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Code Official Risk Assessment
In-depth assessment for Code Enforcement, Building Safety, Fire Prevention, Housing Inspectors, Health Inspectors, & Animal Control
Oct 11 min read


Welcome Jon
Jon Martin joins the Foundation as a Region 9 Representative We are excited to have Jon join the team as a Regional Representative for Region 9. He is a Code Enforcement Manager in Florida and Past President of the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (FACE). When asked why he wants to volunteer with the Foundation, he stated: "Code enforcement is an ever-evolving profession wherein Code Officers face more and more dangerous situations similar to that of Law Enforcement. W
Oct 301 min read


NEW Training - California
December 9th - Officer Safety & Self-Defense in-person training in Southern California Register and pay by emailing Tim Sun: tim@codeofficersafety.org *Limit 30 seats total
Oct 301 min read


Welcome Anthony
Anthony Flammia joins the Foundation as a Region 6 Representative Anthony is an Assistant Code Enforcement Supervisor in New York with over 20 years experience as a Police Officer with NYPD. His extensive experience includes advanced education in Homeland Security, OSHA safety officer, legislative advocacy, and grant and media coordination. He is also an experienced de-escalation instructor who we look forward to collaborating with. Anthony is joining our Education Committee.
Oct 251 min read


Welcome Gary
Gary Merk joins the Foundation as a Region 1 Representative Gary is a Deputy Chief of Code Enforcement in California with over 30 years of experience and has earned his Master's in Organizational Leadership. He also completed the Code Official Safety Specialist (COSS) training. His career includes experience in code enforcement, public safety, fraud investigations, and private security. Gary is joining our Charitable Giving's and Education committees. He is now a Representati
Oct 251 min read
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2026 Fall [Vol. 7 | Issue 1]
The CEOSF Officer Safety Newsletter is written by industry professionals about topics that we all face as Code Officials, ACO's, and Life Safety Inspectors
Oct 11 min read


Ohio Building Officials Pursuing Officer Safety
OBOA is seeking input through a survey regarding officer safety Ohio - The Ohio Building Officials Association (OBOA) is seeking input on officer safety. The survey can be completed by any official, not just those in Ohio. The Ohio Building Officials Association’s (OBOA) Legislation and By-Laws Committee is seeking information from OBOA members and non-members to better understand their experiences and views related to code compliance officer safety and statutory protections.
Aug 141 min read


CEOSF Risk Management Letter
Since 1894, we have confirmed 46 incidents where a Code Official was murdered. In every case except one, the officer was murdered with a firearm. In every case, the Officer was not armed nor were they issued body armor. Whom It May Concern: The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation (CEOSF) is a national charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) committed to promote the best practices for the safety of Code Officials throughout the United States; to provide a resource for officers
Aug 95 min read


Code Official Murdered - Ohio
2026 - On July 24th, Building Commissioner David Smerek was shot and killed North Royalton, OH - On July 24th, Building Commissioner David Smerek was shot and killed at the city's municipal building. Approximately 1,000 mourners crowded the streets on Monday to remember David and his service to the community the following Monday. 911 call: “Our Building Commissioner got shot.” Based on news reports, suspect Edward Biesiada (69 years old), just recently received a citation for
Jul 272 min read
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2026 Summer [Vol. 6 | Issue 4]
The CEOSF Officer Safety Newsletter is written by industry professionals about topics that we all face as Code Officials, ACO's, and Life Safety Inspectors
Jul 11 min read


Webinar: First Amendment Auditors
Join us for this live 3-hour webinar on 9/16 Join us on Wednesday, September 16th at 9am PST for this new webinar! The Foundation is hosting its highly acclaimed First Amendment Auditor training live for attendees to be able to ask questions and learn about this popular trend that is growing nationwide. Small towns are not immune to these audits! This class will discuss how to properly handle the interaction in City Halls, government buildings, and out in the field. The instr
Jun 211 min read


Surviving the Trenches: The Personal Impact of Code Enforcement
New Webinar - Wed 6/17 Code enforcement isn’t just “checking boxes”—it’s conflict management on someone else’s turf. The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation (CEOSF) brings you this critical training on peer support and trauma. This is the introductory course. Code enforcement is front-line work—and it's relentless. Day after day, officers step into conflict, crisis, and community frustration during inspections, complaint calls, difficult conversations, and sometimes un
Apr 112 min read
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2026 Spring [Vol. 6 | Issue 3]
The CEOSF Officer Safety Newsletter is written by industry professionals about topics that we all face as Code Officials, ACO's, and Life Safety Inspectors
Apr 11 min read
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2026 Winter [Vol. 6 | Issue 2]
The CEOSF Officer Safety Newsletter is written by industry professionals about topics that we all face as Code Officials, ACO's, and Life Safety Inspectors
Jan 11 min read


Risk Management for Code Enforcement
FREE 2-hour training for CEU's Check out this FREE 2-hour updated class on Risk Management and Senate Bill 296! After 4 years of hosting our SB 296 panel discussion, we just launched a new 2-hour update to SB 296, risk management, and developing policies for your agency. Looking for free CEU's and a better understanding of managing risk in your organization? Look no further! This course covers: Background on SB 296 Interpretation and understanding of SB 296 Understanding the
Dec 14, 20251 min read


New Course on First Amendment Auditors
Check out this crucial training for only $49! The Foundation presents a new course on First Amendment auditors to assist government employees with being prepared for these visits. If you haven't seen the Youtube videos over the last few years, these auditors go into City Hall's and public buildings to record. These videos demonstrate the lack of training by public employees on the First Amendment and de-escalation. This crucial 3-hour training is ONLY $49!! Earn CEU's for ICC
Nov 30, 20251 min read


Donate & Receive a Swag Pack
Don't miss out on this chance to collect special CEOSF swag! In addition to our 8.09 Angel Donor Program, we are offering thank you swag packs for different donation levels. Our Angel Donors make a tax deductible automatic monthly donation of at least $8.09 to be an Angel Donor. For one time donations, you can receive our amazing swag! Donate now: https://www.codeofficersafety.org/support-us
Oct 4, 20251 min read
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2025 Fall [Vol. 6 | Issue 1]
The CEOSF Officer Safety Newsletter is written by industry professionals about topics that we all face as Code Officials, ACO's, and Life Safety Inspectors
Oct 1, 20251 min read


Bundle & Save!
Now offering a phenomenal deal - 25 hours of training for 66% off! Don't miss out on this great deal to save 66% on your training! Budgets are tight and flexible learning is key. Checkout this great opportunity to take the following courses for a steal of a price, while supporting a national nonprofit 501c3! SB296 Steps for Management Senate Bill 296 text CEOSF Risk Management Letter for Human Resources [downloadable] On-demand Webinar [90 min] Assessing your operation Memo t
Sep 27, 20252 min read


South Hanover Township building closed after receiving envelope full of white powder
2025 - South Hanover Township's public building will be closed to the public until further notice. Author: Nate Soisson Published: 11:29 AM EDT September 24, 2025 Updated: 6:03 PM EDT September 24, 2025 HUMMELSTOWN, Pa. — South Hanover Township's municipality building is closed until further notice after a disgruntled resident allegedly sent an envelope to the office containing an unidentified white powder at 161 Patriot Way, township officials said. Authorities arrested a ma
Sep 23, 20252 min read
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