The International Code Council took advantage of Building Safety Week, May 5-11, at the its Washington, D.C. headquarters to honor Ravi Shah, director of urban development for the city of Carrollton, Texas, and the New York City Buildings Department, represented by buildings commissioner Patricia Lancaster, with the first-ever ICC “Raising the Profile Awards.”
    Shah garnered the honor for his efforts in the creation of the Building Officials Association of Texas Best Practices Award, and exposing students to building codes by encouraging youth to consider a career as a “first preventer,” the officials who ensure codes are followed to save lives and protect property. Shah also provided support to establish the International Accreditation Service Building Department Accreditation Program.
    The New York City Buildings Department was honored for numerous programs to improve public safety including the Scaffold Safety Team, Worker Outreach Program, Excavations Team and Special Enforcement Team. Each program contributes to the safety, service and integrity of the department, its employees, and the residents and visitors of New York City.