June Honorees

The DGS employees that supported the filming of an FX pilot at State Center have been Caught Doing Great Service: Gary Gray, Marilyn Merlot, Haneef (Bam) Goode, Rick Tyson, Greg Brown, Maurice Jefferies, John McInerney, Chris Hobbs, Ken Britcher, Greg Smith, Casey Doy, William Bryan and Dave Jones. The FX production crew was at State Center from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for ten days before shooting, and the Baltimore Facilities Management team was right there with them.  DGS staff prepped the building and the grounds in order to transform the lobby and mezzanine level offices of the 301 Building into “CIA Headquarters” circa 1960. DGS’ crew replaced ceiling tiles, opened doors, moved furniture, disconnected electrical and data lines, relocated security equipment, put up signage to redirect traffic, oversaw the removal of flags and statues, repositioned security desks and assisted the production team with numerous requests.  All this was in preparation for a full day of filming. On the actual day of shooting, the DGS team dealt with the influx of over a hundred production staff and movie extras, standing by to respond to their numerous requests for additional services.  When the production crew accidentally set off the building’s fire alarm with a water vapor smoke machine, DGS staff ensured there was no actual fire and secured the building.  When filming wrapped up, DGS staff stayed late to ensure that the building was safe and trash was removed.  The Hollywood project manager praised the DGS staff and said they were “fantastic” to work with.  Their hard work helped make the filming a success. DGS is very proud of its Baltimore Facilities Management team and their starring role supporting the movie-making magic, which is why they have earned an Academy Aw – we mean, DGS recognition – for being Caught Doing Great Service. 

Sergeant Francisco Mari has worked with the Maryland Capitol Police for a little over 10 years now.  In his current role he serves as the Evening Shift – Saratoga Complex supervisor, for the Baltimore Division. On Monday May 3, 2021, Sgt Francisco Mari was traveling on Martin Luther King (MLK) Blvd just below Mulberry St.  In his driver’s side mirror, he could see a person sitting on the rear driver’s side window ledge shouting and banging on the roof of a black Dodge pickup truck trying to get his attention.  He could see that she had a blood coming from the bottom of her nose to her chin. At the stop light he exited his vehicle and noticed that the windshield was shattered and covered in what appeared to be bullet holes.  The female screamed, “We’ve been shot!”  Due to severity of the wounds and knowing the proximity to University of Maryland Medical Center Emergency Room, he decided it would be quicker to get the needed medical attention instead of waiting for a Medic to arrive on scene.  He immediately re-entered his vehicle, activated his emergency lights and directed the black truck to follow. Once at the University of Maryland Medical Center Emergency room, he exited his vehicle and sought the assistance of two Baltimore City Officers standing by a patrol vehicle. In such a hectic situation Sgt. Mari was able to maintain composure, while notifying dispatch of his current location and status; as well as notifying his immediate supervisor to meet him on scene.  Staff from the emergency room started to come out and Sgt. Mari assisted them along with BPD in rendering aide to the victims. The quick and swift actions of Sgt. Francisco Mari on that day made it possible for the medical staff of University Hospital to save the life of one of the victims! 

Ronny Myers has worked for DGS for 24 years and in the last year not only has Ronny worked on his normal projects, he assisted with COVID related surge construction and oversaw the installation of several medical tents. Ronny’s projects include some of our more challenging partners like the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department of Juvenile Services. Working in the facilities are a challenge during any typical year with access limitations and the nature of the projects. During the past year with the challenges created by the health crisis, Ronny has kept projects moving toward completion despite access limitations and learning the new way of conducting business, the tele-conference. Just as important as Ronny’s work ethic and commitment to good customer service, is his commitment to the team concept. He has been the biggest supporter and proponent of our team. He has taken on the role of mentor to the younger project managers and freely shares the knowledge he has gained these many years. He is more than an asset to the team; he is the example of how working together makes us all successful.