Building safety group presents awards

The International Code Council honored individuals and groups for furthering the cause of building safety, fire prevention, safe construction and code enforcement during the association's annual conference last month.

Jim Sealy, a fellow with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and long-time supporter of the International Code Council, received the Bobby J. Fowler Award. The award, the highest honor given by the International Code Council, is in memory of the late Bobby Fowler, who is credited with being the founding father of the International Code Council. Sealy received the award for his contributions to the building safety industry and for advancing the International Code Council's goal of achieving a safer built environment. He and Fowler often traveled the nation together, addressing building code issues and promoting the concept of the International Code Council as it exists today, a single set of building safety and fire prevention codes.

The Community Service Award, recognizing service to promote public safety, health and welfare, was presented to Phillip "Randy" Whisman of Winchester, Kentucky. Whisman, a building inspector, was moved to action when he had to condemn an elderly woman's home. The home was once a chicken coop and had no kitchen, no bathroom sink, no hot water and no closets. Whisman called on local businesses and churches to donate building supplies, appliances and labor to rebuild the condemned home to be code compliant. Whisman not only spearheaded the project but saw it through to completion.

Terry Summey of Asheville, N.C., was the recipient of the Code Official of the Year Award. This award is given to an individual whose contribution to code development and code enforcement helps to further the cause of building safety. Summey was honored for his work with the Asheville City Council and legislative delegation to extend North Carolina's code requirement for single exit buildings through 2006. He also is credited with re-engineering the Asheville Building Department which is just the third jurisdiction to receive an ISO Class 1 rating for residential and commercial code enforcement.

Jackie Gibbs, Fire Chief in Marietta, Georgia, received the International Code Council Fire Service Award. This award is presented to a member whose service, professional abilities and leadership are critical to the development of the International Fire Code. Gibbs serves on the International Fire Code

Council and was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire and Life Safety Section. His leadership has helped the Fire and Life Safety Section become the fastest growing section of IAFC with more than 600 members in just its two years of existence.

The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) received the International Code Council Affiliate Award. The Affiliate Award recognizes an organization for its support of code development and building safety. BOMA is an international federation of 90 U.S., nine Canadian and nine affiliated international associations representing 19,000 members. The valued International Code Council partner was instrumental in lending its support to the adoption of the I-Codes in Phoenix. BOMA also regularly appears before the United States Congress and federal agencies to advocate for building codes and standards.

Murray, Utah, the hometown of International Code Council outgoing Board President Anne vonWeller, was presented the President's Award. vonWeller chose to present the President's award to Murray in recognition of the support the city's administration showed her during her tenure as International Code Council President.

The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA) was named the International Code Council Chapter of the Year. VBCOA was recognized for its contributions to the code development process, its role in promoting Building Safety Week, promoting the goals and mission of the International Code Council and for participating in activities to increase the public awareness of and support for building codes and building safety.

Four merit awards were presented to chapters of the International Code Council: the North Texas Chapter, the Colorado Chapter, the Central Ohio Code Officials Association and the Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials.

The International Code Council, a membership organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

EDITORS' NOTE: Photos of the award winners are available here