FSIO Meeting Minutes 2023
Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio
A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:05 am, on March 2, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Jennifer Duvall (BCI-London) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.), David Cogan (Toledo), Michele Foster (Canton/Stark), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Harmeet Kaur (Cuyahoga Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), James Smith (OSHP), Jami St. Clair (Columbus-Retired), Lynne Strainic (BCI-London), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Twelve (12) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the December 8, 2022, Annual Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Michele Foster. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $30,369.72 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $35,316.09. Also, the interest produced by this award’s fund investment CD is more than enough to cover the annual award expenses for college students. This CD reaches full maturity on 2/22/2028. Additionally, he advised that 25 Members have already paid their 2023 dues. Chad indicated that he would send out reminders for those who haven’t paid yet.
Old Business:
Heather Sheskey asked that offering another Courtroom Testimony Course be tabled until sufficient demand for this training develops.
Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) was not present to discuss repeating the Forensic Ethics Course in 2023.
Mark Hiatt advised that he is putting the finishing touches on organizing the Ohio drug chemist’s meeting, to be held April 12, 2023, at the OSHP Academy auditorium. He gave special thanks to Sam Fortener (BCI-Bowling Green), Erin Reed (Ohio Narcotics Intel Ctr.), Jessica Toms (BCI-London) and Brandon Werry (OSHP) for helping organize this event. Mark shared that he has yet to explore the cost of providing lunches for possibly as many as 75 attendees. Since this event is before the next FSIO meeting, Mark will have to address the Board for approval of this lunch expenditure.
Jennifer Duvall stated that along with Michele Foster, they completed an audit of the FSIO financial records for 2022. This audit encompassed the FSIO savings, checking and Tong Award’s Fund accounts. They found everything to be in order, with no discrepancies discovered.
Michele Foster revealed that she was still in the planning stages for organizing an Ohio firearm examiner’s meeting.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the membership application of Shaena Taylor, of the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Lab. Shaena has been with Cuyahoga County for 15 years and was recently promoted to drug chemistry supervisor. Dr. Gilson recommended this applicant. Motion to approve this application, Bob Budgake; Second Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
A group discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of a lab efficiency workshop. This idea was floated by Dan Baker at our December 2022 meeting. He was exposed to this training at the ASCLD Leadership Academy. Dan thought that all our labs could benefit from such training. He announced that he is making a short abstract presentation, at the April annual meeting of the Midwest Association of Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (MATT), regarding the benefits of implementing these efficiency recommendations. He promised to share this abstract with FSIO, to see if this spurs the interest of the membership. If so, he indicated that Jeremy Triplett, of the ASCLD Leadership Academy, would be the one to reach out to for advice regarding organizing this type of training.
The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:22 am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. 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 10:05 am, on June 8, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Jennifer Duvall (BCI-London) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Sonja Rawn (State Fire Marshal), Doug Rohde (Lake Co. –Retired), James Smith (OSHP), Lynne Strainic (BCI-London), LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Shaena Taylor (Cuyahoga Co.), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) and Brandon Werry (OSHP). A quorum was present. Twelve (12) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the March 2, 2023, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Mike Trimpe; Second, Jim Smith. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Sonja Rawn, on behalf of Treasurer Chad Wissinger, proffered the Treasurer’s report. Sonja disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $29,304 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $34,990. She mentioned that the check issued to Ohio U. Freshman, Sidney Gross, regarding the Tong Award’s Fund, hasn’t been cashed yet. Rebecca Barlag indicated that she will follow up with this student.
Old Business:
Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) confirmed that he presented a Forensic Ethics Course, May 11th, via Microsoft Teams. He indicated that approximately 30 individuals attended. Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal’s Lab) recorded this presentation, which will be available upon request.
Bob Budgake advised the membership that the Board met virtually, on March 31st, and approved a request from Mark Hiatt, to provide funding for lunches, regarding the April Ohio drug chemist meeting, held at the OSHP Academy. This Board action was necessary since this drug meeting occurred prior to our June FSIO Meeting. The Board approved an expenditure of up to $1,200. The actual cost came in at $1,089.10.
Mark Hiatt notified the group that the Ohio drug chemist’s meeting, held April 12, went very well. Approximately seventy (70) individuals attended. He is currently working on providing certificates of attendance for the attendees.
Bob Budgake, on behalf of Michele Foster (Canton-Stark Co.), revealed that there was nothing new to report regarding organizing a future Ohio firearm examiner’s meeting.
A group discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of a lab efficiency workshop. This idea was floated by Dan Baker at our December 2022 meeting. He was exposed to this training at the ASCLD Leadership Academy. Dan thought that all our labs could benefit from such training. Dan volunteered to reach out to the ASCLD to inquire if they would be willing to produce a road show for Ohio. Dan promised to report back to the FSIO, regarding his findings, at our next meeting. Mark Hiatt interjected that LeanOhio, Dept. of Administrative Services, offers free training to government agencies, regarding the Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Mark stated that they went through this process training at the OSHP and found it valuable.
New Business:
Bob Budgake reported that there were no new membership applications to present.
Dan Baker asked the membership to approve a lunch expenditure for attendees of RTL Toxicology Expert Testimony Workshop, to be held at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, June 29th. He plans to acquire the lunches via Freedom La Cart, a non-profit organization. Mike Trimpe motioned that we allot $400 for this request. Second, Shaena Taylor. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Mike Trimpe announced a free trace evidence workshop entitled “Basic Tapes”to be held in the Spring of 2024, at Hamilton County Coroner’s Lab. This training will be taught by Andria Mehltretter, of the FBI.
The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Sonja Rawn. 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 10:05 am, on September 14, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
The following Members were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Lynne Strainic (BCI-London), Shaena Taylor (Cuyahoga Co.), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark) was represented by proxy. A quorum was present. Ten (10) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present or represented.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the June 8, 2023, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Mike Trimpe; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Treasurer Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. Chad disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $28,859 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $35,353. Also, he indicated that it may be possible to increase the amount of scholarship awards in the future. He will evaluate our current income in this account, to determine what if any increase can be sustained.
Old Business:
Dan Baker stated that the FSIO reimbursed him $393 regarding lunches provided for attendees of RTL Toxicology Expert Testimony Workshop, held at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, June 29th. The lunches were provided by Freedom La Cart, a non-profit organization. Twenty-two (22) attended this training in person and several attended remotely.
Michele Foster (Canton-Stark Co.) revealed that there was nothing new to report regarding organizing a future Ohio firearm examiner’s meeting. She asked if someone could take the lead on this project, due to her near future retirement plans. Mike Trimpe volunteered for his organization to take on this task.
Dan Baker had nothing new to report regarding the feasibility of a lab efficiency workshop. Dan plans to reach out to the ASCLD Leadership Academy, to see if they would be willing to instruct such a course in Ohio. There was a general interest from the group regarding this training.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the membership application of Kylie Graham, of BCI- Richfield. Kylie has been in the forensic field for 19 years and was recently appointed the Quality Assurance Supervisor in Richfield. Abby Schwaderer (BCI-London) recommended this applicant. Motion to approve this application, Bob Budgake; Second Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Mike Trimpe announced a free trace evidence workshop entitled, Basic Tapes, to be held April 16-18, 2024, at Hamilton County Coroner’s Lab. This training will be taught by Andria Mehltretter, of the FBI and Will Randal, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory. Mike motioned for the FSIO to provide up to $500 for lunch on one of the workshop days. He is projecting approximately 30 attendees. A Second of this motion, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
David Cogan queried the group about offering a serial number restoration course. He stated that he has an instructor in mind who can provide this training. There was sufficient interest from the membership to research this proposal. David indicated that he would report back with more details.
Heather Sheskey queried the group regarding future drug chemistry training. There was sufficient interest from the membership regarding this topic. Heather asked that we make this a future agenda item, to see if we can determine the training needs in this topic area.
The next meeting of the FSIO, which will be our Annual Meeting, will be 10 am, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 am. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. 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 10:01 am, on December 7, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2303, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Jennifer Duvall (BCI-London) presided over the meeting.
The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:
Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), David Cogan (Toledo), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley), Angela Farrington (Columbus), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark Co.), Kylie Graham (BCI-Richfield), Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Doug Rohde (Lake Co. –Retired), Brian Scowden (Hamilton Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.), Tony Tambasco (Mansfield), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) Brandon Werry (OSHP) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Fifteen (15) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.
Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the September 14, 2023, Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Mike Trimpe; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Treasurer Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. Chad disclosed that the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $28,884 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $35,313. Also, he indicated that it may be possible to increase the amount of scholarship awards in the future. He will evaluate our current income in this account, to determine what if any increase can be sustained.
Old Business:
In October, Bob Budgake sent out to the membership a request to approve or reject an opposition letter regarding Ohio Issue Two, the legalization of marihuana. This letter was authored by Mike Trimpe, with the intent of circulating with the FSIO’s stamp of approval. A vote was conducted via email and the results were as follows: 2 No; 1 Yes; 4 Abstentions; 11 not any vote cast. The comments received regarding the abstentions indicated that casting a vote on such a matter would violate their department’s regulations and had nothing to do with the letter’s merit. Therefore, this motion to approve this measure failed.
Dan Baker reported that no progress was made regarding procuring assistance from ASCLD regarding organizing a lab efficiency workshop. After a brief discussion, Dan stated that he has a 15-minute presentation regarding this topic. Also, Brooke Ehlers offered that they have a presentation prepared regarding the efficiency of a four-day work week. Dan and Brooke agreed to collaborate to develop a Teams presentation for the membership.
Mike Trimpe revealed that Bridget Chambers (Hamilton Co.) has volunteered to organize a future Ohio firearm examiner’s meeting. Chad Wissinger volunteered their facility to host such an event, since it’s centrally located. Mike requested that the lab directors send a list of their firearms/NIBIN examiners to aid organizing this event Bridget.chambers@hamilton-co.org . Mike Trimpe made a motion for the FSIO to provide up to $500 for lunch regarding this meeting; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Mike Trimpe announced the free trace evidence workshop, sponsored by the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE), entitled, Basic Tapes, is being conducted April 16-18, 2024, at Hamilton County Coroner’s Lab. This training will be taught by Andria Mehltretter, of the FBI and Will Randal, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory. Mike expected a registration announcement soon, via ASTEE. They are limiting this course to twenty (20) attendees. The FSIO previously voted to provide up to $500 for lunch on one of the workshop days.
David Cogan had nothing new to report regarding a proposed serial number restoration course.
Heather Sheskey (hsheskey@dps.ohio.gov) stated that she is in the planning stages of a future drug chemistry training program. The membership favored a one-day on-site event format. Heather asked the group to send her way any topics that would be of interest. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the conversion/validation of hydrogen vs. helium as an instrument carrier gas.
New Business:
Bob Budgake presented the Emeritus membership application of Mike Trimpe. Mike has 44 years of experience, with the last 12 years of service as Director at Hamilton County. Bob also presented regular Member applications of the following, all from Hamilton Co.:
- Laura Kimble. 20 years of experience and becoming the drug section supervisor.
- Brian Scowden, 26 years of experience and becoming the next lab Director.
- Emily Weber, 13 years of experience and is the Senior Trace Evidence Examiner
Mike highly recommended all these candidates. Motion to approve these applications, Bob Budgake; Second Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Bob Budgake encouraged the membership to reach out to their colleagues to recruit new members for the FSIO.
Past President Hiatt presented the following slate of officers for year 2024: President-Elect – Dan Baker (Franklin Co.) will become President in 2025; Secretary – Bob Budgake; Treasurer – Chad Wissinger. Motion to close the nominations and approve the presented slate of candidates, Brandon Werry; Second, Mark Hiatt. All Members voted in the affirmative. LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.) will become President on January 1, 2024. Current President Jennifer Duvall will remain on the Board and serve as the Advisor.
Treasure Wissinger said to be on the lookout for FSIO 2024 dues notices. These invoices can be paid via PayPal.
Bob Budgake indicated that FSIO was due for its annual audit for 2023. Angela Farrington and Meredith Sweeney volunteered to do this audit prior to our March 2024 meeting.
Chad Wissinger led a discussion regarding increasing the amount of the Tong Award Scholarship. This scholarship ($150) is currently given annually to the highest GPA for each grade level at Ohio U. There was also discussion regarding expanding this scholarship to other Universities. Bowling Green was mentioned due to the size of their program. Bob Budgake indicated that he needed to research the Tong contract establishing this scholarship, to determine if this expansion is possible under the current arrangement. The membership encouraged the Tong Awards Fund Board to consider increasing the scholarship amounts and investigate expanding the awards to Bowling Green.
Regarding the topic of future training proposals, the following was discussed:
- Brooke Ehlers announced that they are collaborating with MAFS to present a Creating a Positive Culture Workshop, May 7-9, 2024, in Dayton. The anticipated workshop fee is $450 to $500 per attendee. There will be an attendance cap of forty. Brooke stated that she will have the flyer distributed when it becomes available.
- LeAnne Suchanek suggested having a meeting of the Ohio DNA labs shortly after Ohio’s share of DNA grant monies are announced in 2024. This meeting could be used to discuss individual lab grant allocations and other topics of interest. The group encouraged that such a meeting take place.
The next meeting of the FSIO will be 10 am, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 am. Motion, Mike Trimpe; Second, Brandon Werry. All Members voted in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO
Updated: 11/14/2025 04:38PM