Fire & Explosion, Electrical, Chemical Forensic Solutions

CARBON MONOXIDE

The mere nature of carbon monoxide creates for challenging investigations. It takes a unique understanding involving something so deadly that you can’t see, smell, or taste. At AEI, we have the right team that has the capabilities to investigate the crucial matters of these incidents.
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CHEMICAL

Chemical incidents typically involve examining unique, proprietary processes, but investigating them comes down to one thing, determining root cause. AEI helps our clients make informed decisions on how to handle the claim and prevent future recurrence.
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ELECTRICAL

Electrical incidents can be difficult to unravel. What might seem like an obvious cause, in reality, may be part of a cause and effect chain that goes much deeper. Our team possesses a unique combination of knowledge and experience to get the job done right.

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FIRE & EXPLOSION

Our team of CFI/CFEI certified investigators and licensed engineers investigate fires and explosions across a broad spectrum of disciplines. We are experts in determining origin and cause, and ours is true team approach. No incident is too small or too large for AEI.
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FIRE PROTECTION

When fire protection systems fail, AEI determines why. With numerous potential causative factors, these investigations are anything but simple. Let the AEI team isolate the relevant factors that contributed to a particular incident.

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MATERIALS SCIENCE

Materials science is a specialty field that encompasses engineering, physics, and chemistry as they relate to the structure and behavior of various materials. AEI has the expertise to examine interactions between differing materials and environmental conditions at the heart of an incident.

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MECHANICAL

A basic rule of mechanical forensics is that you need to know what you’re looking at, so you know what to look for. AEI investigators possess broad mechanical knowledge that spans a wide variety of systems, equipment, and components.

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OIL & GAS

At AEI, we understand the unique technology of oil and gas equipment and how factors such as pipeline overload, material fatigue, critical wear, improper repair, lack of maintenance, and operator error can lead to a wide array of accidents.

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PYROTECHNICS

AEI’s multi-disciplinary team, which includes two certified Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Display Technicians versed in local, state, federal, and international codes, understands the destructive potential of explosive devices when things go awry.

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LABORATORY & FACILITY SOLUTIONS

Investigators are only as good as the tools at their disposal. AEI built one of the foremost investigative facilities in the country that is designed so we can find answers to even the most difficult and complex investigations while preserving any evidence we examine.
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EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY

The professionals at AEI Corporation are fully qualified to provide expert witness testimony for cases heard in state and federal courts. We can provide testimony that pertains to our investigation of your case or act as a subject matter expert.

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“I have worked with the engineers and fire investigators at AEI for over 20 years. Their knowledge and professionalism are second to none. That is not merely my opinion -- when we are at fire scenes I witness the respect shown to AEI engineers by the other engineers and fire investigators who are there for other parties.”

PETER B. NEWTON

Partner - Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
“AEI’s engineers are the best in the business - knowledgeable, professional and dependable. They are always extremely responsive to my needs and give me immediate feedback on projects they are handling for me, which I truly appreciate.”

BELINDA SMITH

SPX Corporation
“The engineers at AEI are knowledgeable and experienced. They provide exceptional work with a strong understanding of the scope of the assigned project. This is a first-rate group of forensic engineering experts.”

JENNIFER POYNTER, Esq.

Poynter Law LLC
“My experience with the experts at AEI has been nothing but positive.
They are knowledgeable, thorough, honest, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”

PATRICK C. QUINLIVAN, P.C.

Quinlivan Esq., P.C.
“The team at AEI bring the whole toolkit: they are experienced, thorough,
responsive, and practical - and nice folks to work with too!”

JEANNINE L. LEE

Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP
“E-Risk Solutions is a national investigations company dealing with fire and explosions, accident reconstruction and environmental incidents. We often work with AEI Corporation, and continuously find the experts at AEI Corporation are second to none. They are extremely flexible, thoroughly well-versed, knowledgeable, and always well prepared.
They present their findings in a credible and professional manner.”

PETER C. CUMMINGS

Technical Investigator - E-Risk Solutions, Inc.
“When I am on an incident scene with AEI professionals I know I’m there with the best.
Perhaps more importantly, others on the scene know it as well.”

GEORGE R. NEUHAUSER

Nall & Miller, LLP
“The Engineers at AEI are an invaluable asset to a litigator through all phases of a case,
including expert depositions – something many seasoned forensic engineers struggle with.”

KADEE J. ANDERSON

Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP
“AEI is a Tier 1 forensic engineering company. Their education, training, experience, and professionalism
are unmatched in performing scientific investigations and providing unbiased opinions.”

SHANNON M. KOS

Attorney and CFEI - Collins Einhorn Farrell PC

Town of Frisco Awards Jeff Berino the “Frisco’s Finest Award”

AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) once again proudly recognizes Summit Fire & EMS Chief and AEI Senior Fire Investigator, Jeff Berino....

Matt Strader to Present at May, 19, 2020 CPCU Monthly Meeting

Matt Strader, CFEI and Fire Investigator with AEI Corporation, will be the featured presenter for the May 19, 2020, Colorado Chapter...

AEI Welcomes Matthew G. Strader

We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Strader has joined the AEI Corporation team as our newest Fire Investigtor. Matthew...

AEI Welcomes Brian N. Strandjord

AEI Corporation is pleased to announce Mr. Brian N. Stranjord has joined our team. Mr. Strandjord is a licensed mechanical and...

Jeff Berino Named Colorado Fire Chief of 2019

AEI Corporation is so proud and honored to work with this amazing man! Jeff Berino, Summit Fire and EMS Chief (https://lnkd.in/eipR_Wy),...

Scott D. Raszeja Presenter at DRI Product Liability Conference in New Orleans

Congratulations to Scott Raszeja, MS, PE, intPE, CFEI, CID and Angel Darmer for a great presentation at the DRI Product Liability...

John L. Schumacher and Zachary J. Jason Presenting at DRI 2019 Product Liability Conference

Zachary J. Jason and John L. Schumacher will be presenting on February 7th and 8th, respectively, during the 2019 DRI Product...

Gasoline Geysering

Gasoline begins producing vapors at temperatures well below freezing. On a balmy summer day…

HASH OIL EXPLOSIONS

Over the past several years, the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana has surged…

FLAMMABLE COLORED POWDER

Here along the Colorado Front Range, we are no strangers to the wide range of unique and even bizarre...

Grill fires

This video is of a news segment shot by Denver 7 News. In it, AEI simulates a gas grill fire on...

Charles B. Sullivan Featured as Key Note Speaker for Three National Association of Fire Equipment Distributor Conferences in 2019

AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) Senior Consultant, Charles B. (Charlie) Sullivan has been asked to present at all three of the...

Charles B. Sullivan Gains International Expert Witness Testimony Experience

Charles B. Sullivan, ASCR2, CKH2, and Senior Consultant at AEI Corporation, recently gained the distinction of providing expert witness testimony experience...

Charles R Brown III Completes Propane Education Research Council Training

AEI Corporation congratulates Charles Brown, IAAI-FIT, for the successful completion of the Propane Education and Research Council’s (PERC) course, “Basic Principles...

Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFI, CFEI Named Partner at AEI Corporation

Mr. Jason is an original member of AEI Corporation, and has been a practicing forensic engineer with the firm since it was...

Charles B. Sullivan,Senior Consultant, Presents at National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Conference in Las Vegas

AEI Corporation Senior Consultant, Charles B. (Charlie) Sullivan has been asked to present at all three of the 2019 National Association...

Flashover Fridays Live Burn at AEI – May 17, 2019

Register here. Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) are ubiquitous. Nearly every powered product contains Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) populated with electronics....

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

AEI was founded by John M. Freeman, John L. Schumacher, and Dennis E. Shelp in 2005. Together they have over 89 years of combined experience in forensic engineering and investigation. AEI’s strenghts include the versatility of their experts and the breadth of types of investigations where they can be of assistance. At AEI, we know that successful forensic investigations begin with asking the right questions, and then following through until hidden causes are discovered and problems solved.

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal
- JOHN L. SCHUMCHER
- JOHN M. (JAY)FREEMAN
- DENNIS E. SHELP
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Freeman has over 39 years of forensic experience and is a nationally recognized engineer specializing In gas appliances and natural gas and propane explosions. He is an expert in carbon monoxide poisonings, flammable liquid fires and explosions. He has testified in state district courts and united states district courts throughout the united states. Mr. Freeman is the president of AEI corporation.

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President
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KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Schumacher has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 1992. He is a licensed chemical engineer and an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator who specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions; investigating accidents in the chemical process and oil & gas industries; analyzing flammable and combustible liquid related accidents; and investigating carbon monoxide and chemical related incidents. Additionally, he is a NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Mr. Schumacher has provided expert testimony in a number of states, and is the Vice President of AEI Corporation.

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Shelp has been providing forensic engineering services since 1997. He specializes in origin and cause investigation of fires and explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, and injury accident analysis. Mr. Shelp has given presentations on fire and explosion investigation, and accident reconstruction, and has provided expert testimony in numerous state courts.

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal
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KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Jason is a licensed mechanical engineer with a focus in the areas of fluid mechanics and thermal sciences. He has over 7 years experience as a forensic engineer specializing in gas system analysis and testing, including the investigation of fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide incidents. He also specializes in the failure analysis of components related to fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and pyrotechnic systems. Prior to receiving his engineering degree, he worked as a firefighter for 6 years and works part-time as a certified pyrotechnic display technician.

ZACHARY J. JASON

PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

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KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

AEI was founded by John M. Freeman, John L. Schumacher, and Dennis E. Shelp in 2005. Zachary J. Jason was named partner in 2019, and has been with AEI since it was founded. Together, these four have over 100 years of combined experience in forensic engineering and investigation. AEI’s strenghts include the versatility of their experts and the breadth of types of investigations where they can be of assistance. At AEI, we know that successful forensic investigations begin with asking the right questions, and then following through until hidden causes are discovered and problems solved.

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

ZACHARY J. JASON

PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

JOHN L. SCHUMCHER

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

ZACHARY J. JASON

DENNIS E. SHELP
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Freeman has over 42 years of forensic experience and is a nationally recognized engineer specializing in gas appliances and natural gas and propane explosions. He is an expert in carbon monoxide poisonings, flammable liquid fires and explosions. He has testified in state district courts and United States District Courts throughout the United States. Mr. Freeman is the President of AEI corporation.

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

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KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Schumacher has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 1992. He is a licensed chemical engineer and an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator who specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions; investigating accidents in the chemical process and oil & gas industries; analyzing flammable and combustible liquid related accidents; and investigating carbon monoxide and chemical related incidents. Additionally, he is a NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Mr. Schumacher has provided expert testimony in a number of states, and is the Vice President of AEI Corporation.

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

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KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Shelp has been providing forensic engineering services since 1997. He specializes in origin and cause investigation of fires and explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, and injury accident analysis. Mr. Shelp has given presentations on fire and explosion investigation, and accident reconstruction, and has provided expert testimony in numerous state courts.

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

VIEW RESUME
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

Mr. Jason is a licensed mechanical engineer with a focus in the areas of fluid mechanics and thermal sciences. He has over 7 years experience as a forensic engineer specializing in gas system analysis and testing, including the investigation of fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide incidents. He also specializes in the failure analysis of components related to fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and pyrotechnic systems. Prior to receiving his engineering degree, he worked as a firefighter for 6 years and works part-time as a certified pyrotechnic display technician.

ZACHARY J. JASON

PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

VIEW RESUME

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELLAND WE READ EVERY DETAIL

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELLAND WE READ EVERY DETAIL

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELLAND WE READ EVERY DETAIL

Forensic Solutions

CARBON MONOXIDE

CHEMICAL

ELECTRICAL

FIRE & EXPLOSION

FIRE PROTECTION

MATERIALS SCIENCE

MECHANICAL

OIL & GAS

PYROTECHNICS

LABORATORY & FACILITY SOLUTIONS

EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY

ABOUT

PINPOINT THE WHERE, THE WHY, AND THE HOW

GET ANSWERS BUILT ON EXPERTISE

LEVERAGE SPECIALIZED INSIGHT

UNCOVER WHAT EVEN THE SENSES CAN’T DETECT

PETER B. NEWTON

Partner - Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg

BELINDA SMITH

SPX Corporation

JENNIFER POYNTER, Esq.

Poynter Law LLC

PATRICK C. QUINLIVAN, P.C.

Quinlivan Esq., P.C.

JEANNINE L. LEE

Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP

PETER C. CUMMINGS

Technical Investigator - E-Risk Solutions, Inc.

GEORGE R. NEUHAUSER

Nall & Miller, LLP

KADEE J. ANDERSON

Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP

SHANNON M. KOS

Attorney and CFEI - Collins Einhorn Farrell PC

AEI In the News

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

ZACHARY J. JASON

PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

MS, PE, CFEI

President

JOHN L. SCHUMACHER

MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS

Vice President

DENNIS E. SHELP

MS, PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

ZACHARY J. JASON

PE, CFI, CFEI

Principal

KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE

JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELL
AND WE READ EVERY DETAIL

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELL
AND WE READ EVERY DETAIL

EVERY SCENE HAS A STORY TO TELL
AND WE READ EVERY DETAIL