More Than a Thousand Hours Dedicated to You
January 2, 2026
City Honors Employees for Service and Outstanding Performance
Sixty-nine Rockville employees with a combined 1,070 years of service were recognized during the annual City of Rockville Employee Awards Ceremony, held in December at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.
Bill Mason Award winners Donovan Brown (r) and Walter Pocasangre (l) are recognized onstage by (l-r) City Manager Jeff Mihelich, and council members Barry Jackson, Izola (Zola) Shaw and Adam Van Grack.
The ceremony, honoring staff with tenures of five to 35 years, included presentation of the Bill Mason Award for Outstanding Performance, which recognizes employees who exemplify exceptionally high-quality service, a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile.
The award is named for the late William “Bill” Mason, who served as an example of outstanding performance and dedicated service to the City of Rockville. The 2025 Bill Mason Award was presented to Walter Pocasangre of the Department of Recreation and Parks and Donovan Brown of the Department of Public Works.
Pocasangre, a maintenance worker with the horticulture crew, has served Rockville for more than 18 years. He plays a key role in maintaining the city’s parks and green spaces, contributing to planting projects, landscaping improvements and daily park care. Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Pocasangre also supports team operations by training new employees and offering suggestions to improve work processes. His commitment has often extended beyond regular hours to ensure projects are completed to a high standard.
Brown was recognized for his consistent professionalism, strong attendance record and positive approach to work. He is known for handling both complex and routine tasks with care and enthusiasm while fostering a collaborative team environment. Brown’s reliability and supportive nature have contributed to both individual and team success within the public works department.
The city also recognized employees reaching significant service milestones. Three employees were honored for 35 years of service: Frank Lewis and Patricia Powell of Public Works and Anthony Tilford of Recreation and Parks. Together, they represent 105 years of dedicated service to the Rockville community.
The annual ceremony celebrates employees whose commitment and performance help deliver high-quality services and support the city’s mission to serve residents effectively.