Ocean City Fire Department

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire.

As warmer weather approaches, it's the perfect time to focus on your home fire escape plan!

Start planning and practicing your fire escape drill today.

The Ocean City Fire Department was proud to welcome Public Information Officers and communications professionals from across Delmarva, along with news editors from WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader - for a day of networking, brainstorming, and real talk about how we communicate during emergencies.

From breaking news to real-time updates, we’re all focused on getting accurate, timely information out to the public when it matters most. And let’s be honest… in a world full of AI-generated photos and videos, that job is getting more challenging every day.

That’s why it was awesome to bring together not just public safety agencies, but government partners and TidalHealth as we gear up for a busy summer season.

Huge shoutout to our partners from Kent County, Delaware and Ocean City Emergency Management for bringing their Mobile Communications & Command Center, always a crowd favorite!

Town of Ocean City - Government
Worcester County Emergency Services
Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack
Maryland State Police - Aviation Command
Maryland State Police
Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Ocean City Police Department
Delaware State Police
Delaware State Police Aviation Section
county government

Firefighters and EMTs from across the state trained in Emergency Vehicle Operations here in Ocean City. The goal… making sure every response is rapid, controlled, and safe. Thanks instructor FF/EMT Anthony King and FF/PM Chis Rathel for your knowledge and expertise and leading the class.

This morning our Academy class took on a little fitness challenge!

Alongside our Fire Chief and the crew from Engine 1, they completed a 27-floor stair climb in full PPE, air packs, and a high-rise pack.

Big credit to our lead fitness instructor, FF/PM David Macia, who’s been pushing them all academy long to build real, functional strength for the job.

10:59am, the roadway is open.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Southbound Coastal Highway from 127th Street to 125th Street is currently closed due to a motor vehicle collision. Please use caution in the area. Delays are expected. We will provide updates as they become available.
Town of Ocean City - Government

Big congratulations to our own Kirby Bounds on being named to the Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore “18 Under 18”!

Kirby represents the very best of our community — a dedicated student, athlete, and future paramedic.

The Ocean City Fire Department proudly congratulates our very own Volunteer Division President, H. Stephen Price, on his induction into the Firefighters Hall of Fame at the Del-Mar-VA Volunteer Firemen’s Association 2026 Annual Banquet, hosted by the Tasle​​y Volunteer Fire Company.

President Price was inducted alongside Dicky Gladding, a testament to their shared dedication and service to the fire service community.

We are incredibly proud of President Price’s leadership, commitment, and lasting impact—this honor is well deserved!

Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company

🔔 IN MEMORIAM: CAPTAIN LEROY JAMES CROPPER, JR. 🔔

Today marks 31 years since the Ocean City Fire Department lost one of its own in the line of duty.
On April 24, 1995, Captain Leroy J. Cropper, Jr. responded with his fellow firefighters to a structure fire at the Plim Plaza Hotel. After carrying equipment up five flights of stairs and helping extinguish the fire, Captain Cropper informed command he wasn’t feeling well.

His condition deteriorated overnight, and he was hospitalized after suffering a major heart attack. Tragically, on April 28, 1995, Captain Cropper passed away at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

A Gold Badge Life Member, Captain Cropper served our department and community faithfully for 32 years.
We honor his sacrifice and remember his dedication to the Ocean City Fire Department. The legacy of his service continues to inspire our members today.

Never forgotten. Always honored.

It is with deep sadness that the Ocean City Fire Department shares the passing of Gold Badge Life Member #45, William “Bill” Todd, who answered his last alarm on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Bill joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company on October 15, 1963, and proudly dedicated over 40 years of active service to the residents and visitors of our community.

Bill’s legacy extends far beyond his own years of service. He is the patriarch of a true volunteer fire service family. His son, Mike Todd, is a Life Member, and his grandson, Mike Todd Jr., currently serves as 2nd Assistant Chief of the OCVFC. His wife, Sue Todd, has also been a pillar of support through her lifelong dedication to the Ladies Auxiliary.

Throughout his career, Bill served in numerous leadership roles including Captain, Engineer, and member of the Board of Directors, where he also held the position of Vice President. He often reflected on the large Boardwalk fires of the 1970s and 1980s as defining moments of his service, but his greatest pride was simply serving others and being respected by his fellow firefighters and community.

Outside of the fire service, Bill and his wife operated OC Service Oil Company for nearly five decades and were well-known throughout West Ocean City. He also enjoyed time with fellow firefighters as part of the “Bailey’s Hookers” surf fishing team.

We honor a life of service, dedication, and family legacy that will continue to impact our department for generations to come.

At this time, there are no plans for a memorial service. Please keep the Todd family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

It is with great sadness that the Ocean City Fire Department joins our partners in the Ocean City Beach Patrol in mourning the passing of Lieutenant Edward “Ward” Kovacs.

Ward dedicated decades of his life to protecting our beaches, our residents, and our visitors. His leadership, compassion, and steady presence left a lasting impact on generations of lifeguards and on the entire Ocean City community.

We are grateful for the close partnership we shared with Ward and the Beach Patrol. His commitment to service and to those around him will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ward’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. He will be truly missed.

Behind every great Town department is a team ready to step up when it matters most.

This week, our Town of Ocean City Engineering & Procurement employees completed CPR and Stop the Bleed training—gaining critical, life-saving skills that go beyond their daily roles.

From supporting coworkers to assisting visitors and residents in an emergency, these team members are now even better prepared to make a difference!