John Roche joined the Inner Harbor team from the private sector in March of 2016. He was a locksmith who just wasn’t comfortable charging people for helping them get into their cars or homes. His boss found out about a service call where John didn’t charge the customer; he was not pleased. John left the job and joined the Inner Harbor team several months later; he immediately took control of the Lock Shop, organized it and brought it up to date.

It was an emotional and memorable occasion for everyone when John’s parents (right front) accepted John’s Employee of the Month certificate, awarded posthumously. His brother was also there, along with two close friends (left).

It was obvious that John loved his job. (His mother said he came home every evening and talked about just how much he loved it.) He was the person you turned to for the tough assignments, because you knew he would get them done. You could count on John to help with all sorts of jobs. If a light needed changing or a toilet needed plunging you could rely on John.

John was in the middle of coordinating the rekeying of Saratoga State Center, a 10-story high rise with 587 passageways, when he passed. Truly, he exemplified the phrase “DGS Delivers,” and he was posthumously recognized in June for his unwavering commitment to courteous customer service. A month later, he was voted Employee of the Month.