Sean Eastman sworn in as Gaithersburg police chief; city honors employees and election team

Sean Eastman took the oath of office before the Gaithersburg mayor and city council on March 2, 2026 and was presented a promotion certificate by City Manager Tanisha. The council said the promotion comes with an effective date of March 7, 2026. Eastman thanked former Chief Mark Shroka and colleagues, pledged to lead with “honesty, integrity, and vision,” and acknowledged family and department partners in attendance.

Also during the meeting the council presented the fourth‑quarter 2025 employee recognition awards. Sharon D'vor, program coordinator in Public Works, was named employee of the quarter; the 2025 election team led by City Clerk Leah Jones received the team award. Staff credited the election team's process changes with $15,370 in cost savings, an average voter check‑in time of 10.1 seconds and a peak wait time limited to about 18 minutes, and stronger tracking of 2,266 mail‑in ballots. City officials said those improvements helped deliver what they called the city's highest recent turnout.

The ceremony concluded with a public reception invitation and council congratulations to the honorees and Chief Eastman.