost of $750/student.
- June 10-14, 2019 Ron Smith & Associates presents, Understanding Exclusion and Sufficiency Decisions. A maximum of Twenty (20) non-BCI attendees slots are available, at a tuition cost of $600/student.
Jennifer directed that if anyone is interested in attending, please contact: Abby Schwaderer
BCI Quality Assurance Manager Office number: 740-845-2517 Abby.Schwaderer@ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Doug Rohde announced that the Midwest Association for Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (MATT) annual meeting will be held April 4-5, 2019 in Cleveland. Doug indicated that the MATT website can be monitored for additional information.
The next meeting of the FSIO will be 10 am, Thursday, March 14, 2019, on the Bowling Green State University campus. More information will follow. Motion, Jeff Lynn; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Updated: 11/14/2025 04:38PM