Johnston County Building Inspectors Earn Statewide Award for Hurricane Helene Response

For Immediate Release:  September 11, 2025

 

Smithfield, North Carolina - For their service after Hurricane Helene, Johnston County’s Building Inspections Department received the Barry Gupton Award, a major honor from the North Carolina Building Inspectors' Association (NCBIA).

The award is presented to individuals or organizations that show exceptional commitment to advancing State Building Codes and supporting communities in times of need. Johnston County was recognized for deploying 11 building inspectors to Western North Carolina, where they conducted safety assessments and helped residents and businesses begin rebuilding.

Adding to this recognition, Johnston County's Director of Inspections, Shane Hudson, was elected as Area 5 director for the NCBIA earlier this year. In this role, he will help guide building standards and strengthen support for inspectors serving communities across North Carolina. 

Johnston County Building Inspectors pictured are:
(back left to right): Austin Tart, James Sanders, Todd Barbee, Russell Reeves, Allen Cook, Michael Piper
(front left to right): Andy House, Stacy Strickland, Preston Batten, Shane Hudson, Josh Gainey