Keeping an eye on facilities at all times saved a Denver building
In the early hours on a summer Friday morning, Denver, Colorado, senior night area manager Jesus Corral and night area manager Alejandro Bernal were completing final checks in a commercial building their team supports when they noticed the smell of burning plastic and wires somewhere in the building.
“We were still learning the building, but we knew that something was wrong,” Bernal said.
As the two searched for the source of the concerning smell, the lobby began to fill with smoke. Escalating the search for the origin, they discovered a light fixture had fallen from the ceiling in the building engineer’s office, starting a fire and triggering the smoke alarms.
Without hesitation, the two sprang into action. After locating a fire extinguisher, they put out the flames, alerted Denver General Manager Alejandro Ramirez and the property manager, and then stayed on-site until the firefighters arrived.
Though their daily responsibilities typically focus on training their teams, ensuring that the work is being done safely and fully each night, and upholding CCS Facility Services’ high standards, Corral insists that responding to emergencies like this is part of the job. “This is why we check everything so thoroughly,” he explained. “That day, it was a fire, but next time, it could be a leak.” Every shift, CCS Facility Services teams conduct the same oversight of the facilities they service – acting as an additional set of eyes and ears, both day and night, to protect buildings and the occupants within.
Ramirez praised their composure and leadership. “I’m incredibly proud of how quickly they reacted. Not only did they spot and extinguish a fire, but they also stayed calm and kept everyone informed. It’s a true testament to their work ethic and leadership.”
Corral and Bernal’s swift response also earned recognition from the property manager, who said that without them, the building could have sustained far greater damage.
“People like Alejandro Bernal and Jesus Corral are what set us apart,” Ramirez added. “We’re a company of people who care—it’s not just about taking out the trash or cleaning the floors—it’s about passion, responsibility, and living with a service heart.”
