Our History
The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation (CEOSF) was founded November 17, 2020 by a Board of Directors made up of like-minded individuals. Since the Code Enforcement profession has continued to grow and the duties with them, there has been an increase in murders and assaults on Code Enforcement Officers. The topic of Code Enforcement Officer Safety has been growing with many states offering training on the subject.
After the 2018 murder of Code Enforcement Officer Jill Robinson, founding member Tim Sun, started a GoFundMe to raise money to buy body armor for Code Enforcement Officers. The goal was to purchase body armor for Officers whose agency would not provide them or the Officer could not afford to purchase the armor. It was Tim's goal to establish an official Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation as a 501(c)(3).
In June 2020, founding member Justin Edson created the first ever national reporting database and website for Code Enforcement Officer Safety. By creating a national discussion, more information was found on previously unknown Code Enforcement Officers who were murdered. This website was the beginning to the current one in use by the Foundation.
Through a shared passion, the founding 5 board members came together to establish a non-profit foundation. On November 17, 2020, the Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation was launched to share officer safety information and raise money for body armor.
In May 2021, CEOSF entered into an agreement with the International Code Council (ICC) to be a "Supporting Organization" of ICC and Preferred Education Provider.
In July 2021, the Code Official Safety Specialist (COSS) training program was launched in partnership with Dedicated Threat Solutions, LLC.
In June 2022, CEOSF officially reached 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.
In November 2022, CEOSF & ICC launched the international Code Official Safety Credential of Learning Achievement (COS-CLA).
In April 2023, the Board of Directors unanimously appointed Aleksandra M. Menasakanian as the first Executive Director of the Foundation.
This website honors Code Enforcement Officers, Fire Inspectors, Building Inspectors, Animal Control, Housing Inspectors, and Health Inspectors. Code Enforcement Officers are called a variety of terms throughout the country and between different jurisdictions. They could be called officers or inspectors and can be assigned to Building Departments, Community Development, Fire, or Police. In some jurisdictions, Code Enforcement Officers are Peace Officers assigned to enforcing housing and nuisance laws. In other areas they are assigned to the Fire Department as Fire Marshals or inspectors.
Our Mission
“The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation exists to promote best practices for the safety of Code Officials across the world; to provide a resource for officials; report incidents; provide up-to-date training and to encourage a high standard of professionalism within our chosen profession."
Our Vision
To support the profession and be the voice for mitigating risk across the country. The Foundation aims to be a resource to the profession and centralize incident reporting.
History of the Board of Directors
FY 2020 - 2021 (Founded)
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President - Justin Edson
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Vice President - Timothy Sun
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Secretary/Treasurer - Carrie Rios
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Director - Kirk L. Palmer
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Director - Travis D. Guess
FY 2021 - 2022
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President - Justin Edson
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Vice President - Timothy Sun
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Secretary/Treasurer - Jeremy Kovinchick
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Director - Kirk L. Palmer
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Director - Travis D. Guess
FY 2022 - 2023
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President - Justin Edson
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Vice President - Timothy Sun
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Secretary/Treasurer - Jeremy Kovinchick
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Director - Kirk L. Palmer
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Director - Travis D. Guess