From the Town of Ocean City:
On Saturday, February 6, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) held its 3rd Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the 66th Street Holiday Inn, honoring members for their highest level of achievements, including commitment to public safety and selfless protection of the Ocean City community. The celebration named Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, OCVFC Firefighter of the Year, and Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year, along with several Years of Service Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, Unit Citations, and Incident Citations.
“Today is a special day,” said OCFD Deputy Chief Barton. “Our members go above and beyond the call of duty to make our department consistently the best, and we’re proud of each and every one you. The Fire Department is one big family, it’s important for us to recognize that it’s not only the firefighters and paramedics who make us the best, but their own families who continually support their work for our community. Our department thrives on your support and we genuinely thank you for it.”
Along with Deputy Chief Barton, Deputy Chief David Hartley and outgoing Volunteer Chief Bo Duke, several dignitaries attended the ceremony, which began with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) Ladies Auxiliary Awards. The OCVFC Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year Award was given to Lisa Dypsky and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Laura Anderson. In addition, the Ladies Auxiliary donated $8000 dollars to various organizations, including the John Paul Adkins II scholarship fund, the F. Michael Sacca scholarship fund, the OCVFC cadet program and the OCVFC.
Awards were presented for length of service, special recognition, citizen appreciation, unit citations, and incident citations. Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza, County Commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Bud Church, and several Ocean City Council Members were in attendance to present proclamations to select members for 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.
One of the most meaningful awards, a Life Saving Commendation, was given twice this year for two separate incidents; The Lazy Lizard fire and a water rescue. Both awards were the result of selfless actions by personnel who put the lives of citizens above all else.
At the close of the event, the top honors for Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, OCVFC Firefighter of the Year, and Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year were awarded. Lt. Robert E. Magee was named Fire/EMS Firefighter of the Year, Lt. D. Sean Goggin was named OCVFC Firefighter of the Year, and Lt. Nicholas L. Kinhart was name Fire/EMS Paramedic of the Year.
“Our members do not join the fire service in order to be recognized or patted on the back for their actions to their community,” Deputy Chief Barton continued. “Despite their modesty and humbleness, every member of our organization has contributed to our success. Teamwork, commitment and loyalty to the community make everyone here the best people to work with. Thank you for your skills, services, and contributions to the community”
Complete lists of award winners are as follows:
| Fire/EMS Division Paramedic of the Year:
Lt. Nicholas L. Kinhart |
Fire/EMS Division Firefighter of the Year:
Lt. Robert E. Magee |
OCVFC Division Firefighter of the Year:
Lt. D. Sean Goggin |
OCVFC Training Award:
Frederick A. Senger IV
|
| OCVFC Member of the Year Award:
Marvin W. Timmons |
OCVFC Chief’s Award:
Chief Bryant D Bunting |
OCVFC President’s Award:
Roger A. Steger |
Length of Service 5 Years:
Eric M. Olson Marvin W. Timmons, Jr. Joseph Lessman Andrew King Anthony Villani |
| Length of Service 10 Years:
Rancel C. Evans Clifford A. Christello
|
Length of Service 15 Years:
William V. Tilghman Kathleen M. Hartley William R. Kuhn II Robert E. Magee B. Eric Peterson Duane L. Phillips H. Alan Schweitzer Bryon J. Trimble Joshua J. Bunting III David S. Peterson
|
Length of Service 25 Years:
H. Michael Giardina James L. Jester |
Length of Service 30 Years:
Rex A. Foxwell |
| Length of Service 35 Years:
Michael A. LeCompte |
Length of Service 40 Years:
Joshua J. Bunting, Jr. |
Honorable Service:
Rex A. Foxwell Delbert H. Baker, Jr.
|
Special Recognition-OCFD Marine Unit Members:
Michael T. Chester
|
| Citizen Service:
Keegan Mitchell Mason Far
|
Unit Citation –International Student Safety:
Yesim Karaman Joey Sexauer
|
Incident Citation – Jolly Roger Roller Coaster:
Asst. Chief Bryant Bunting Capt. Kathleen M. Hartley Lt. Nicholas L. Kinhart Timothy Peters Christopher Gee Stephen Twilley Parker Shandrowsky Timothy Jerscheid Cory Brown Garret Piel |
Incident Citation – Lazy Lizard Victim Assist:
Asst. Chief Bryant D. Bunting Capt. Trevor Steedman Ret. Lt. Del Baker Lt. Jeff Aperance Lt. Connor Braniff William Tilghman |
| Life Saving Commendation – Lazy Lizard Victim Save:
Capt. Joshua J. Bunting III Ryan L. Whittington Robert D. Korb
|
Life Saving Commendation – 33rdStreet Water Rescue:
Lt. Connor Braniff Eric Olson Matt James Miguel Castanares Michael Arbin
|
Incident Citation – 33rd Street Water Rescue:
Capt. Doug Scott Lt. John Fisher Lt. David Peterson Lt. Darrick Elliott Lt. Jeff Aperance Bryon Trimble Russell Smith Colby Bunting Daniel Ebling Heather White Sean Sullivan Ryan Whittington Dan Wills Bill Tilghman Norman Bradford Ward Kovac Melissa Brown Vinnie Tomiselli
Sgt.Timothy Uebel Sgt. Ben Davis Sgt Jeffrey Brabitz CC Kevin Johnson CC Thomas Mechling CC David Haight CC Travis Sevier CC Paul Vassalotti CC Elizabeth Vander Clute Asst. CC William Wilkinson Asst. CC William Gray Asst. Crew Chief Joshua Wilder Asst. CC David Krabbe SRT Omar Harmon SRT Bryan McElwain SRT Ian Alexander SRT Christopher Brennan SRT Cameron Shaw |
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