Code Enforcement Efforts in Montgomery Garner Second National Award

For the second time in a little over a month, code enforcement efforts in Montgomery are receiving recognition on the national level.  

On October 30th, the Village of Montgomery was recognized by the American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) for outstanding marketing of the code enforcement profession.  

Just last month, Montgomery Code Enforcement Officer Laura Rouse-DeVore gained national recognition when she was named Gerald H. Jones “Code Official of the Year” by the International Code Council (ICC).  She is the first individual from the State of Illinois and the first female ever to receive this prestigious honor. 

Improving life in Montgomery

Laura Rouse-DeVore was hired by the Village of Montgomery as the Village’s part-time code enforcement officer in 2012.  

Shortly after, Rouse-DeVore set out under Building Inspections Supervisor Mike Klupar’s leadership to implement new public education initiatives, recommend code revisions to Village ordinances, and enhance public education regarding code enforcement concerns through the Village’s website, social media and various community group presentations.  

“We are fortunate to have such a high level of professionalism in our code enforcement staff in Montgomery,” Village President Matt Brolley said. “We see code enforcement as an essential contributor to quality of life, public safety, and community-wide economic development efforts.”

A national honor and a new role

The success of the Village’s code enforcement staff and their public education initiatives is resonating nationally.  

Rouse-DeVore was recently elected to serve as 1st Vice President of AACE, a role that she will fill in addition to her current role as President of the Illinois Association of Code Enforcement (IACE).  She was sworn in for her three-year term on October 30, 2013.  Rouse-DeVore said she is committed to raise the level of professionalism and awareness of the field of code enforcement and take Montgomery’s public education initiatives to the next level.  

“Code Enforcement Officials have great potential to make a difference in their communities,” said Rouse-DeVore. “I hope that my achievements in Montgomery are an example of how Code Enforcement Officers can serve and influence a municipality and community in a positive way.”     

Provided by the Village of Montgomery