FSIO Meeting Minutes 2021
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
Prior to the FSIO Meeting, Eric Johnson, Ohio Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services, gave a presentation regarding Ohio’s sexual assault kit tracking system. If there are any questions regarding this system or the legal requirements, please contact Eric at Eric.Johnson@ohioattorneygeneral.gov .
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 11:00 am, on June 10, 2021 at Ohio University, Baker Center, Room 366, Athens, Ohio. President Rebecca Barlag (Ohio Univ.) presided over the meeting. This was our first in-person meeting, since December 2019, because of the COVID pandemic.
The following Members and guests were present: Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired), Jen Duvall (BCI London), Diane Gehres (BCI London), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Sonja Rawn (State Fire Marshal), Erin Reed (DPS), Jim Smith (BCI London), Jami StClair (Columbus Retired), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.). Michele Foster (Canton-Stark) was represented by proxy. A quorum was NOT present. Eight of the eighteen eligible voters were present or represented, therefore no business of the Institute was conducted.
Sonja Rwan, on behalf of Treasurer Wissinger, gave the treasurers’ report. She disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and saving’s account balance of $29,541 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $40,501. Jim Smith questioned the monthly minimum balance fee of $3 per month being charged to the Tong fund. Sonja indicated that she will share this concern with the Treasurer.
Heather Sheskey stated that last spring, they partnered with MAFS to hold a Hypergeometric Sampling and Uncertainty of Measurement workshop. This was held via Zoom and was well attended.
Jeff Lynn (Bowling Green State U.) was not present to report on two planned courses re: pharmacophores and difficult latent print decisions.
Mike Trimpe reported that the Edwards’ vacuum rough pump maintenance course, scheduled for last year, was cancelled due to COVID. They still are interested in arranging this course and are currently waiting to hear back from Edwards for a new quote.
New Business:
Heather Sheskey revealed that she queried the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) to get the FSIO certified as an organization for members to receive ABC recertification points for attendance at our meetings. The ABC approved this request in January 2020.
Sonja Rawn indicated that they are still interested in organizing and hosting an Ohio digital examiners meeting. Sonja interjected that their digital examiners are now able to extract digital data from vehicles.
Jennifer Duvall reported that the virtual crime lab director’s meeting, held in September 2020 went well. This meeting was restricted to the directors to make it more manageable. The general consensus of those attendees thought that this virtual format would not work well on a larger scale.
Rebecca Barlag announced that they are applying for a three year multi-million-dollar NIJ grant to provide continuing education to current and future practitioners and other criminal justice stakeholders. Rebecca asked the Membership to support and partner with OU regarding this endeavor. Bob Budgake indicated that this request is consistent with our Code of Regulations which states, “The purpose of the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio is to provide a common platform for its member organizations to share resources and work collaboratively to strengthen forensic science in the State of Ohio. We are committed to serve Ohio’s forensic science community and its stakeholders by promoting continuing education for laboratory personnel, establishing forensic science graduate/post graduate degree standards and fostering cooperation.” Bob stated that since a quorum was not present, we could not act on this proposal at this meeting. Bob suggested that the Board of Directors take up this matter, since the grant application is due in a week. The membership present concurred.
The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the new Hamilton County Coroner’s Lab, 4477 Carver Woods Dr., Blue Ash, Ohio.
The meeting adjourned at 11:42 am.
The FSIO Board of Directors met virtually on June 10 & 11, 2021. To discuss the request for support by Rebecca Barlag regarding their NIJ grant application. The Board authorized Secretary Budgake to write a letter of support on behalf of the FSIO intended to be submitted with OU’s application. President Barlag recused herself from this vote. The Board unanimously approved this request.
The Board also took up pending membership applications, that where in limbo because of our inability to meet due to COVID. The Board unanimously approved the following applications:
Associate Member – Jennifer Hobbs, Senior Forensic Toxicologist, Franklin County Coroner’s Lab
Emeritus Member – Doug Rohde, retired Lake County, currently working at the Cleveland Clinic Honorary Member – Anthony Stender, former Assistant Professor of forensic chemistry at Ohio University
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake Secretary, FSIO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
Prior to the FSIO Meeting, Chris Vogelpohl, NIBIN Supervisor, Cincinnati PD, gave a presentation and answered questions. Chris discussed the use of the Brass Magic software, developed by ATF, which is showing promising results. This software is currently only being used in Cincinnati. He also shared that they are providing free NIBIN training. This training is three and a half days long.
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:25 am, on September 9, 2021, at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, first floor conference room, 4477 Carver Woods Drive, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242. President Rebecca Barlag (Ohio Univ.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present: Casey Agosti (BCI Bowling Green), Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark - Retired), Bill Dean (Hamilton Co.- Retired), Jen Duvall (BCI London), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark), Diane Gehres (BCI London), Mark Hiatt (Newark), Laura Kimble (Hamilton Co.), Karen Kwek (BCI-London), Mark Losko (BCI London), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), Doug Wimsatt (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). Tony Tambasco (Mansfield) was represented by proxy. A quorum was NOT present. Nine of the eighteen eligible voters were present or represented, therefore no business of the Institute was conducted.
Chad Wissinger gave the Treasurers’ report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and saving’s account balance of $26,743, and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $40,757. Chad confirmed that the concern raised by Jim Smith (BCI London) at our last meeting, regarding the $3 monthly minimum balance fee being charged to the Tong Awards Fund was justified. The bank said they will reimburse these charges.
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Jeff Lynn (Bowling Green State U.), reported on two planned courses re: pharmacophores and difficult latent print decisions. Jon Sprague presented the pharmacophore class virtually to BCI chemists only. Jeff indicated the virtual format did not work well for this offering. Jeff recommended that this class could be offered live at the next Ohio drug chemist’s meeting. The Establishing & Implementing Latent Print Suitability Criteria course is being offered on-line, by Evolve Forensics, October 18-22, 2021. The cost is $550.
Bob stated he sent the flyer out to the membership. If anyone is in need to have this resent, please contact him.
Doug Wimsatt reported that the Edwards’ vacuum rough pump maintenance course is scheduled for October 22nd, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, at the Hamilton County Crime Lab. For registration or any question, contact Doug at Doug.wimsatt@hamilton-co.org or 513-946-8758. Until October 1st , registration will be restricted to Ohio personnel. After this date, they will open registration to other states.
President Barlag advised that they will not know until October, the status of their three year multi-million-dollar NIJ grant to provide continuing education to current and future practitioners and other criminal justice stakeholders. Regardless of the outcome of this grant,
Rebecca intends to develop a center of forensic sciences at their campus for the same stated purpose.
New Business:
Chad Wissinger requested that the proposal, to organize an Ohio digital examiners meeting, be removed from the agenda. Chad indicated that this group has plenty of alternatives to meet and communicate with each other.
Mark Hiatt requested that the Membership consider sponsoring another court room testimony class for new hires. Rebecca Barlag stressed that they are very interested in hosting such an event, though she would prefer waiting until their October grant notification, before committing. Mike Trimpe graciously offered to share their in-house program with anyone interested.
The next Meeting of the FSIO, which will be our Annual Meeting, will be 10 am, Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
The meeting adjourned at 10:58 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake Secretary, FISO
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
The Annual meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:05am, on December 9, 2021 at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams: Daniel Baker (Franklin Co. Coroner), Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab)), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Adam Pasternak (USFDA), Doug Rohde (Lake Co. Retired), Jim Smith (BCI London), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Tony Tambasco (Mansfield), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.), Brandon Werry (OSHP) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Thirteen (13) of the eighteen eligible voters were present.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the December 12, 2019, June 10, 2021 and September 9, 2021 meetings. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Mike Trimpe; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and saving’s account balance of $26,767 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $41,095. Chad stated that the monthly minimum balance fee of $3 per month was being charged to the Tong account erroneously. Hence the bank reimbursed the account $77 for past charges, though in November, this charge reappeared. Chad vowed to correct this issue.
Old Business:
Mike Trimpe reported that the Edwards’ vacuum rough pump maintenance course scheduled for October 22nd, at the Hamilton County Crime Lab, was cancelled due to lack of interest. Mike queried the group to see if there was any additional interest and none was expressed. Mike will request Edwards to reimburse the FSIO for the $2,500 deposit check issued to reserve the class.
President Barlag advised that they did not receive the NIJ grant to provide continuing education to current and future practitioners and other criminal justice stakeholders. Rebecca implied that she intends to reapply in the future.
Mark Hiatt previously requested that the FSIO consider sponsoring another court room testimony class for new hires. Mark revealed that he intends to approach MAFS to consider such an endeavor, since most of the FSIO are members of this organization.
New Business:
President Barlag presented the following slate of officers for year 2022: President-Elect – Jennifer Duvall (BCI London) (will become President in 2023), Secretary – Bob Budgake and Treasurer – Chad Wissinger. Motion to close the nominations and approve the presented slate of candidates, Tony Tambasco; Second, Brandon Werry. All Members voted in the affirmative. Mark Hiatt will become President on January 1, 2022. Current President Rebecca Barlag will remain on the Board and serve as Advisor.
Bob Budgake presented the Associate Membership application of Benjamin J. Bythell, PhD (Ohio U.). Ben is Associate Professor instructing in the Ohio University’s forensic chemistry program. Motion to accept, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger led a discussion regarding the reinstatement of membership dues payments in 2022. There was a consensus to do so. No official action was needed since the suspension of dues payments was only for 2021. Chad said he will issue invoices soon to the membership.
Jeff Lynn reported that on December 7th, their Delta Delta Epsilon (DDE) Forensic Honor Society chapter (BGSU) hosted a Zoom panel discussion regarding post- undergraduate pathways in forensic science. Jeff indicated that this endeavor went very well but was disappointed that they had no participation outside BGSU. Our colleagues that participated in this discussion were Casey Agosti (BCI-Bowling Green), Mark Hiatt, Adam Pasternak, LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.) and Mike Trimpe.
Jeff Lynn announced that BGSU has requested $700 thousand in funding, via the State capital budget, to establish a DNA analysis lab and learning center to train forensic scientists, law enforcement professionals and students. Jeff revealed that the FSIO Board issued a letter of support regarding this venture.
The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Jim Smith. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:38 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