Submissions Being Accepted for Timothy Fidel Award

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ – Building on the success of the inaugural Timothy Fidel Memorial Award, Guidance Software along with AccessData, today announced the Timothy Fidel Memorial Award Committee. The Committee was created as the decision making body for the award which is given in memoriam of Special Agent Tim Fidel, who was a pioneer and tireless advocate of cyber forensics.The Timothy Fidel Memorial Award Committee consists of a wide range of leaders in computer forensics, including: LAPD Detective Terry Willis, Secret Service Supervisor Keith Hoover, EPA Assistant Special Agent William Fortuno, Hewlett-Packard IT Security Investigator Mike Menz and Army Special Agent Frank Spruill. The individuals serving on the Committee were selected for their knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of computer forensics.

The Committee is accepting nominations from around the world for individuals who completed a computer forensic investigation during calendar year 2005. Submissions, which can be completed online at www.CEIC2006.com, will be reviewed by the Committee and judged on several factors including: the use of best practices, industry standards or other innovative techniques; the complexity or notoriety of the investigation; and the impact of the investigation – financial, organizational, procedural or societal. The winner will be named at the CEIC Conference in New Orleans, a gathering of cyber-security leaders. To show the industry’s gratitude, the winner’s charity of choice will receive a $10,000 donation in their name.

“The Timothy Fidel Memorial Award was created in 2005 to honor Tim’s eternal spirit and his diligent efforts to modernize forensic standards,” said John Colbert, President and CEO of Guidance Software. “The Committee brings together the most highly regarded experts to honor those that continue to implement the standards that Fidel established.”

This year, AccessData joins Guidance Software in sponsoring the award, which recognizes the men and women who carry out the standards of computer investigations pioneered by Fidel.

“As a pioneer in digital forensics, Tim’s devotion was a credit to himself and his agency,” said Eric Thompson, Founder and CEO of AccessData. “This award will acknowledge that same passion for finding the facts. By recognizing the outstanding individuals in this field we believe there will be an increased awareness of the critical nature of digital forensics.”


Get The Latest DFIR News

Join the Forensic Focus newsletter for the best DFIR articles in your inbox every month.

Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


Timothy Fidel passed away on Oct. 29, 2004 at the age of 50. Fidel was a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division. He was a major participant in the design of the Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Special Agents Program, and he was a certified computer forensic examiner, as well as a respected member of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. Fidel’s last post of duty with the Secret Service was with the Ronald Regan Protective Division for then-retired President Ronald Reagan and former first lady Nancy Reagan.

In 2005, the inaugural Timothy Fidel Memorial award was presented to law enforcement officials from the Modesto and Kansas City Police Departments whose work was integral in solving two of the year’s most notable cases: the Laci Peterson investigation and the Bobbie Jo Stinnett investigation. The awards were presented by Timothy Fidel’s wife, Denise Fidel.

For more information about CEIC 2006, complete rules and regulations, or to submit a nomination for the Timothy Fidel Memorial Award, please visit the CEIC website at www.CEIC2006.com

Leave a Comment