When it comes to keeping America’s commercial aircraft safe from fire hazards, Constantine P. “Gus” Sarkos is the man.

As the leader of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Fire Safety Branch, Sarkos and his team work to improve cabin and cargo safety of the nation’s aircraft and thereby help protect the lives of airline passengers.

“Gus Sarkos does the science that becomes the fire-safety standards adopted by the whole world,” said Dennis Filler, director of the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Sarkos and his team’s recent work includes studying and reporting on the potential risks posed by flammable materials and lighters. This led to the Department of Transportation prohibiting non-rechargeable metal lithium batteries in the cargo holds of passenger jets.

For his ongoing work at identifying fire risks on aircraft and protecting air travelers from harm, the Partnership for Public Service recently named Sarkos a finalist for the 2015 Citizens Services Medal. The award recognizes federal employees who have made important contributions in the area of citizens services. This includes economic development, health care, education, housing, labor and transportation.

Getting to know Constantine P. Sarkos

Federal News Radio asked each of the Sammies finalists questions about themselves. Here are Sarkos’ responses:

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?

Delegate, trust, reward

 What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

My father encouraged me to work in my free time when I was growing up in order to fund my college education, which was feasible in those days.  I started selling newspapers when I was 10. He also believed that any work or job was worthy, and that you should always do your very best, and that all workers should be respected no matter the nature of their work or profession.  He was a Greek immigrant who came to this country with $25 in his pocket.

Who is your greatest role model and why?

My father is my role model because of the values he instilled in me regarding family responsibilities, hard work, pride in your heritage and devotion to your religion.  These values were conveyed to me quietly by his consistent and gentlemanly behavior.

 What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?

“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand and “Letters from Iwo Jima” by Kumiko Kakehashi

 Who would you most like to have lunch with and why?

Ray Romano from “Everybody Loves Raymond”.  To compare notes on what it was like growing up.  To thank him for the healthy laughter from watching his shows.  To thank him for placing everyday family “problems” in a comedy venue which I think places these matters in a proper perspective.

The Citizen Services Medal is just one of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) presented annually by the Partnership for Public Service. View a photo gallery of all the Sammies nominees.

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