The Fire & Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Code Council jointly presented its highest honor, the 2016 Excellence in Fire and Safety Award, to retired industry leader and longtime ICC supporter Jim Tidwell. The award was given at a ceremony last week during Fire-Rescue International in San Antonio, Texas.
The Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award recognizes men and women each year who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through the development of codes, fire-prevention practices and leadership techniques.
"Jim's dedication to the profession, ICC, public safety and fire prevention made him an industry icon, and this honor reflects the lasting impact his presence has had on the profession," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims. Jim is credited with the adoption of the International Fire Code in 42 states at the state or local level, and in Washington, D.C.
Tidwell, who retired in 2009 as Deputy Senior Vice President of Government Relations with ICC, began his tenure at the Code Council in 2003, and is credited with developing the association's fire services programs, and then helping guide the transformation of the Government Relations function into a team of experts from multiple disciplines.
Tidwell also served on the first ICC Board of Directors and the International Conference of Building Official's board. He was a 30-year veteran of the Fort Worth Fire Department where he served in every rank including Chief. He participated in a number of fire-related activities and organizations, including the ICC Fire Code Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute and its National Advisory Committee. |
