By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com

The AFRO will honor four Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works employees on Oct. 23 for their dedication in keeping the city clean and safe, celebrating their often-overlooked service.

This year’s Oct. 23 Unsung Heroes  event is quickly approaching. The media organization will honor four of Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) employees from the Solid Waste Division for their crucial roles in keeping the community clean and safe year after year.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at AFRO News Headquarters, located at 233 E Redwood Street, 3rd Floor, in Baltimore. Lunch, beverages and dessert will be served as attendees salute those who keep Baltimore clean and strong.

“At the AFRO, we celebrate unsung heroes each year—people whose quiet service makes a real difference in our communities,” said Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO. “This year, we’re honoring employees of Baltimore City’s Department of Public Works, whose hard work often goes unnoticed but keeps the city running. We invite everyone to join us by purchasing a $30 ticket and helping us recognize these everyday heroes who make life better for all of us.”

Among those that will be honored are DPW workers Karen Aiken, Victor Butts, Donald Comegys and Michael Lucas.

Karen Aiken

Karen Aiken, an honoree, maintains Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, training new employees and ensuring the waterfront stays clean, safe and welcoming for visitors and the community. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

Karen Aiken, a laborer, has served in DPW for more than 18 years, exemplifying dedication, teamwork and community pride in her stewardship of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. She knows  the importance of maintaining a clean and welcoming waterfront, making sure the promenade is addressed daily  from trash collection to high tide cleanup. 

Aiken is known for surpassing her routine duties, training new employees and staying late when needed to guarantee the Harbor is pristine. She has built strong relationships with Waterfront staff, local business owners and regular visitors, making her a trusted ambassador of the city’s signature public space.

Victor Butts

Victor Butts, an honoree, keeps Baltimore’s gateways and roadways in top condition, inspiring his team through dedication, leadership, and a strong work ethic. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

Victor Butts, a laborer at DPW, has served for over 36 years. He was nominated for embodying the spirit of public service through his devout work ethic and leadership. His work in maintaining Baltimore City’s gateways, roadways leading motorists from the city perimeter to its center, reflecting the care he has for the communities he serves. 

His contribution to the morale of his team is felt daily by those he works with, who consistently recognize his drive and dedication. He continues to be an inspiration for his team.

Donald Comegys 

Donald Comegys, an honoree at this year’s Unsung Heroes, keeps the Inner Harbor promenade clean year-round, removing litter and maintaining pathways with remarkable resilience and a positive attitude.
Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

Donald Comegys, 95, has served in the City of Baltimore’s Department of Public Works (DPW) for 56 years, marking an extraordinary milestone known as a beloved member of DPW. Comegys is always present and ready for work, achieving exceptional attendance accompanied with an unwavering commitment to service.

Stationed on the Inner Harbor promenade, he helps keep Baltimore’s waterfront clean by removing litter, emptying receptacles and shoveling and salting during the winter. He is an inspiration to all with his remarkable resilience and positive attitude. 

Michael Lucas

Michael Lucas, an honoree, oversees DPW’s Routine Services division, leading a safety-first culture while improving recycling, fleet reliability, and worker protections across the city. Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

Michael Lucas, division chief of Routine Services, has served in DPW for 25 years on the frontline and in leadership. Lucas oversees the most complex unit within the Bureau of Solid Waste. Under his leadership, the division has seen a cultural transformation from a task-driven pace to a safety-first model.

His work has directly contributed to increased fleet reliability and strengthened worker protections through steady use of personal protective equipment and supervisory engagement. Lucas is known for his collaborative approach, working with an array of teams to address pressing operational needs and creating a culture of accountability and care. 

“The AFRO always has wanted to highlight grassroots organizations and people who would not normally be recognized for their important work in the community,” said Diane Hocker, public relations manager for the AFRO. “Our first year we honored Black funeral directors, last year 911 operators and this year DPW workers. If not for them, our city would literally look like trash. As we continue what has now become part of the legacy of the institution, let’s not forget the people who continue to hold the mantle and shine.”

“Next year, who will it be?” quipped Hocker. “We are open to suggestions.”

For more information or to offer recommendations for next year, contact dhocker@afro.com.