Resort ethics code gets strengthened Maryland code says do it, like it or not Not everyone on the Ocean City Council is a fan of changing the code, but that’s beside the point, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week. An update of the state’s ethics requirements leaves the council with no choice. — Page 10
Rec complex may see new paid parking When the streets around the downtown rec complex open, the last block before Chicago Avenue could be pay to park. — Page 22
Going Green PHOTO COURTESY CONNIE ALDERFER
WASHING AWAY Plant life along the bayside of Assateague Island National Seashore is on the verge of washing away, as erosion and tidal action chews away at the shoreline.
It’s what Ocean City will do Saturday, when large crowds descend on the resort for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and party around. — Page 58
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Work on 4th Street recreation area continues, as crews put finishing touches on roads.
YOUR COMMUNITY Safe boating: The Ocean City Power Squadron will present a three-day safe boating course on three consecutive nights, from 6-9 p.m., March 26-28, at the Ocean Pines Library. – Page 85
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OC Today-Dispatch
MARCH 15, 2024
MARCH 15, 2024
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OC Today-Dispatch
MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
An EMS vehicle is pictured driving west on Baltimore Avenue near the intersection of North Division Street.
OC police officials highlight increase in fire, EMS assists By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (March 15, 2024) An increase in service calls to assist fire and EMS highlighted a discussion this week on police activity for the month of February. On Monday, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a report on police activity for February. He noted that while the Ocean City Police Department recorded declines in some service calls, the agency recorded a significant increase in calls to assist fire and EMS. “Assist fire/EMS calls were significantly higher,” he told the commission, “especially from where they were two years ago, 124 versus 44.” Councilman Peter Buas, commission chair, noted that monthly service calls were divided between officer calls for service and citizen calls for service. He questioned how calls to assist fire and EMS were classified. “Assist fire/EMS, is that a citizen call for service or an officer call for service?” he asked. Buzzuro told the commission fire and EMS assists are initially classified as a citizen call for service. He said both fire and police respond. “Once it goes into emergency service communications, it’s a dual response,” he explained. “They are getting a call, and we’re getting a call.” Council President Matt James, commission member, questioned if police response was needed. Officials noted calls to assist fire and EMS had jumped from 44 in February 2022 and 86 in February 2023 to 124. “Can someone reach out to Chief [Richie] Bowers and see if he feels it’s necessary that you respond?” James said. For his part, Buzzuro said it was a discussion he would have with the fire department at a joint meeting in
mid-April. “It’s one of those areas where we can have a discussion with fire and see if we can make an adjustment or deviation from what’s always been the protocol,” he replied. Buzzuro said during the month of February, officer calls for service decreased from 1,201 in 2023 to 1,067 in See COMMISSION Page 4
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