Coleman Recipient of Prestigious ICC President’s Award

Former California State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman was the recipient of the prestigious ICC President’s Award during the 2009 International Code Council Annual Conference and Code Development Hearings in Baltimore, Maryland. The award is presented at the discretion of Code Council Board of Directors President. Out-going Board President Adolf Zubia honored Coleman for his 40-plus years of dedication and service to the building safety and fire prevention industry.

“It has been well understood that Benjamin Franklin was the nation’s first fire chief,” said Zubia, who also serves as Fire Chief for the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. “But I would like to add, without a doubt, that our nation’s all-time best fire chief is Ronny J. Coleman. Not only is he the best fire chief in the nation, serving as a fire service diplomat, but he is a true, patient gentleman, and a person I consider a great leader and mentor.”

Throughout his career, Coleman has been an advocate for the adoptions and enforcement of building and fire safety codes as measures to protect communities in the United States and around the globe.

“Ronny played an instrumental role in having the International Codes adopted as the basis for California’s building and fire safety codes, and he continues to be a strong advocate for our codes today,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland. “While we celebrate and congratulate Ronny on his 40-plus year career, we look forward to his continued service and dedication to our industry.”

Coleman also served as Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and was Fire Chief for the cities of Fullerton and San Clemente, California, along with serving as Operations Chief for the Costa Mesa, California, Fire Department. He currently is President of the Fire and Emergency Television Network and the National Fire Heritage Center, an organization dedicated to preserving important fire service historical documents writings. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.