OC Today-Dispatch DECEMBER 19, 2025
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Fire chief resigns but plans to return Ocean City Fire Department Acting Chief Josh Bunting announces his retirement after 25 years with the city fire service, but plans to reapply for the opening his departure created. — PAGE 3
Short-term rental clash heads into round two City Council’s one-year extension of moratorium on new licenses in R1 and MH zoning districts results in another petition aiming to force decision to referendum.— PAGE 10
Persistence doesn’t work as sheriff seeks pay hikes SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
PAIR OF MAYORS Former Ocean City Mayor Jim Mathias (left) and current Mayor Rick Meehan show they can still cut it ... the anniversary cake that is, at the Ocean City 150th Anniversary Gala at the convention center Friday. See pages 64-65 for more photos from the celebration.
As Sheriff Matt Crisafulli asks again for mid-budget boost in his office’s pay scale, the county commissioners give him the same answer: No.— PAGE 12
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Worcester school official on leave pending investigation Staff Reports (Dec. 19, 2025) There are more questions than answers this week surrounding an investigation of a highranking Worcester County public school official. Last Saturday morning, local, state and federal investigators converged on the West Ocean City home Denise Shorts of Denise Shorts, who resides in the Oyster Harbor community. Shorts is a member of the Worcester County Public Schools executive leadership team, serving as chief academic officer grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. “The Worcester County Board of Education cannot comment on any personnel matters; however, the Board is aware of an active investigation of a school system employee by the appropriate State authorities,” said Coordinator of Public Relations & Special Programs Carrie Sterrs. That employee is currently on administrative leave, Sterrs said without providing further details, including the employee’s identity. Witnesses, however, reported seeing numerous law
enforcement personnel entering and exiting Shorts’ home during what appeared to be a morning search-andseizure exercise. Shorts is a long-time public school veteran, previously serving as principal at Buckingham and Snow Hill elementary schools before moving to the central office as coordinator of Title I and literacy. In 2019, she was promoted to her current position. Shorts has more than 35 years of experience in public schools. Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III told OC Today-Dispatch by phone Monday that his office cannot comment on any possible investigation unless it results in criminal charges. Broadly, while the execution of a search warrant would be conducted to pursue evidence of a crime, some investigations may never result in an indictment, Charlton also said. The state prosecutor’s office investigates cases involving public corruption, official misconduct, as well as election law and campaign finance violations. Recent cases pursued include a Cecil County sheriff’s deputy who illegally used police databases to snoop on people, and a Senate legislative aide who stole from a scholarship fund.
Bunting retires, shares plan to reapply for fire chief post By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) Ocean City’s acting fire chief, Josh Bunting, retired quietly late last week, but has shared his plans to re-apply for the position, giving him an opportunity to collect both a pension and full-time salary for the job he previously held. While no formal announcement was Josh Bunting made, Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) Community and Department Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington confirmed this week that Bunting was retiring after 25 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. He said Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson will lead the department as interim fire chief while the city conducts an open recruitment process. “Josh will have the opportunity to apply for the position just like any other qualified internal or external candidate,” a statement from Whittington reads. “In the meantime, the Fire Department’s command staff remains in place, and day-to-day operations and emergency response will
continue without interruption under the direction of interim Fire Chief Derrick Simpson.” Bunting, who has headed the city fire marshal’s office since 2020, was selected to serve as acting fire chief in April, when the department’s previous leader, Richie Bowers, announced his immediate retirement. Three months later, Bunting announced he was resigning as fire marshal, a move he said would give him more time to focus on his duties as interim chief. When reached for comment Monday, city staff said they were aware of Bunting’s intentions to retire from the outset. However, the quick departure came as a surprise to Ocean City Council President Matt James, who said he had first the news last week. “I heard about it Thursday evening of last week,” he said in an interview Monday, “and this information was confirmed by the city manager on Friday.” In an email sent to department staff last Thursday, Bunting shared he would be stepping down as acting fire chief, effective the following day. He also acknowledged the city’s upcoming recruitment process. “After some time away to settle See ACTING Page 6
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