Field Investigator Training (FIT)

The Field Investigator Training (FIT) session will provide instruction on a number of different topics of interest to Field Investigators. Learn how to use your Mind, Voice, and Tools in the field when responding to a reported UFO sighting. Experienced Field Investigators give their opinions, facts, and procedures they have used successfully in the field to create detailed, scientific reports of sightings.

Please note that THIS IS NOT A CERTIFICATION CLASS.

For information regarding the process of becoming a certified Field Investigator please visit mufon.com.

This is an extremely popular session so early registration is highly recommended. Seating is limited.

This event costs $100.00 in addition to your Symposium ticket.  You can purchase it here, along with your Symposium registration. 

FI Training Schedule:


Thursday 7/17/2025 8:00am – 5:00pm

FI Training will start at 8:00am and go until 5:00pm, which gives us roughly

9 hours, including Lunch.  5 minute break between topics.

TIME

TOPIC

ITINERARY AND INSTRUCTOR

0740

STUDENT CHECK IN

CHECK IN

0800

WELCOME

OPENING REMARKS–DIRECTOR DAVID MACDONALD

0810

FI TRAINING OVERVIEW

OPENING REMARKS–BOB SPEARING AND STEVE HUDGEONS

0815–0830

BREAK

COFFEE BREAK–PREPARING FOR CLASS

0830–0930

FLIGHT AND RADAR DATA AND FOIA REQUESTS

CLASS ONE–INSTRUCTOR–BILL MORSE

0935–1035

BASIC DRONE FUNCTIONS

CLASS TWO–INSTRUCTOR–TIM MARSHALL

1040–1145

HISTORY OF ORBS AND INVESTIGATIONS

CLASS THREE–INSTRUCTOR–ROBERT SPEARING

1145–1230

LUNCH

LUNCH

1230–1330

INTRO TO ASTRONOMY

CLASS FOUR–INSTRUCTOR–JAMES KRUG

1335–1435

CASE INVESTIGATIONs FOR THE FI

CLASS FIVE–INSTRUCTOR–JOHN LOMBARDO

1440–1540

ROLE OF THE ERT

CLASS SIX–INSTRUCTOR–WENDY JAGLARSKI

1545–1645

ETHICS FOR THE FI

CLASS SEVEN–INSTRUCTOR– DR. EDWARD WOLFF

1645–1700

Q AND A

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FIT INSTRUCTORS

Bill Morse

FLIGHT AND RADAR DATA AND FOIA REQUESTS

Bill currently serves as Chief Investigator for MUFON Pennsylvania. He has a BS in Aeronautical Engineering, and he holds an FAA Aircraft Mechanics License.

Bill started flying at the age of 13, and he earned a Commercial Pilot’s License with an Instrument and Multi-Engine Rating. He taught aircraft mechanics at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, and he also taught pilot ground school.

Bill owned a retail SCUBA business in Florida, and he worked in the travel industry. He joined MUFON in 2016 as a field investigator.


Tim Marshall

BASIC DRONE FUNCTIONS

Tim Marshall hails from South Africa and is now a citizen of the United States. Tim is deeply involved in the operations of Flamingo Air/Airline Ground Schools. Tim brings to our team a wealth of knowledge. He speaks several languages including German, Dutch, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho and Afrikaans.

Tim holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, Commercial Drone Pilot Certificate, Aircraft Dispatch Certificate, Aviation Ground Instructor Certificate and is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He also has a strong background in military operations most of which is still classified.

Tim is highly skilled in military electronics, aviation electronics and drone operations, maintenance and repair. Additionally, he holds Advanced Ground Instructor certification, Private, Instrument and Commercial Pilot Ratings. He has passed the written exams to qualify him as an Aircraft Mechanic and Certified Flight Instructor.

Robert Spearing

HISTORY OF ORBS AND INVESTIGATIONS

Bob Spearing graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in Communications with Journalism, Advertising, Public Opinion, Propaganda, and Film Production as major concentrations.

Bob retired from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey after 34 years. His many duties included being an FRA licensed Rail Traffic Controller and Locomotive Engineer. While in management, he was a Safety Investigator, Contract Administrator, prepared multi-million-dollar budgets, managed logistics for public relations such as concerts and cultural festivals, and curated historical railroad exhibitions at a major regional transportation hub.

Bob joined MUFON in 2014 as a Field Investigator and is currently Director of International Investigations. Bob has long been involved with MUFON’s various special projects including the MUFON’s Project Aquarius Historical Digital Library, the Pine Bush, N.Y. UFO Museum launch, and the MUFON Observer Social Network.

He has had numerous articles published in various UFO related magazines around the world in several languages including three MUFON Journal cover stories. He has appeared in the Travel Channel television series “UFOs: The Lost Evidence” as a photo analyst and in an Ancient Aliens episode about MUFON in February 2023.

He also writes articles for the MUFON Newsletter and MUFON.COM. and speaks at U.S. conventions.

Bob lives in eastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains with his wife and twin boys.


James Krug

INTRO TO ASTRONOMY

Graduating from Juniata College (PA) in 2002 with a Bachelor’s in Science in Earth & Space Science and Secondary Education, Jim Krug has served as the Planetarium Director of the Neil Armstrong Planetarium in Altoona, PA since 2003.

He co-founded the Space Race Museum containing valuable artifacts from the US and Soviet Space programs, and founded the Mt. Lion Observatory at nearby Fort Roberdeau historic site. Krug hosts public programs at the Planetarium and Observatory throughout the year, as well as birthday parties, scouting groups, and a 9-week adult evening classes focusing on Astronomy, Conspiracies, and Extraterrestrial Life at the Planetarium. He has served at the President of the Altoona Area Education Association, and was honored with the CARE Award in 2020 as the outstanding Secondary Educator in the Altoona Area School District.

Krug has been a MUFON Field Investigator since 2015, and a PA State Section Director for the past five years. He is a frequent presenter at PA MUFON State Conferences, and has appeared on UFOs Over Pittsburgh, Aquarian Radio, The Chris DePerno Show, The Kevin Moore Show, and a Pennsylvania UFO documentary by Maynard Films. Krug has been published in Phenomena Magazine, and is a frequent guest on The Eric McKenna Project, and co-hosts the Majestic Ears Only podcast, available on iTunes and Google Play. He lives in Altoona.

John Lombardo

CASE INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE FI

John Lombardo has been a member of MUFON for 42 years. John has held the positions of Field Investigator, State Section Director, and is currently the Chief Investigator for New York State.

John is a retired Assistant Chief of Police for State University of New York POLICE Department, with 31 years in Law Enforcement, 8 years as criminal Investigator.

John is a Graduate State University of New York at Buffalo with BA in Sociology/Psychology.

John is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Viet Nam Era.



Wendy Jaglarski

ROLE OF THE ERT

Wendy Jaglarski has been a dedicated member of MUFON for several years, starting her journey as a Field Investigator in 2017. Her work led her to be honored as Illinois Field Investigator of the Year in 2019. In 2022, Wendy became a member of the Experiencer Resource Team (ERT) and soon earned a seat on their Executive Committee.

In her current role, Wendy collaborates with Denise Stoner to manage applications for prospective ERT members and conduct interviews with potential candidates. Wendy’s lifelong curiosity about the world stems from her own experiences and witnessing of unusual events since she was a young child.

Her passion for seeking answers to the unexplained and aiding others impacted by the phenomena inspires her journey in her pursuit of knowledge.

Dr. Edward Wolff

ETHICS FOR THE FI

Dr. Wolff is a seasoned investigator with extensive experience conducting and leading complex law enforcement, civil and specialized investigations both domestically (US) and internationally.

Holding a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership, Dr. Wolff combines academic rigor with practical expertise to address multifaceted challenges in intelligence and investigations.

With a proven track record, Dr. Wolff has worked across diverse operational landscapes, integrating advanced investigative techniques with a deep understanding of global security and investigative dynamics.

Having held key leadership roles at the local, state, federal and international levels Dr. Wolff has successfully managed high-profile cases, collaborated with multinational teams, and provided critical insights in dynamic environments.

Renowned for integrity, accountability, and operational excellence, Dr. Wolff brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to every investigative endeavor.