Code Officials Down

Mario Morales, La Mirada’s Senior Code Enforcement Specialist, passed away Thursday evening, April 4.  He was tragically the victim of a senseless crime while doing yard work at his home in Long Beach, California.  Mario rejoined the City of La Mirada in December 2021 after he had previously worked for the City as a part-time Code Enforcement Specialist for seven years from 2007-2014.  He had a positive attitude, worked well with residents and his colleagues at City Hall, and represented La Mirada admirably. An Army veteran, husband and father, avid camper, accomplished DIY-er, and weightlifting/fitness fan, Mario often shared with others about his most recent home improvement projects and camping trips.

Ashley grew up in the community she served since 2000. She was a stay at home mother before taking on part time jobs that led her to become the Animal Control Officer for the City of Basehor. Ashley served in this role for over 2 years. She leaves behind 3 children. Details about her passing are very limited and we will update this page once we learn more.

Kyle passed away suddenly at the age of 32 on duty. He had worked for the City of Rancho Mirage for approximately 6 years. Prior to this role he was a Public Safety Officer. Kyle was a Certified Code Enforcement Officer. He is survived by his girlfriend of 14 years. Please consider assisting with his GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyle-ghirardi

Danny passed away suddenly at the age of 55. He had worked for the City of Weslaco as a Code Enforcement Officer for 18 years. Prior to this role he was a Police Dispatcher for another agency. He is survived by his wife and two children. His Director stated, "We could always count on Danny. He's already missed."

Dre, 33, sadly lost her battle with breast cancer on Saturday, April 30th, 2022. Dre worked for the City of Chino for over 16 years and was always extremely professional, courteous, and had a kind and loving heart. She is survived by her two young children (ages 9 and 7), three sisters, brother, parents, as well as another extended family. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.

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https://gofund.me/c6029d49

Jacqueline Beard was an Environmental Supervisor with the State of Alabama's Public Health Department. She had been an employee there for nearly 17 years. She went to investigate a woman who was attacked by a pack of dogs in Red Bay. By 6pm Franklin County Deputies were called about a suspicious vehicle. Upon their arrival they discovered Jacqueline deceased from a severe dog attack. The dogs began attacking another person and some were euthanized. The owner of the dogs has been arrested for manslaughter and is held without bail.

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Alabama Department of Public Health stated, "Summer was known to her coworkers as an exceptional person. She was a tremendous team worker and was loved by those who knew her."

Joe passed away due to complications with COVID-19. He is the fifth known Officer to pass away due to COVID-19. He served the City of Norman for over 16 years. He was the 2014 Code Officer of the Year for the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association.

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A memory shared by a colleague:

"There are so many beautiful stories that I could share, but I will keep it to one. A few years ago, Joe sent a weed violation letter to a Norman resident. In his usual caring manner, Joe reached out to the homeowner and discovered they were battling cancer. Without reservation, Joe mowed the lawn and used the scenario as a teaching moment for his son. Joe's son learned the importance of empathy and kindness towards others."

Theo was a United States Marine Sergeant prior to joining Code Enforcement. His career in Code Enforcement spanned 15 years at Miami Gardens and most recently at Bay County for the last 5 years.

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From a colleague, "His smile and charisma could brighten the brightest of days. Theo's early departure from this world is sad for us all and he will forever be remembered dearly."

Donnie passed away due to complications with COVID-19. He is the fourth known Officer to pass away due to COVID-19. He served the City of Ada for over 40 years, thirty of which were as a Fire Marshal. He spent the last 12+ years as a Code Enforcement Officer. Donnie was also a previous President of the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association. 

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Many colleagues commented how great of a person he was:

"Very great and humble man."

"Never saw him raise his tone of voice or emotional level beyond that, and that is a credit to someone in this profession."

"Those of us around for a long time knew and appreciated Donnie and his easy-going style."

Valerie passed away due to complications with COVID-19. She is the third known Officer to pass away due to COVID-19. She served the City of San Antonio for 17 years. She grew up in, went to college, and raised a family in San Antonio. Valerie enjoyed learning about the U.S. Constitution and bird watching.

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From her Supervisor: "I supervised this code officer for many years and have never seen someone so dedicated to doing the right thing always as her. Short on statute but huge in attitude and professionalism she dedicated the last 15 years to cleaning up some of the most impoverished areas is San Antonio."

Deanglis passed away due to complications with COVID-19. He is the second known Officer to pass away due to COVID-19. He served the City of Fort Lauderdale since 2014 after retiring from law enforcement. He was also an Army Veteran. He is remembered as a genuine and kind hearted friend and father.

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If you are able to, the family is looking for donations to assist with funeral costs. Please visit the GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/73c9d069

Dennis, 46, was stabbed to death by Mohammed Anwaribrah Musallam, 38, as he was inspecting restaurants. The suspect was an employee at the restaurant, which just passed the inspection. Dennis was in his vehicle when the suspect opened the car door and began stabbing him. Another person was stabbed multiple times and is expected to survive. Dennis has been with the Sacramento County Environmental Health Division for 15 years.

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"He was a model employee who was dedicated to his family and his job. He had a passion for public service and the health and safety of people in the community. He was very well liked by his colleagues, who enjoyed his lively personality and respected his professional integrity," stated the County Executive. GoFundMe for his wife and young daughter: https://gofund.me/8aab5c65

Andy, 62, passed away unexpectedly on October 14th. He was the Code Enforcement Chief for the county for the last 8 years. Prior to this he was the Code Enforcement Manager for the City of Ontario, CA.

"Andy cared deeply about the communities in which he worked. Always exploring new and extremely creative ways to improve the quality of life within them. Some people spend their lives taking what they can from it. Others giving everything they can to it and those whom they touch. Andy was the latter. He brought enthusiasm and joy to every situation, lifting up all around him and making everything better."

Jeff, 40, passed away unexpectedly on August 31st. He served Xenia for the last 14 years as an Intern, Zoning Officer, and a Code Enforcement Officer. He leaves behind a wife and two children. “His work enhanced and upheld Xenia’s quality of life, safety, property values and ability to attract and retain residents and businesses,” said Brian Forschner, Xenia’s planning director. “Jeff was a caring and dedicated public servant who was tirelessly eager to help others. Jeff was a friend to many city employees and built positive relationships with many community members. This sudden loss is shocking and saddening for the Xenia community.”

Charles, 41, had only been with Code Enforcement for a few months after switching over from Animal Control. He previously served three tours in Afghanistan and retired from the U.S. Marines after 20 years. Charles went to the property to post it as condemned. He returned to his truck and the suspect came up to the driver side window and fired multiple rounds. Bystanders immediately called 911, but Charles unfortunately passed away prior to ambulances arriving. There was a 9 hour manhunt over multiple counties with U.S. Marshals and ATF that led to the capture of the suspect. 

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Charles leaves behind a wife of 19 years and four children. A GoFundMe has been established for his family. 

Mel Overwater, 71, along with three other officers were trying to assist a senior resident by cleaning up trash & debris off of the resident's front porch. Mel reached for a plastic trash bag on the porch to take to the curb when a swarm of bees, hiding inside of the bag, got agitated and came out to attack Mel. Fire/EMS responded and took him to the hospital where he succumbed to his injury. “Mayor O’Reilly and everyone at the City of Dearborn are devastated by the passing of Mr. Overwater. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all mourn the loss of an exceptional man and dedicated public servant.”

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Mel retired from Ford Motor Co. as a skilled mechanic and tradesman. For many years he served as a Reserve Police Officer where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. For the last 4 years he worked part-time in the Neighborhood Services Department as an Inspector. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Mel and his family immigrated to the United States in 1957. He lived in Dearborn for over 40 years. [News Article]

Hugo was diagnosed with Covid-19. After difficulty breathing, he was admitted to the ICU on April 25th. Since then, he has been placed on a ventilator. Hugo is a good, humble man with a great sense of humor. He is a grandfather of two boys, father of four and a brother.

Michael responded to the counter of the municipal building where he worked at 8:00 AM in the morning to assist a resident. Inspector Tripus was not associated to the mold case that the resident had at his property. The suspect, David Richard Green, was 73 years old and shot Inspector Tripus at the front counter.

Suspect David Green pleaded guilty, but mentally ill. He was sentenced to 20-40 years in prison.

Jill had an open case on a property for nuisance violations. She arrived at the property to meet with the property owner. The owner, Kevin Wayne Billings, was waiting in the driveway using a walker. Jill rolled her vehicle window down and he squirted lighter fluid inside the truck. She jumped out and the suspect pulled out a handgun from a bag on his walker and shot her. He executed her and set her body and truck on fire. He then set the neighbors house on fire before police arrived and took him into custody without incident. Her tragic murder was at the heart of launching CEOSF and the Foundations highest award. 

Kevin Billings was sentenced to life in prison.

Greg was fatally shot in the head while off-duty. It was an attempted carjacking by multiple suspects. The suspect was Deshaun K. Scott who was 17 years old.

All three suspects were sentenced to 22-35 years in prison.

Ross Township (PA) Zoning Officer David Fleetwood, 62, was murdered with 2 residents in a mass shooting at a Township meeting. The convicted suspect, Newell, had property maintenance issues spanning 18 years and in August 2012, a Judge ruled that the suspect had to leave the property. The suspect was armed with a rifle and handgun and opened fire at the Township meeting. Two men were able to tackle him, grab his weapon, and shoot him in the leg. He was arrested and convicted. He was sentenced to 3 life terms.

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​David Fleetwood had a 40 year career with IBM and was an Air Force veteran. He also served as an elected Township Supervisor of neighboring Chestnuthill Township.

Initially from Sacramento, California; Lisa started with the City of Tacoma in 1995. A fight broke out in front of her home while she was off-duty. She called 911 and stepped out onto her porch when she was struck by gunfire. Witnesses reported that as three young men fled in a car, the suspect Olujimi Blakeney, fired two shots from the front seat. Lisa, 40, was struck and passed away. 

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A 75 vehicle procession and over 1,000 residents gathered to pay respects at City Hall. The 26 year old suspect, Blakeney, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to over 61 years in prison.

Rodney responded to a zoning complaint at an apartment building where he was shot upon entering the building. Rodney was a prior NYPD Officer.

The suspect, Harry Denard Williams, was 22 years old and was sentenced to life without parole.

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Kathy had a 30 year law enforcement career. She was previously a juvenile probation officer. She served on her state association for Code Enforcement. She was on-duty driving her Sheriff F-150 to investigate a fire when an armored truck crossed over the road and struck her vehicle. Her truck caught fire and she was unable to escape. Thousands of people came to her memorial and there was a 20 mile procession made up of first responders and residents. Her name was added to the Fallen Officers wall in Washington, D.C.

Michael responded to a property to follow up on a complaint about trash in the yard. As he took photographs of the yard, he was approached by the property owner and his son. The son went back in the home to retrieve a handgun and came back out to shoot Michael 9 times.

The suspect, Adam Kelly Ward, was 22 years old and was executed on March 22, 2016.

Earl (44) went to do one last inspection for the day at a job site. While at the inspection, a worker named Joseph Kast (25 yrs old) stabbed Earl 4 times with a pocket knife.

The murderer, Joseph Allen Kast, was 25 years old at the time of the murder and on methamphetamine. He was arrested and admitted to murdering a 85 year old man less than 2 weeks prior to murdering Earl. Kast was found guilty, but mentally ill and sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Wright went to a car lot to issue a citation where he was shot by the business owner. The owner, Dale Mardis, was 57 years old and dismembered Wright’s body. He then disposed of the body by burning it and crushed in junkyard cars. The murder was racially motivated.

Dale Mardis was sentenced to life without parole. He also admitted to murdering another person three years prior.

Jean went to inspect a meat factory in San Leandro, California with three other inspectors. They had previously found health violations at the family run business. Stuart Alexander who was known as the “sausage king” was upset with the violations and enforcement. During the follow up inspection, Alexander shot Inspectors Tom Quadros, Jean Hillery, and Bill Shaline. As they were still breathing, he executed them. He then attempted to murder a fourth inspector who was able to get away. The murders were caught on surveillance footage.

Stuart Charles Alexander was convicted of the murders and sentenced to death on February 15, 2005. Alexander developed health problems and died on death row on December 27, 2005.

Tom went to inspect a meat factory in San Leandro, California with three other inspectors. They had previously found health violations at the family run business. Stuart Alexander who was known as the “sausage king” was upset with the violations and enforcement. During the follow up inspection, Alexander shot Inspectors Tom Quadros, Jean Hillery, and Bill Shaline. As they were still breathing, he executed them. He then attempted to murder a fourth inspector who was able to get away. The murders were caught on surveillance footage.

Stuart Charles Alexander was convicted of the murders and sentenced to death on February 15, 2005. Alexander developed health problems and died on death row on December 27, 2005.

Bill went to inspect a meat factory in San Leandro, California with three other inspectors. They had previously found health violations at the family run business. Stuart Alexander who was known as the “sausage king” was upset with the violations and enforcement. During the follow up inspection, Alexander shot Inspectors Tom Quadros, Jean Hillery, and Bill Shaline. As they were still breathing, he executed them. He then attempted to murder a fourth inspector who was able to get away. The murders were caught on surveillance footage.

Stuart Charles Alexander was convicted of the murders and sentenced to death on February 15, 2005. Alexander developed health problems and died on death row on December 27, 2005.

Don had been a St. Paul employee for over 25 years. He was less than a year from retirement and lived with his wife. He was also a volunteer firefirghter. Don had gone missing and was supposedly inspecting a property owned by James Jerome Jackson, who was 69 years old. Police arrested Jackson and he showed them the shallow grave of Inspector Juenemann.

The motive was not clear, but Jackson possibly believed he would be evicted. The City had not made any action to condemn the property or evict him.

Health Inspector Karel Van Noppen was shot in the neck and killed as a result of his investigation into an organized crime ring known as the “hormone mafia.” The hormone mafia is believed to be a shadowy group of traders in illegal animal hormones used by farmers who use the substance to fatten up their stock. Van Noppen had received threats for weeks prior to his murder. Responsible Group: Hormone Mafia.

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Disposition: No arrests have been made in the homicide of Karel Van Noppen. News article: Click Here

Cynthia had declared a rental unit uninhabitable and the owner, Robert Lezelle Courtney, beat her within inches of her life in the middle of the street. She took him to court where he was released on a $7,500 bail. The next day before the case resumed, Courtney went to Volpe’s house where he murdered her husband and mother. He then shot her four times, killing her. Her two children were able to escape harm.

Courtney led police on a pursuit which ended in a massive gun battle where he died. He was armed with three guns and chased by 32 Officers. It was later discovered that Courtney had murdered his two siblings and mother several decades before in Alaska. It is believed that he found out where she lived by getting DMV information from a friend.

Vincent was a resident and chairman of his towns newly created code enforcement board in Umatilla, FL. Professionally, he was a Zoning Officer for Lake County for about 1 year. The suspect had years of code violations at his property and had a history of threatening officials. In the 3 months leading up to the murder, Arthur Peschke, built an unpermitted bait shop next to his house. He met with officials who confirmed he would need to comply. He did not, and then began selling propane. Vincent then cited him for selling propane too close to the highway. Peschke then invited Vincent to his store to discuss a site plan. When Vincent entered the store, Peschke shot him point blank in the head and three more times in front of his 5 year old grandson. The gun and code case files on the bait store disappeared. Police responded due to calls from neighbors about hearing gunshots. 

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The 5 year old grandson of Peschke was the only witness and a plea bargain was made to only sentence Peschke to 17 years in prison due to the lack of witnesses and evidence. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Vincent Scanlon was 32 years old and left behind a wife and a three year old child.

Based on a 1989 article, he only ended up serving about 4 years due to time earned and multiplied for good behavior. He tried to fight his charge in 1987 claiming he did not understand what he agreed to and having a bad attorney. 

Tellier had contacted the carpenter in St Gabriel to check the labor card of the carpenter and his helper when a heated argument developed. Beausoleil, the carpenter, was reported to have left his shop, walked to his truck and pulled out a 12 gauge shotgun. He returned to the building and ordered both his helper and Tellier out of his shop and off his premises. Police said Beausoleil admitted shoving the barrel of the shotgun into the back of Tellier forcing him to move along towards the door. As he did so the gun reportedly went off hitting Tellier in the back at close range. Unknown disposition. 

Motive was revenge because Walker’s report on one of the suspects houses led to the city zoning boards refusal to grant him a variance so he could turn it into a duplex. 

Suspect: Albert N. Burke, 43. Weapon used was a handgun.

Released due to lack of evidence. Unknown if case was solved. 

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"Indications that the murder of Las Vegas' Senior Building Inspector Reed Walker stemmed from building code violations he was about to report - or had already reported - mounted yesterday in data from reliable sources in city hall."

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"Reed and Leila (his wife, who also works for the city, as a blueprint operator in the Public Works Dept.) were very happy together since they married about two years ago," said a source who knew them both very well for four years, "and they were always together nights." Walker's hobby was rock-collecting, "and Leila was once looking for rocks to trim her trailer yard, and that brought them together. Reed was very kind and well-liked," the source added. Article: Click Here

Health Inspector Charles Askew was shot and killed while posting a sign on a house that was declared unsanitary. Two other inspectors were with Askew who were also shot and injured. A police officer was with the health inspectors during the contact but was not injured. The perpetrator, Oscar McCarley, the 71-year-old landlord fired a total of 5 rounds. McCarley operated a number of apartment buildings which had been condemned by the city. He was sentenced to 8 years prison.  McCarley said that he has no guilty conscience and that he is glad he killed Charles Askew. Weapon used was a shotgun.

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Disposition: Sentenced to 8 years prison

Stanley Bargel, a tailor, became infuriated by an order to clean up his shop which had been declared a fire hazard resulting in him shooting and killing Fire Inspector Braden. Bargel turned his weapon on himself and committed suicide.  Weapon used was a handgun.

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Honored on the Kansas Firefighters Association wall: Click Here

Building Inspector Madden was killed by a restaurant owner who mistook him and two policeman for gangsters. Madden and the police officers were pursuing three men who a few minutes earlier fired at the restaurant owner. Weapon used was a shotgun.

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Suspects: Crawford Wilson, 40, his son Frank Wilson, 17 and Eddie Price, 49 were acquitted of murder.