Retired Fire Chief Charlie Miller Remembered for Professionalism
Park City, Utah, Construction Tally Is Best Since 2008
Ahrens Hired as Director of Building Inspections in Knoxville, Tenn.
 
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Retired Fire Chief Charlie Miller Remembered for Professionalism

Retired Fire Chief Charles (Charlie) Miller died February 2; he was 74.

Chief Miller served in the U.S. Navy from 1958–1961, and began his career in the fire service shortly afterwards as a Shrewsbury fireman from 1961–1963. His career with the Clayton Fire Department began February 1, 1963. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1970 and to the rank of Fire Marshal in 1971. In 1995, Miller was promoted to the rank of Fire Chief where he served until his retirement on February 1, 1999. He continued his contributions to the industry as Code Enforcement Research Coordinator for St. Louis County, from 1999–2005.

"Charlie was a good friend and was very well respected in the fire service," said Thomas (Skip) Gauldin, Inspector at Missouri Emergency Response Commission. "His professionalism made St. Louis County a much safer place to live and work."

A Past President of the Missouri Association of Building Officials and Inspectors (MABOI), Miller also served as a Board Member of the International Code Council legacy code organization Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA). He was a founding member and instructor of the Greater St. Louis County Fire Academy, and a founding member of the Missouri Fire Marshal's Association.

"I always enjoyed working with Charlie on MABOI issues and BOCA issues," said MABOI Past President John Morgan, Building and Zoning Administrator Frontenac. "He contributed greatly to the fire and building codes and was dedicated to life safety. I enjoyed spending time with Charles at MABOI and BOCA events. My heart goes out to Joan and the family."

Miller is survived by wife Joan; children Christine, Edward and Daniel; and grandchildren Taylor, Nicole, Michael, Alex, Taylor Nicole, Maddie, Logan, Kaitlyn and Tyler.

Memorials in Miller's name can be made to Backstoppers or Responder Rescue.
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Park City, Utah, Construction Tally Is Best Since 2008

Numbers do not match the pre-recession era, but 2013 was a comeback year.

Park City's bellwether construction industry in 2013 enjoyed its best year since 2008, as measured by dollar value, the Park City Building Department indicated in its year-end report.

The industry throughout last year posted solid numbers as property owners put up new buildings or renovated or expanded existing ones. Last year was seen as somewhat of a comeback year for the construction industry even if the numbers did not approach the record-setting years between the 2002 Winter Olympics and the onset of the recession.

According to the report, the Building Department in 2013 issued permits with a combined value of nearly $75.5 million, up from the $63.4 million in value tallied in 2012. The figure last year nearly doubled from the worst year since the end of a construction boon in 2008. The industry in 2011 posted approximately $40.9 million. Continue reading story
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Ahrens Hired as Director of Building Inspections in Knoxville, Tenn.

A 38-year-old Virginia Tech graduate who's worked as a building inspector and building official in Virginia and Pennsylvania and who ran his own commercial construction company has been hired as the City of Knoxville's Director of Building Inspections. Peter M. Ahrens is an International Code Council Master Code Professional — the Council's highest level of certification, held by only about 800 select experts in the United States.

"This is an amazing opportunity," Ahrens said. "We'll be looking for ways to increase efficiency and consistency with City of Knoxville plan reviews and inspections as we enhance customer service. From a personal standpoint, it's a step up. I was looking to grow professionally, in a progressive and growing area."

Ahrens has more than 14 years of experience in building code application and enforcement. In Franklin County, Va., as the chief building official, he implemented new technologies, repositioned staff and revised office practices to dramatically increase the number of reviews and inspections, increase efficiency and save tax dollars.

"Peter will be a great fit here," said Christi Branscom, the city's Chief Operating Officer and Deputy to the Mayor. "We're looking forward to benefiting from his expertise and management style. I am pleased to report also that Tom Reynolds will remain in the position of Deputy Director for the department." Continue reading story
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