Falcone Presented Community Service Award
Recipient made building safety his profession for more than 25 years working for jurisdictions and in the private sector.
 
Left to right: International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland, Board Immediate Past President Jimmy Brothers, Community Service Award recipient Tony Falcone, and Board Member and Awards Committee Chairman Gregori Anderson.
 
Tony Falcone, who has made building safety his profession for more than 25 years working for jurisdictions and in the private sector, was presented the Code Council's Community Service Award during Wednesday's Awards Luncheon at the 2011 ICC Annual Conference in Phoenix.

The Community Service Award recognizes meritorious service that promotes public health, safety and welfare above and beyond the normal expectations. Falcone was recognized for his development of an elementary school outreach program.

"Tony has visited with more than 2,400 first-, second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students to teach them about the important role building safety professionals play in saving lives," Awards Committee Chairman Gregori Anderson said. "The presentation creates a positive image of building safety professionals. The program receives rave reviews from teachers and parents. Parents especially seem to appreciate the knowledge, reminders and assistance the junior inspectors bring home."

"This honor is about the children," Falcone said. "What's interesting is when you ask our elementary school kids what a policeman does or what a fireman does, they're really sharp and they're quick with their answers. But when you ask them about a building inspector or building professional, it's like looking at a deer in the headlights.

"That's when I really know that this is something we need to focus on," Falcone continued. "I think we do need to put some energy toward our public outreach and our kids. Imagine a new generation growing up knowing that we truly are quiet heroes out there, protecting their lives every day."