U.S. General Services Administration
Al Antonio is setting the standard for fire protection excellence
Region 8’s fire protection engineer, Al Antonio, was awarded the prestigious Colorado Federal Executive Board (CFEB) Employee of the Year award at a ceremony in Centennial, Colorado on May 14. This honor acknowledges his exemplary performance in enhancing operational efficiency, providing critical support during emergencies, and demonstrating unparalleled technical expertise that has significantly impacted GSA’s regional operations.
Antonio was recognized for exceptional performance and proactive responses to emergencies across our six-state region, which includes Colorado, Montana, North and South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. His innovative approach to problem-solving was particularly evident in three catastrophic events this year: the fire-line break at the Alfred A. Arraj Federal Courthouse, the water main break at the DFC Building 48, and the shipping container fire at the Denver Federal Center (DFC). In each of these incidents, Antonio’s ability to think on his feet and implement effective solutions not only safeguarded lives and property but also ensured the continuity of critical operations for GSA and its multiple customers and tenants.
Antonio’s consistent high-level performance across multiple incidents underscores his versatility and capability to handle a wide range of tasks and duties. He has showcased an exceptional ability to excel in various roles, from incident command to technical coordination and liaising with external emergency services, while demonstrating his dedication to operational support.
His unique ability to maintain grace under pressure, build coalitions with customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders, and his evident business acumen, make him a standout in his field. Antonio’s confidence and technical expertise inspire trust, allowing others to feel secure when he is making fast but critical decisions that affect life and property. His leadership has not only protected our customers’ core missions but also enhanced overall customer satisfaction through efficient and effective problem resolution.
GSA’s multiple field offices have widely acknowledged Antonio’s technical expertise in fire protection engineering. His contributions during emergencies, such as the Arraj Federal Courthouse incident, have been pivotal in improving core mission operations. Field offices have recognized and commended Antonio for his expertise, showcasing the positive impact of his technical knowledge on operational success. His leadership during emergencies has been acknowledged by customers and multiple teams, divisions, and directors within GSA. Whether dealing with the Arraj Federal Courthouse, DFC Building 48, or the Denver Federal Center incident, Antonio’s dedication and expertise have received recognition at various organizational levels.
Antonio’s unwavering commitment, quick thinking, and technical excellence made him an ideal recipient of the CFEB Employee of the Year Award. His actions have not only safeguarded GSA’s and customer agency operations but have also set a standard for excellence and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Regional Administrator Denise Maes and Region 8 Facilities Management Director Mike Casper attended the CFEB awards ceremony.