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John VanFossen recognized for OCVFD service

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(July 21, 2023) This week we recognize Gold Badge Member John VanFossen.

After visiting Ocean City many times with his family as a child, John moved permanently to the resort in June 1970 and began his career in the accounting department with the Town of Ocean City.

After working at City Hall for 15 years, John transferred to the public works department, ending his career as one of the deputy directors. He retired in 2018 after 48 years of service as an employee with the town.

John and his wife, Lorraine, and their two children have established several successful businesses in town over the years. As owners of the Assateague Crab House on Route 611, just prior to the Assateague Island Seashore, they sponsor an annual crab feast for the Ocean City and the Berlin volunteer fire companies.

This annual tradition to “thank” our local volunteers was started in the 1970s by Ed Horner, an honorary member of the OCVFC and former owner of Waterman’s Seafood Restaurant in West Ocean City.

John and his wife have now leased the Crab House and decided to enjoy time traveling with friends in their RV. Last Summer they traveled across the U.S. to Alaska and are planning a trip to Newfoundland this fall.

Firefighter VanFossen joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company on June 11, 1971. He recalls that at the time, “the mayor and City Council members were all members of the OCVFC. The Volunteer Fire Company was the ‘hub’ of Ocean City and the most prominent organization in town. Not only was it a group devoted to helping each other in protecting our families and their properties but it was also the center of our social life as well.”

During his 33 years of active service and 52 years of membership in the OCVFC, John served on various committees, including the 100th Year Anniversary Celebration Committee and the Station #5 Building Committee. He was recognized as the OCVFC “Member of the Year” for his long- time work as a member of the Financial Audit Committee.

He attained the Firefighter III classification and was EMT certified. He served as lieutenant on Engine #709 under Capt. J.D. Quillin and was named captain on the new Engine #709. Capt. VanFossen proudly drove the new Engine #9 from the Pierce Manufacturing Facility in Wisconsin back to Ocean City.

VanFossen cites three significant events during his active years of fire fighting. The first was the number of

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