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Code Official Murdered - Ohio

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 code violations at his property on 7/20. He walked into the Building Department on Friday at approximately 1:20pm local time and asked for David. When David approached the counter, Biesiada pulled out a handgun and shot him 3 times, killing him. The suspect then set the handgun down on the counter and walked out to the front of the building where he waited for Police to arrive. He was arrested without further incident and faces a $15 million bond. The Police Department stated that they would assign a Police Officer at City Hall for the foreseeable future.


"According to records filed in the North Royalton Mayor’s Court, Smerek filed a citation against Biesiada on July 20 for a violation of “Condition of Exterior of Premises & Structures,” a low-level misdemeanor charge."


Comments streaming in about Building Commissioner David Smerek:


"This past Friday, the streets of heaven gained an angel," Mayor Paul Marnecheck told the crowd during the vigil.


"The loss of a man described as the kind of public servant who made a city better was even tougher to take for those who knew Smerek well."


"He was willing to talk with you. He was always fair. He was reasonable. He was patient. He was exactly what you would want in a public servant."


References:



Statement from Foundation President Timothy Sun - "My heart breaks for this building commissioner who was murdered last week doing what Code/Municipal Law Enforcement Officers do on a daily basis. This was all over simple trash/debris. It reminds me of the Jill Robinson murder.


Unfortunately, most city and county leaders, along with those responsible for overseeing Code/Municipal Law Enforcement divisions, fail to recognize the serious dangers that plague the Code/Municipal Law Enforcement profession.


Thoughts and prayers to Commissioner Smerek's family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.


'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Matthew 5:4


Please help the Foundation raise awareness regarding the dangers of the profession. Something has got to change. My hope is that all International Code Council (ICC) Chapters take a moment of silence at their next chapter meeting and raise awareness of the dangers of our profession. Stay safe and stay alert out there, everyone."


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The Foundation has received several other reported incidents from stalking to death threats within a week of this incident. We will honor and remember the life of Building Commissioner David Smerek!


The Foundation has partnered with the International Code Council, American Association of Code Enforcement, and numerous state associations to promote officer safety and raise awareness of the risks our profession faces. David, you will not be forgotten!

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