Featured Story Archive – 2009

Forensic Fire Scenes Come to Life at ATF’s Fire Research Lab

ATF fire engineers put out a fire after the testing is completed

December 23, 2009

Real-world forensic techniques applied at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF)’s Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) daily result in arsonists across the nation being prosecuted for life sentences. More »

ATF-BJA Fellows Complete Six-Month Program at Headquarters

ATF Deputy Director Kenneth Melson; Sgt. Kevin Baggs; Sgt. Daniel Fay;  BJA Acting Director James H. Burch II

December 18, 2009

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Deputy Director Kenneth E. Melson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Acting Director James H. Burch, II, of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), presented certificates of accomplishment to the two law enforcement officers who have just completed the ATF/BJA Police Executive Fellowship Program (PEFP) at ATF headquarters. More »

Arson: The Business of ATF

May 25, 1979, the first time ATF NRT members were called to an arson scene

December 12, 2009

ATF’s early arson jurisdiction is embedded within explosives legislation dictated by two critical Acts: the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Explosive Control Act of 1970. More »

Defense Department Recognizes ATF Special Agent with General’s Award

From left to right: ATF Deputy Director Kenneth E. Melson with Special Agent Timothy M. Kelly

December 3, 2009

The U.S. Army National Training Center today presented ATF Special Agent Timothy M. Kelly with the Commanders Award for Civilian Service in recognition for his service to the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). More »

ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Strip Mall Fire in Rochester

ATF’s National Response Team and local fire department personnel on the scene of the fire at the Family Dollar store in Rochester, NY.

November 25, 2009

The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the New York Field Division have been activated by a request from the Rochester Fire Department Arson Bureau to investigate a fire at the FAMILY DOLLAR located at 1731 North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY. The fire occurred just before noon on Monday, November 23, 2009. More »

ATF Transfers Historic Alexander Hamilton Letter To National Archives

Handle With Care – Acting Director Kenneth Melson and Adrienne Thomas, Acting Archivist of the United States, during the Hamilton letter transfer ceremony.

November 1, 2009

Another small piece of American history was preserved for posterity on September 24 when Acting Director Kenneth Melson transferred, to the National Archives, a 219-year-old letter written by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton. The document had been in ATF’s possession for more than three decades. More »