Since 1932, we have confirmed 24 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; report...

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 code violations...

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