The City of Gig Harbor announced and congratulated Dick Bower, Gig Harbor Building and Fire Safety director, winner of the Washington State Building Official (WABO) of the Year award.

WABO is a statewide nonprofit association dedicated to enforcement and administration of building codes and ordinances. The Building Official of the Year Award is given to a member who makes significant contribution to building safety at a statewide level. Bower’s dedication to safety and emergency management in Gig Harbor and throughout the state, is well known and now recognized by his peers.

“There are a lot of building officials in this state, so this is a big honor and well deserved,” said Gig Harbor City Administrator Rob Karlinsey. “Dick has made a lot of contributions to his profession and has shown a great deal of leadership.”