Officer Safety & Certification

In this episode we speak with Sophia and Jessica who both pushed for body armor and more protections at their agencies in different states. After several years on the job and having life threatening incidents, they were persistent with their supervisors and union to improve workplace safety. We discussed how code enforcement has changed in the last decade, lack of support, real incidents, risk management being MIA, mental health, and advice for others. 

In this episode, Justin speaks with Jeanette, Wayne, and Andrew about mental health and the growing need for peer support. The group started a Facebook group called the Code Enforcement and Animal Control Peer Support Services.The conversation covers the reasons behind stigma and how to discuss mental health. You are not alone, reach out for help! 

In this episode, we discuss officer safety on the job and how Jessica got involved with CEOSF. She goes into detail about threats she has received, taking the Code Official Safety Specialist training, and why she joined CEOSF to help the profession. 

Justin talks with the Foundation's new Executive Director, Aleksandra, about her background and why she wanted to be a part of the mission. They discuss the Code Official Safety Specialist training, fallacies, professionalism, and a joint effort with ICC, AACE, NACA, and CEOSF. 

In this episode, host Justin Edson speaks with James Straws from Indiana. James has an extensive 45 year career and knew Earl Bowman who was murdered in 2002. Since then James has worked hard to honor Earl by creating an award through the Indiana Association of Building Officials (IABO) where he currently serves as President. We will not forget!

We discuss how often times agencies combine Code Enforcement and Animal Control in the same role. We hear from Jeanette who is a Lead Code Enforcement Officer and Animal Control Officer in Colorado who was also an EMT, 911 dispatcher, Victim Advocate, and ACO. The discussion touches on officer safety with animals and owners, COSS training and her opinion of it, and supporting each other in this profession. 

Host Justin Edson sits down to speak with Scott Kirshner, President of Dedicated Threat Solutions, LLC to speak about the ICC Credential of Learning Achievement for Code Official Safety. 

Justin interviews Kirk L. Palmer from Georgia about his experience with sovereign citizens. He has over 26 years experience in law enforcement and currently serves as a Code Compliance Supervisor of a County in Georgia. Kirk is an Officer Safety Instructor for the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE). He is also an active contributor to the Officer Safety Newsletter. Kirk holds a Master’s Level Certificate from the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Officials, POST Field Training Officer Certificate, as well as an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

On this episode of the Lifeline Podcast, our host Justin Edson discusses California SB 296 with Matt Silver. Matt is the 2nd Vice President of the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers and spearheaded this successful bill. 

On this episode, our host Justin Edson, speaks with Eric Lutz who is the Director and Building Official of a municipality in South Carolina. He is also attending the inaugural Code Official Safety Specialist certification program. They discuss the certification program and ideas for officer safety.