City Building Inspector earns International Meritorious Service Award

City Building Inspector Lucas Pump earned recognition from the International Code Council (ICC) by receiving the Meritorious Service Award during the ICC Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

The award is presented to "an individual who has given unselfishly of time and talent in furthering the development of ICC codes and standards."

As he accepted the award, Pump thanked his colleagues at the City as well as the Iowa Association of Building Officials, where he serves as Chair of the Code Development Committee.

"To be recognized in a field as vital and complex as the code industry is truly humbling," Pump said. "Every day, our work ensures that communities are safer, structures are sound, and lives are protected, often without fanfare or spotlight. And that's what makes this so special. This award shines a light on not only the work that I have done, but our larger mission of building a safer, more resilient world."

An employee with the City since 2009, Pump is also a member of multiple state committees and councils. He says he was inspired during a training session early in his career, where the instructor encouraged participants to actively work to make building codes better.

"People think building codes are just made in a dark room somewhere, but it's actually a very public process and anyone can take part in it," he says. "That's why I began going to hearings. If I saw something that didn't make sense, or could be simpler, I would ask, 'Why don't we change this?' I'm really proud that I have been able to make an impact that way."

During its 2025 Annual Conference, the ICC recognized more than a dozen individuals and organizations within the building safety industry who stand as examples of industry excellence.

"We deeply appreciate the commitment and contributions of our members and partner organizations, whose efforts continue to strengthen the safety, sustainability and resilience of our communities and the built environment," said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer of the ICC. "It's an honor to recognize the 2025 award recipients for their outstanding achievements."

Learn more about the ICC Awards Program here. Learn more about the City's Code Enforcement division here.