Auburn Building Official attains Master Code Professional designation
Published 2:27 pm Thursday, July 21, 2011
Auburn Building Official Rick Hopkins recently attained the designation of Master Code Professional from the International Code Council – the highest level of certification the organization offers.
Hopkins (pictured) is one of nine people in the state and one of 301 in the world to earn the certification, which requires and demonstrates commitment to the profession, diverse knowledge of codes and a high level of self-initiative.
To obtain the designation, Hopkins had to obtain the following certifications from the International Code Council: Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner; Building Inspector; Building Plans Examiner; Certified Building Code Official; Certified Building Official; Certified Fire Code Official; Combination Inspector; Combination Inspector – Legacy; Commercial Mechanical Inspector; Electrical Inspector; Fire Inspector I; Fire Inspector II; Fire Plans Examiner; Mechanical Inspector; Mechanical Inspector UMC; Plumbing Inspector; Plumbing Inspector; UPC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner; and Residential Plans Examiner.
Hopkins, who has been a public sector building professional for 22 years, has served as building official for almost 15 years. He has been Auburn’s building official since December 2008. Previously, he has served as the building official for the City of Richland, the assistant building official for the City of Bend, Ore., and senior plans examiner for the City of Moreno Valley, Calif.
“Attaining the certification of Master Code Professional represents a significant accomplishment that speaks volumes about Rick,” said Jeff Tate, the City’s Development Services manager and Hopkins’ supervisor. “He instills a sense of pride and professionalism that is contagious amongst his colleagues, and his knowledge of code and building principles is unmatched. He is an invaluable resource to staff, contractors, homeowners and the general community.”
The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit membership organization, established in 1994, dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. ICC develops the codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools.
“Rick’s commitment to his profession and continuing education and skill development greatly benefits the City,” said Kevin Snyder, City Planning and Development Department director. “Rick’s multiple and varied certifications provide him with the knowledge and creativity to be a problem solver for our clients. I congratulate Rick on his Master Code Professional designation.”
