In this series of profiles, we spotlight the wide variety of California peace officer classifications that are defined under Penal Code Section 830 and represented by PORAC.
Although they share a bond as first responders, law enforcement and firefighters are typically seen as members of separate and distinct worlds — often with a friendly rivalry between them that serves as the basis for charity sporting events and other fundraisers, as well as plenty of insider humor. But there are some jobs where the two spheres overlap. Cynthia Sato is a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department who holds the rank of firefighter/paramedic and has been assigned to the LAFD’s Arson Section for the past seven years. She and her fellow arson investigators are sworn peace officers under Penal Code Section 830.37(a) and members of PORAC through the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 112.
What led you to a career in this classification?
As a firefighter, our law enforcement options are limited. Arson investigators are the only members who are allowed firearms, to arrest and perform investigative duties in criminal investigations related to fire.
What specific powers, duties and responsibilities are granted to your classification under PC 830?
Under PC 830.37, we have the powers of arrest, search and seizure. We are responsible for the arrest of those who are responsible for setting a fire on property not belonging to them, in areas where fire does not belong and where fire was used in the commission of another crime. For firefighters in the city of Los Angeles, we investigate arson-related fires, assist incident commanders with origin and cause, and provide citizens/victims with fire and crime reports.
What specialized training or certifications are required for your job?
In our department, candidates must have a minimum of four years of experience as a firefighter prior to applying for this position. Upon transfer into the section, members are required to complete, or have previously completed, PC 832 and Arson Investigator courses 1A, 1B and 1C through a CAL FIRE–certified training agency. As sworn members of the fire department, investigators must also maintain the same qualifications as firefighters, holding either an EMT or paramedic certification and completing all required recertification processes to keep their licenses current.
In addition, our investigators maintain a strong partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for law enforcement–related training. Through this collaboration, we participate in firearms training and adhere to LAPD’s qualification schedule. Investigators also have access to LAPD’s computerized systems, which enhances interagency coordination with officers, detectives and district attorneys during criminal investigations and prosecutions. LAPD further provides access to specialized professional development opportunities, including Detective School, Juvenile Justice and Tactical De-escalation training.
Several of our investigators are also cross-deputized as ATF agents — one of whom works with an accelerant detection K-9. This designation requires additional training and ongoing compliance with the standards and operational requirements of the LAFD, LAPD and ATF, ensuring that all investigators remain proficient and in good standing across all partnering agencies.
Could you describe the primary jurisdictional boundaries and limitations of your authority?
Our jurisdiction lies primarily within the city of Los Angeles. We rarely have occasion to work outside of the city boundary, but with L.A. County and several other departments along our boundaries, we do find occasion to cross over boundaries and work with other departments. During large-scale incidents such as the Palisades Fire, which extended into L.A. County, the investigation portion of the incident was taken over by LAPD and the ATF. Rather than remaining within the confines of any limitations of our jurisdiction and authority, we worked together with the federal investigators and used our investigators who are deputized ATF agents to extend those limitations to accomplish our goals.
What unique challenges or safety considerations does your classification face?
Our classification faces several unique challenges and safety considerations that distinguish it from traditional law enforcement roles. Unlike most peace officers, our investigators begin their careers as firefighters, progressing through the ranks with minimal formal law enforcement training prior to joining the investigative section. Whereas police officers attend a dedicated academy, our members attend the Fire Department Drill Tower. Transitioning into this role represents both a significant career shift and a promotion, requiring us to adapt from a focus on firefighting and emergency medical response to developing the investigative mindset necessary to establish probable cause and make lawful arrests.
Another distinct challenge lies in the environments in which we operate. While all first responders prioritize scene safety, our investigators often conduct their duties within the hazardous remains of fire scenes. These post-fire environments can contain structural instability, toxic residues and other lingering dangers that pose both immediate and long-term health risks. As a result, our classification requires heightened situational awareness, specialized protective measures and a strong understanding of both fire science and law enforcement principles to safely and effectively perform our investigative responsibilities.
How does your classification interact with other peace officer classifications during multi-agency operations or mutual aid situations?
Since our classification operates within the fire department, we regularly collaborate closely with LAPD and other law enforcement partners during investigations and arrests. When an arson-related arrest is made, we typically guide the assisting officers through the process, as it’s often their first experience with an arson case. This collaboration ensures that all procedures are followed correctly and that the arrest and subsequent filing with the court system go smoothly. Some investigators even provide officers with a reference sheet outlining the necessary information and documentation to streamline communication and ensure a complete case package.
In another example, our investigators were asked to assist an outside agency with determining the origin and cause of a structure fire beyond our city limits. Under the direction of our supervisors, we responded and worked alongside that agency’s investigator, performing our standard duties while maintaining clear professional and jurisdictional boundaries. Open communication between our supervisors and theirs helped ensure that responsibilities were respected and that the operation ran efficiently and cooperatively.
How has your classification evolved, and what emerging challenges do you anticipate?
Over the past decade, the role has taken on a heavier investigative load as call volume has grown and major events like championship parades, the upcoming World Cup and the Olympics stretch resources even further. The jump in numbers alone shows how different the landscape has become, with significant increases from 2015 to 2025 in areas like structure fires, auto incidents and especially rubbish fires. At the same time, the work now requires navigating far more interagency and jurisdictional overlap, coordinating with partners such as the L.A. County Fire Department, CHP, Ventura County and federal land managers like BLM during complex incidents like brush fires. Public perception has also shifted, requiring greater awareness and resilience in the face of movements and protests that often place law enforcement under a difficult spotlight. Funding remains a constant challenge since the classification sits in a gray zone between police and fire, which limits support from the medical and fire side and pushes the need for grants, donations and strong partnerships to secure mission-critical resources. Looking ahead, these pressures are likely to intensify, with rising demand, high-profile events and public scrutiny all shaping the next evolution of the role.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job as an arson investigator with the LAFD is being able to help victims of arson find justice and begin rebuilding their lives after such a devastating event. I take great pride in being part of both the fire service and the law enforcement community — two professions dedicated to protecting people and uncovering the truth. Another highlight is seeing positive change come from our youth firesetters program, where young people who’ve made dangerous choices get the education and support they need to turn their lives around. Knowing that our work can prevent future tragedies and help people heal makes every day meaningful.
What makes your classification integral to the overall public safety mission?
Arson investigators play a vital role in the overall public safety mission because our work directly connects fire prevention, criminal investigation and community protection. By determining the origin and cause of fires, we help identify dangerous patterns, prevent future incidents and bring accountability to those who intentionally set fires. Our efforts not only safeguard lives and property, but also provide closure for victims and valuable information that helps improve fire safety practices across the city. As both firefighters and law enforcement officers, we serve as a bridge between two essential public safety disciplines, ensuring that every fire is fully understood — from suppression to investigation to prevention.
Are there any misconceptions you would like to dispel about your classification?
One common misconception about arson investigators is that our work is limited to determining how a fire started. In reality, our classification bridges both the fire service and law enforcement worlds — we are trained firefighters as well as peace officers, responsible not only for identifying the cause of fires but also for pursuing those responsible when a crime has been committed. Our investigations often involve complex evidence collection, interviews and courtroom testimony, all while maintaining the compassion needed to support victims. I’d like my fellow law enforcement officers to know that we share the same mission of seeking truth and justice, and that collaboration between our disciplines is essential to solving cases and preventing future fires.