July 2026 Employee Newsletter

MILESTONES & MORE

This month’s newsletter comes out during July 2026, the month of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Much has been celebrated about this important date, and much has been said from the Town regarding its significance and importance both as a historical milestone and as an opportunity to look back on the things we have accomplished.

In researching for comments on this anniversary, I found it remarkable the amount of milestones that surround us everyday. While America turns 250, this year Easton turns 316, Talbot County turns 365, and there are indiginous peoples who have called this area home for more than 10,000 years! Even within the history of this land, our country is relatively young. It got me thinking about what other kinds of milestones surround us, and maybe pass us by everyday.

This month’s newsletter focuses on some pretty special milestones. Although maybe not as grandiose as the birth of a nation, we’ve celebrated the start of two careers at the Easton Police Department, we celebrate a year of leadership under our new Town Manager, and we celebrated the retirements of two long-serving and well-loved employees. While they may not garner national attention, these milestones still carry a weight and importance that inspires those around them.

You may never know if when you accomplish something, it could become a milestone of sorts. Someone, somewhere, someday may say, “It was 10 years ago this July that we built this sidewalk,” or “ It was 5 years ago we started providing this great new service,” or “It was just last month I read that amazing newsletter intro.” You can only do your best, and show up when you’re called upon; that moment may be a memorable milestone for someone.

Greg Mueller

Click HERE to see Andy’s video interview!

Employee Spotlight

ANDY KITZROW | TOWN MANAGER

Meet Andy Kitzrow! Andy serves as Town Manager of Easton, and has been leading our team for one year now!

As Town Manager, Andy oversees all Town operations, working closely with department heads to ensure that the Town is functioning efficiently and that everything aligns with our planned budget. Andy also works closely with the Mayor and Town Council to ensure that the Mayor’s vision for the Town is brought to life.

In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and children. They spend a lot of time out at Ocean City enjoying the beach and surfing. Andy is also an avid craft beer enthusiast, having helped to plan and run several craft beer festivals.

Town Office

Celebrating all of the on Father’s Day

DADS

Town of Easton dads gathered for a group shot in advance of Father’s Day.

Pictured (left to right): Rick Van Emburgh, Joe Mayer, Scott Messick, Andy Kitzrow, Lynn Thomas, Josh Maxwell, Kody Cario, Barry Slaughter, Greg Mueller, Billy Murdoch, Bob Haase.

ALL THE BEST

EPD

Wishes Officer Frank Creegan a Happy Retirement after 26 years of service

Master Patrolman First Class Frank Creegan began his career with the Easton Police Department on June 4, 2001. Having already worked as a Seasonal Officer in Ocean City, MD for several years, MPFC. Creegan came with experience and skills that were immediately put to use upon his completion of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy in December 2001.

Frank became known as an officer who had a gift for communication that allowed him to diffuse situations other officers would have had difficulty with. He was noted for his patience, often stepping in to help with tedious tasks such as evidence collection, event setup, and research. Frank was also known for a meticulous and tenacious approach towards his investigations, unwilling to rest until they were thoroughly investigated.

Frank spent the bulk of his career in the Patrol Division which allowed him to directly serve the community in which he lived and continues to care deeply for. Frank could often be seen walking the uptown area, checking in with business owners, visitors and employees just to check in and address any concerns that might arise.

Frank was always looking for ways to use his skills to help others which easily explains why he found a vari-

ety of ways to make himself useful. Frank was an active member of the Negotiations Team, working to diffuse the worst of situations and bring them to a safe end.

Frank was the first Evidence Collection Unit staff member, creating standards, infusing modern technology and teaching basic skills to younger officers

He also served as a Maryland Police Training Commission certified instructor, instructing on a variety of topics to include policy review, legal updates, and evidence procedures. This propelled Frank to become a firearms instructor, focusing his efforts to ensure Easton Police Officers are properly trained and proficient to handle the most intense situations.

Recognizing all of these contributions does little to account for the many years of service and dedication that MPFC. Creegan has given to the Easton Police Department, but, hopefully, it serves to provide a glimpse of who Frank was to the Easton Police Department and how much he will be missed.

We wish MPFC. Frank Creegan the very best as he turns the page on the next chapter of his life. Thank you for your service, Frank.

Town Events

PARTY-FLAVOR

Employee Appreciation BBQ hits all the right notes

Town of Easton employees enjoyed a well-deserved Employee Appreciation BBQ on Friday, June 12, thanks to the generosity and hard work of Code Inspector Tom Diem.

Tom, who owns and operates Diemon’s BBQ alongside his wife, Laura, went above and beyond to make the event a success. Preparations began earlier in the week, and Tom spent the night smoking 11 pork butts to ensure there was plenty of delicious barbecue for everyone to enjoy.

The Town’s IT Department also lent a hand, with IT Director Scott Messick joining Tom overnight to help monitor the smokers and keep everything cooking to perfection.

In addition to the mouthwatering pulled pork, employees enjoyed flavorful potatoes, pickles, pickled onions, and all the fixings needed to build the perfect barbecue sandwich, or to simply savor the pork on its own.

The Employee Appreciation BBQ was a wonderful way for staff to come together, enjoy great food, and wrap up the workweek. Events like these are a reminder of both the community and fellowship we share in our offices, but also the incredible talents our employees have when outside of the workplace!

A special thank you to Diemon’s BBQ for providing such an outstanding meal and helping make the day one to remember!

Easton Police Department graduates two new officers from Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy TAKING THE NEXT STEPS

Easton Police Department welcomed two new officers on Friday, June 12, following their graduation from WorWic Community College’s Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy.

Officers Tucker Lytle and Chase Fletcher were sworn in by Mayor Megan Cook following the academy’s graduation ceremony at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. The two officers will now begin serving the Easton community as members of the Easton Police Department.

The academy has a six-month long curriculum that trains officers on many aspects of police operations, and has testing requirements for physical fitness, academics, and marksmanship with a pistol. During the ceremony, Offi-

cers Lytle and Fletcher received their badges and certificates of achievement. Officer Fletcher was also recognized with awards for excellence in physical fitness and pistol marksmanship.

Following graduation, Officers Lytle and Fletcher must successfully complete a three-month Field Training program with Easton Police Department to satisfy the requirements for full certification as a Maryland law enforcement officer.

After the graduation ceremony, Easton Chief of Police Alan Lowrey said, “It’s great to see young people stepping up and following a calling to serve their community. We’re grateful to have Officers Fletcher and Lytle on our team here in Easton, and we’re excited to get them out on the road.”

A GOOD RUN

Bev Williamson retires after 22 years with Building Dept.

Friends, family, and coworkers came out on June 18 to celebrate Bev Williamson’s final day with us as she heads into retirement after 22 years of service with the Town of Easton.

Bev has served as a Customer Service Specialist with the Building Department, and has been an integral part of our team throughout her time here.

Along with celebratory cake and ice cream, Mayor

Megan Cook and Town Manager Andy Kitzrow presented Bev with a shadowbox plaque to commemorate her 22 years of service and retirement with the Town of Easton. During the party, coworkers swapped stories about her time here, congratulated Bev, and wished her all the best on her next adventure.

Bev’s contributions and presence will be missed by all of us here at the Town Office. Congratulations on your retirement, Bev!

THE MAIN EVENT

Easton Police Department hosts Law Enforcement Torch Run in partnership with Special Olympics MD

The Easton Police Department proudly welcomed the Talbot County leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland on June 16, continuing a tradition of community support that has spanned more than 40 years.

Under clear skies and with an enthusiastic crowd lining the route, law enforcement officers, volunteers, and community members came together to celebrate the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland as they

carried the Flame of Hope through Easton.

The annual Torch Run is one of the largest grassroots fundraising and awareness events for Special Olympics, bringing together law enforcement agencies across the state to champion inclusion and recognize the achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The Easton Police Department appreciates the

many organizations and individuals who helped make this year’s event a success, including Special Olympics Upper Eastern Shore Maryland, Special Olympics Maryland, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack, Catering By Jamie for providing lunch, and the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the post-run luncheon at the firehouse.

The department also wishes to recognize its own officers and staff members

who participated by running, walking, volunteering, and ensuring the route remained safe for everyone involved.

Thanks to the collective efforts of law enforcement, community partners, volunteers, and supporters, the Law Enforcement Torch Run continues to be a meaningful tradition that celebrates the determination, perseverance, and accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes while strengthening community partnerships throughout Talbot County.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congratulations to Dawn Hutchison for winning the Employee Newsletter Cover Photo Contest!

Dawn now has a $25 gift card to Rise Up Coffee for her submission that landed on the June cover of the Town of Easton Employee Newsletter.

You could be the next winner by submitting your potential cover photos to gmueller@ eastonmd.gov. If your submission is chosen, you too will win a $25 gift card!

Birthdays

JULY

Julia Carroll

Colton Insley

Tyrone Pinder

Juan Sanchez Bartolon

Timothy Streckfus

Colin Woodard

Anniversaries

JULY

Carol Callahan - 22 years

Sierra Clem - 9 years

Bob Haase - 11 years

Ryan Heckler - 9 years

Andy Kitzrow - 1 year

Trevor Newcomb - 19 years

Pat Sally - 25 years

EASY-BREEZY CHEESY

Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooeygooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter - but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Fea-

turing a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese

Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt.

POWERHOUSE GRILLED CHEESE

1 tablespoon butter, softened

2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber

2 Mild Cheddar Slices

1 slice Mozzarella

5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.

Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.

Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.

To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.