Investigator Ron McAfee Receives U.S. Attorney's Distinguish Service Award

Missouri Division of Fire Safety Investigator Ron McAfee received the United States Attorney's Distinguished Service Award from U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway for his work on a fire that occurred on January 1, 2005, at the "Too Talls Two" bar in Kirksville, Missouri.

Deborah L. Masten, the bar's owner, was found guilty of the federal felony of maliciously damaging real and personal property by fire following her trial in federal court.  Masten was also the mayor of Kirksville at the time.  She was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and a fine of $2,000.  McAfee determined that the fire at Masten's tavern was intentionally set resulting in an estimated $60,000 in damages.

McAfee was presented with a plaque and a framed U.S. Attorney's Badge for Distinguished Service by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean Hoag at ceremonies on October 10, 2007.  McAfee worked closely with State Highway Patrol investigators and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents during the investigation.

"This is another example of what cooperation between state, local and federal authorities can accomplish," U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said.   "The suspicious nature of the fire was originally investigated by the Missouri Fire Marshal's office and Missouri State Highway Patrol.  Adair County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Wiliams realized the resources and investigaiton of the ATF would be necessary to develop the investigation to its fullest."

Congratulations Ron

Randy L. Cole,
Missouri State Fire Marshal

Fire Investigator Ron McAfee