U.P. Man Appointed to State Fire Safety Board

Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed John Enkemann, Donald Hicks, Ralph Hodek, Richard Miller, Kassandra Renneberg and Leslie Rodwell to the State Fire Safety Board.

The board develops fire safety rules covering the construction, operation and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, prisons, state owned and leased facilities and other public buildings.

“The appointees will provide the board with their experience, talents and skill. I look forward to their support in continuing to ensure Michigan’s public buildings and workers are properly equipped for fire safety,” Snyder said.

Among the six, Ralph Hodek, of Houghton. He is an associate professor of civil engineering at Michigan Technological University. He is a past chair of the Michigan Board of Professional Engineers and a previous member of the Michigan Board of Land Surveyors. Hodek earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, a master’s degree from Michigan Tech and a PhD in geotechnical engineering from Purdue University. He will represent professional engineers and replaces Earl Howard.

Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring July 15, 2015. The appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.