Graduation Season for the Ocean City Police Department
Ocean City, MD- (June 18, 2024): The Town of Ocean City is known as a popular destination for high school graduates at the beginning of the summer. The beach is one of the best spots to celebrate the graduation milestone. This summer, the Ocean City Police Department is celebrating a few graduations of our own.
Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Public Safety & Command
The Ocean City Police Department is happy to share that in May, Lieutenant Allen Hawk and Lieutenant Todd Speigle graduated from the School of Police Staff & Command at Northwestern Center for Public Safety School. This program is designed to help experienced law enforcement professionals succeed in senior command positions.
Lt. Hawk and Lt. Speigle completed ten weeks of rigorous work, focusing on critical areas such as planning, media relations, organizational behavior, budgeting, and contemporary policing. Lt. Hawk will use his training to shape the future of the Ocean City Police Department as the Training and Recruiting Section supervisor. At the same time, Lt. Speigle will apply his training to oversee complex cases and detectives in our Major Crimes Division. “I’m confident their training will positively impact their respective roles,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro.
Ocean City Police Department Seasonal Police Officer Academy
On Saturday, May 25, 2024, the Ocean City Police Department held the final Seasonal Police Officer graduation, which marked the end of an era. Twenty-one officers graduated after completing a rigorous 250+ hour training academy program. “Our officers demonstrated great determination and commitment during the academy, and we have full confidence that they will make us proud this summer,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro.
Seasonal Police Officers play a crucial role as temporary employees, supporting our year-round police force’s mission to the community. This opportunity allows college-level criminal justice and other qualified and interested individuals to gain firsthand experience in the duties and responsibilities of a sworn police officer. Whether on patrol cars, foot posts, or bicycles, these officers enforce state and local laws, investigate crimes and traffic collisions, and assist residents and visitors. It’s important to note that Seasonal Police Officers are fully sworn law enforcement.
Due to a declining interest in the law enforcement field and upcoming certification requirements set by the Maryland Police Training Commission, the Seasonal Police Officer Program is ending.
“I offer my heartfelt best wishes to each of them as they embark on their journey into their law enforcement career,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro.
University of Maryland’s DUI Institute
The Ocean City Police Department is proud to share that Corporal Harry Miller has completed the University of Maryland’s DUI Institute program alongside 25 officers from 18 law enforcement agencies across the state. This intensive 40-hour program is dedicated to nurturing leaders in enforcing alcohol-impaired driving laws.
The DUI Institute provides a comprehensive university-level curriculum, ensuring officers gain a deep understanding of all aspects of DUI enforcement. This includes advanced Standard Field Sobriety Test training, addressing social concerns, managing perspectives, emerging enforcement strategies, and delivering effective courtroom presentations. This holistic approach equips our officers to handle the multifaceted challenges of DUI enforcement effectively.
“Cpl. Miller, currently serving in the Patrol Division and actively engaged with the Traffic Safety Unit, is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors on the roadways,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “His commitment, combined with this advanced training, assures that they are in safe hands.”
Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy
We are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Ocean City Police Department and the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office: Deputy Fire Marshal David Marquez, Police Officer Zachary Schultz, and Police Officer Jared Thatcher.
On June 14, 2024, Marquez, Schultz, and Thatcher completed their training as part of the 92nd Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy class, comprising thirty-nine officers. In the state of Maryland, all police officers are required to undergo an intensive entrance-level law enforcement academy mandated by the Maryland Police Training Commission. Throughout their 980 hours of training, they focused on various areas, including administration, arrest procedures, search and seizure protocols, patrol techniques, traffic management, criminal investigation methods, and emergency medical care. They also participated in practical exercises involving firearms, emergency vehicle operations, domestic violence response, and self-defense training. Marquez, Schultz, and Thatcher showcased their dedication to serving the Town of Ocean City during their time at the academy.
“We are looking forward to witnessing Schultz and Thatcher’s development as police officers and getting to know the Ocean City community,” Chief Ross Buzzuro shared. “As they embark on their law enforcement careers, we are confident they will make Ocean City proud.” “DFM Marquez’s recent graduation and field training as an Ocean City Police Officer assigned to our office for fire and explosives investigations is a testament to the longstanding cooperative relationship between the Fire Marshal’s Office and Police Department,” Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Josh Bunting commented. “We’re looking forward to the positive impact he and his classmates will have here in Ocean City.”
In closing, “The Ocean City Police Department prides itself on providing the highest degree of ethical behavior, professional conduct, and quality police services to all of the Ocean City residents and visitors,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Each of these accomplishments is a true testament to our dedication to serve and protect the Town of Ocean City.”
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