Building Inspector Kendall earns Legacy Certification

Nights, weekends, and lunch hours are usually spent with family and friends. But since he was hired by the City of Coeur d'Alene in September 2006, Building Inspector Raymond Kendall has spent most of his free time earning the Legacy Certification - a distinction that makes him a better building inspector, which makes our city a safer place to live.

We don't often think of building inspectors as people who guard our safety and well-being. They don't wear a common uniform. They don't holster a gun or carry hose, and the worst ticket they can write is a "Stop Work" notice. But in fact, their training, perception, and knowledge of building codes are what keep people and property safe, every day and night.

Standardization and enforcement of building codes ensure that sound building practices are followed when structures are built. What Raymond Kendall earned this past June will enable him to better enforce those standards, providing security for all who live or visit here.

What does it mean to earn the Legacy Certification? The International Code Council Legacy Certification Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge about a broad spectrum of building codes, across many jurisdictions. Legacy Certifications grew out of a need to recognize individuals who were not only ICC Certified, but also certified in uniform codes, standards and practices, and certified under the jurisdiction of additional codes and agencies.

"The achievement of the Legacy Certification goes above and beyond the normal requirements of Raymond's position," said Building Services Director Ed Wagner. "He spent a great deal of his personal time - it's a reflection of his professional commitment as an inspector."

By doing the work required to earn the Legacy Certification, Raymond is better equipped to examine structures and require compliance with numerous building codes - mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. - codes that make the places we visit and dwell, habitable and secure.

He ensures that provisions are in place so that firefighters, as well as police, can do their jobs more effectively and confidently, knowing they are safe. By ensuring that private and public places are in compliance with the Life/Safety provisions of building codes, the very people who are charged with serving and protecting our citizens are able to keep their sworn oaths.

For example, in many commercial spaces, fire separations are required to reduce the spread of a blaze. During his inspections, Raymond assesses compliance with a variety of these Life/Safety requirements - which may mean the difference between a building that is damaged by flames and can be reconstructed, and one that is a total loss fire.

Currently, there are only 300 individuals in the entire U.S. holding Legacy Combination Inspector certifications. Raymond is also one of only 25 individuals in the entire U.S. holding the following complement of Legacy and ICC Code Certifications:

Building Inspector - UBC

Building Plans Examiner - UBC

Certified Building Code Official

Certified Building Official

Combination Inspector - Legacy

Electrical Inspector NEC & ICC

Mechanical Inspector - UMC

Plumbing Inspector - UPC

With eight more ICC Certifications in addition to the above Legacy Certifications, and with two more ICC Certifications (currently being processed), Raymond will soon hold 21 certifications. He continues to strive for excellence by working to increase his knowledge in the building industry field in his spare time.