International Code Council
Foundation President Paul Myers welcomes attendees to
the Silent Defender Awards Dinner. The dinner recognizes
individuals and organizations who have taken exemplary
action to improve public safety, health and welfare.
Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
(left), receives this year's first Silent Defender Award
from ICCF Chairman James Lee Witt and ICCF President Paul
Myers. Stevens helped to form the Congressional Natural
Hazards Caucus and introduced legislation aimed at improving
the tsunami warning system.
Steve Shapiro, Secretary/Treasurer
of the International Code Council Board of Directors,
accepts an award on behalf of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis
(R-Virginia). Davis supported key public safety legislation,
including the Cigarette Fire Safety Act and the Fire Sprinkler
Incentive Act.
Dr. Omaima Salah El-Din
explains the structure of Egypt's Housing and Building
Research Center. Founded in 1954, the Center has the authority
to inspect buildings throughout Egypt. Under Dr. Omaima's
leadership, Egypt saw effective implementation of building
codes and improved structural safety.
ICCF President Paul Myers
presents a Silent Defender Award to the first international
recipient, Dr. Omaima Salah El-Din. Dr. Omaima is head
of Egypt's Housing and Building Research Center.
Mirna Liévano de
Marques accepts a Silent Defender Award from ICCF President
Paul Myers on behalf of the Inter-American Development
Bank. IDB supports development in disaster-prone regions
to reduce the risks posed by natural disasters.
"Tonight's Silent Defender
Award recipients carry out the mission of the Foundation
by making a difference in the lives of people through
improving the built environment," said International
Code Council Foundation Chairman James Lee Witt. "Through
their daily work they encourage stronger and safer communities,
without seeking recognition."
"Disasters are significant
obstacles to the development prospects of most countries
of Latin America and the Caribbean," said Mirna Liévano
de Marques of the Inter-American Development Bank. "Reducing
and managing risk due to earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding
and other natural disasters is critical to enabling many
countries in the region to have a chance of attaining
and maintaining development progress."
"Quoting Cicero, the
safety of the people should be the highest law,"
said Senator Ted Stevens in his acceptance speech. "We
need to listen to the people who really have been harmed
by these incidents to see what we need to do. Our country's
safety has improved but Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma
make it clear that we have a lot of work to do."
