Edwin T. Viglione Named 2025 Frontline Hero of the Year

Edwin T. Viglione, 2025 Excellence in Facility Management Frontline Hero of the Year Award recipient

NPS

For more than 20 years, Edwin T. "Ed" Viglione has been the steady hand behind the scenes at Western Arctic National Parklands, keeping things running no matter the weather, the hour, or the challenge. This year, we’re proud to recognize Ed with the 2025 Director’s Excellence Award for Facility Management – Frontline Hero of the Year.

Ed is the go-to guy. He’s not just a skilled maintenance worker, he’s the heart of the department. Whether it’s responding to emergencies or mentoring the next generation of maintenance professionals, Ed leads with humility, kindness, and a relentless commitment to getting the job done right.

That dedication was on full display this past year during a major boiler failure in staff housing. While others worked on a long-term fix, Ed jumped in with a temporary solution—and then kept it running, often after hours, so employees wouldn’t be left in the cold. It wasn’t part of his shift. He just did it - because people needed him, and that’s who he is.

In the past year, Ed has led apartment renovations, coordinated exterior painting projects, responded to a sewer system failure after hours, and still found time to mentor high school students in the trades. He checks on systems before problems arise, often without being asked or logging extra hours. It’s never about credit—it’s about care.

His colleagues admire his willingness to pitch in on any task, big or small, and his calm presence in tough situations. He doesn’t just fix things—he builds trust, keeps people safe, and makes the park a better place to live and work.

Ed’s work might not always be in the spotlight, but it touches every corner of the park. His quiet leadership, deep knowledge, and above-and-beyond attitude make him exactly the kind of professional this award was meant to honor.

Please join us in congratulating Ed Viglione, our 2025 Frontline Hero of the Year - a true example of service, dedication, and heart.