Founder J. Chris "Chief" Lawson
As the founder of SPIRIT, I organize and control the group's direction, much like the CEO of a business. We have the final say in membership, investigations, and overall group operations. I am responsible for making connections and overseeing all areas and programs of SPIRIT. I have been interested in the Paranormal since early childhood. My father told me of seeing the apparition of his mother (my grandmother) shortly after her death. My grandfather had a genuine interest in Ghosts and Bigfoot as well.
Over the last thirty years, I have done a great deal of research in parapsychology and have the experience to show it. I have taught parapsychology courses and continue to do so. Also, I have experience in cryptozoology as well.
Visiting many proclaimed haunted locations domestically and abroad has taught me a great deal. You might say I came into the field when the paranormal TV shows had not popularized the study, and the Paranormal was not cool. So, in 2000, I decided it was time to form a professional group. One that would not have these issues, so SPIRIT was born.
I am the husband of a wonderful wife and team member, Heather, a father of four children, four stepchildren, and a grandfather to six. I am a Retired Fire Chief and Medic by trade. Having served as Chief of the Region 3 Rescue Squad SEMA Team since 1999. I am also a Retired Associate Professor at a local university. I attended Indiana University as part of their Navel ROTC Commissioning program. I have the honor to hold two honorary PH. D.'s in Theology and Letters.
" I am a member of Scottish Clan Maclaren (yes, I play bagpipes)
" I am a Freemason of 30+ years,
" Past Master of Prospect Masonic Lodge 714,
" Life member of Bannock Masonic Lodge 3777 Montana,
" Life member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
" Founding member of the AASSR Knights of St. Andrew,
" Former Chief of Masonic Emergency Services (MES),
" Sir Knight of Prather York Rite and Levant Preceptory Knights Templar founding member,
" Murat Shrine supporting Shrine Hospitals
" Royal Order of Scotland
" Fellow of the Scottish Antiquities Association
" Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky.
" I was awarded the Kentucky Colonel Medal of Merit for responding to Ground Zero.
" I sit on numerous boards, including the Community Hospital Network Virtual Advisory Council.
" I am also listed in Manchester's Who's Who.
In retirement, I am currently finishing my second book in the parapsychology field, and I am lecturing on a circuit. I am a contributing writer for many publications. I am the host of the podcast "Ghost to Ghost." Since my retirement, I have put my energy into the field of Parapsychology.
