Closing in on retirement, Alachua County head building official Phil Dunnington recently won some recognition from the construction industry.

During a December 11 banquet, the Builders Association of North Central Florida, a trade organization with 630 member companies, recognized Dunnington as the public official for 2009 who has contributed to responsibility in government.

The association recognizes a government employee each year with the award.

"Phil is very fair in interpreting the building code and has been instrumental in fostering a spirit of cooperation between the building industry and the building department," Adam Bolton, president of the association, said in a news release. "Although he is tough on the job site, you know you are always going to be treated fairly. He is known as a straight-up guy and a pleasure to work with."

Dunnington has worked in the Building Department 12 years and will retire at the end of the year.