OCEAN CITY, MD – (April 2, 2018): Chief Ross Buzzuro of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Ray Austin to the rank of Captain. Captain Austin will fill the position of Criminal Investigation Division Commander, formerly held by Retired Captain Kevin Kirstein.
Captain Austin, originally from the Pittsburgh, PA area, joined the Ocean City Police Department in 1991 as a seasonal police officer. He returned to the OCPD each summer until he was hired as a full time officer in July 1994. Since then, he has served the department in several capacities, including Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics & Vice Unit Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant and Watch Commander, Assistant Commander for the Criminal Investigation Division, and Assistant Commander for the Patrol Division. He is also the Commander of the OCPD’s Hostage Negotiation Unit.
Captain Austin has had thousands of hours of law enforcement training. Most notably, he is a graduate of the 254th session of the FBI National Academy, a prestigious leadership training academy for law enforcement managers. During the course of his career, Captain Austin has earned several awards from his superiors and the Ocean City community for his accomplishments and dedication to public service.
“Since I’ve known Captain Austin, he has shown tremendous leadership and I’m consistently impressed with his work ethic,” commented Chief Buzzuro. “Without a doubt I know he will do well in his new position and I’m excited for the future of the Criminal Investigation Division.”
In addition to Captain Austin, Sergeant Greg DeGiovanni has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is now the Watch Commander for the Midnight Patrol Shift.
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