For 29 years, the schools serviced by the Central Connecticut Approved Football Officials have seen Albert Santostefano between the sidelines. When he’s not working at his job as a Fire Marshal for the City of Middletown, Santostefano is donning the stripes and making sure that the teams play within the rules. During his time with the Central Board, Al has distinguished himself as not only a hard worker on the field, but in the organization. He first served as a Member-elect in 2007, and worked his way to vice-president and then president, in 2008 and 2009, respectively. He has been a member of the group’s executive board, and also worked on various committees, including By-laws, Pastpresidents, Mechanics, Assignment and Banquet. He has done a five-year stint as a sitting member of the CFOA, representing the Central Board, and has worked to improve officiating mechanics and rule knowledge statewide. On the field he has exemplified the hard work it takes to excel at the craft of officiating, receiving assignments for nine playoff games, including four championships. In the community, Santostefano has been tapped by several organizations for his volunteer work. He is a 2001 recipient of the Michael Green Community Service Award, given by the Middletown Chamber of Commerce; the Gilead Community Service Award (2007); the MARC Volunteer of the Year Award; the Exchange Club Salute to Connecticut’s Bravest; and City of Middletown Mayor’s Community Service Award. A six-year veteran of the Connecticut National Guard, he coached girls and women’s softball teams, winning city and district titles. He and his wife Nancy have two daughters, Krista and Linda, and three grandchildren – Sydney, David & Johnnie.