Mattapoisett building inspector Andrew Bobola has been named Building Inspector of the Year by his peer group, the Southeastern Massachusetts Building Officials Association.

The award, which Bobola said took him completely by surprise, was presented at the Holiday Inn in Taunton at a regular meeting of the group. Bobola's family and Mattapoisett town administrator Mike Gagne had been tipped off and were also in attendance.

"It's a great honor for Andy and for the town and he certainly earned it," Gagne said.

Bobola was the 15th recipient of the annual award and was selected by a panel composed of the 14 previous winners.

The award was given in "recognition of achievements in furthering safety through the promotion of sound building regulations" the award plaque read.

"That's what it's all about," said Bobola, who has been on the job in Mattapoisett for 23 years. "I know the building inspector can be seen as a thorn in the side by some people. There's pressure sometimes, but at the end of the day, I want to go home knowing that I haven't signed off on something that might come down on someone's family."

Bobola received the award from the president of the International Code Council, Ronald Lynn of Dallas, Texas. The ICC is the national association that develops codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings.

"It's nice to be recognized by the people who know what it's like to do this job every day," Bobola said.