It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of Jill Robinson, one of our proud professionals. This tragic, violent and senseless act leaves us code professionals stunned and distraught for her family, co-workers and all that grew to love her. She had been working code for over a decade. We have links to the news below.
 
Unfortunately, code officers are threatened, assaulted and killed in the line of duty. There have been many code officers killed in the line of duty in the past. Code officers are tasked with many different layers of enforcement that is perceived to be in direct conflict with the rights of property owners. What is misconstrued is that regulatory means are the key to ensuring and securing the desired the quality of life cycle for present and future communities. This tragedy is a wakeup call to everyone that enforces the codes and ordinances in their communities.
 
Although saddened by this loss, code officers will continue to serve the citizens in a fashion that represents a fair and equitable balance of the owners' rights and maintaining an appropriate level of safe housing that meets the minimum standards esthetically, structurally and in accordance to the municipality's ordinances. Thank you Jill for serving your community. You will forever be in our hearts.
 
On behalf of the AACE Board of Directors and Management team, our hearts are with all of you as you feel the impact of this tragic event.
 
With Sadness,
Kelvin Beene
American Association of Code Enforcement President
In The News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZrMVDeN49o

(KUTV) -- Kevin Wayne Billings, 64, has been arrested for aggravated arson and murder in the first degree after allegedly starting fires and shooting a woman in West Valley City, according to a probable cause statement.
The homeowner of the West Valley home said he heard what he thought were gunshots, as well as an "explosion" coming from his basement as it lit on fire, according to the PC statement.
He later told police that he believed his home was targeted by the suspect.
Officials found a deceased female in the driveway of the home. The victim, Jill Robinson, was an unarmed code enforcement officer for West Valley City and was performing her duties when she was killed. According to a PC statement, it looked like the victim had been shot at least one time.
This wasn't the first time Billings and Robinson have come in contact. Robinson had previous dealings with Billings regarding code enforcement issues at his residence, the PC statement claimed.
Several witnesses told police they saw Billings pouring, what they believed to be gasoline, around the home as Robinson's body lay motionless on the ground.
Billings was taken into custody a short distance away from the scene.
Police searched Billings home and found an assault-style rifle, a handgun, boltcutters, a propane torch and gas containers.
Investigators found a large hole cut in the fence between the suspect's home and the victim's home.
Arson investigators one scene determined that there was no competent ignition source in the area where the fire started to indicate an accidental fire was set, according to the PC statement. Officials believe that the deck in the victim's backyard was the targeted area.
He has been arrested for aggravated arson, a first-degree felony; aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; and arson, a second-degree felony.
Billings is being held without bail.