OCEAN CITY, MD – (February 14, 2025): On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Ocean City Police Department hosted its annual Officer of the Year Ceremony at the Ashore. Nearly 150 guests gathered to recognize OCPD personnel and volunteers for their accomplishments in 2024 and named Police Officer First Class (PFC) Benjamin Panitch as the Ocean City Police Department Officer of the Year.
Three community members, Larry Yates, Megan Alvarado, and Greg Shockley, played a crucial role in the Officer of the Year selection process. They met with the nominees, including PFC Panitch, PFC Hailie Brumley, PFC Yovanny Ramirez, DFC Redacted due to assignment, Corporal Jacob Fetterolf, and Corporal Ryan Flanagan, and their input was instrumental in choosing the Officer of the Year. We thank them for their valuable contribution.
PFC Benjamin Panitch has been an integral member of the Ocean City Police Department since 2019, beginning his service as a 911 dispatcher before becoming a full-time officer in 2020. As part of the Traffic Safety Unit, he has led or played a key role in major collision reconstruction investigations. In 2024, his outstanding performance included 62 arrests, 122 reportable investigations, 533 traffic citations, and 297 traffic warnings. Beyond traffic enforcement, PFC Panitch serves as an FAA UAS Pilot, leads First Amendment education for boardwalk performers, plays an active role in recruitment, and serves as a Neighborhood Watch liaison. His exceptional investigative work and dedication to public safety have earned him the respect of his peers and the community, making him the well-deserving recipient of the Ocean City Police Department’s Officer of the Year award.
Volunteers of the OCPD Auxiliary Unit were also recognized for their contribution of 2,105.25 volunteer hours in 2024. Since the Unit’s inception in 1999, Auxiliary Officers have volunteered over 68,000 hours, which translates to a cost saving of over $2 million for the taxpayers of Ocean City. The Auxiliary Officer of the Year award went to Anthony “Tony” Pinkovsky this year. AO Pinkovsky’s journey in the Auxiliary Officer program since 2019 is a remarkable testament to dedication and passion. What sets him apart is not just his commitment but his profound love for the department. Each summer, he steps up as a Seasonal Public Safety Officer, and in the off-season, he continues to give his time and talents as an Auxiliary Officer.
The Commendation Board carefully selects individuals who have exceeded the call of duty each year. The following individuals were honored for their remarkable dedication, courage, and commitment to excellence.
Bronze Star: Sergeant (Sgt.) Douglas Smith, Corporal (Cpl.) John Spicer, PFC Likeke Arlington, and PFC Timothy Chaykosky
Meritorious Service: Sgt. Nathan Kutz
Lifesaving Award: PFC Anthony Helias, PFC William Mossop, PFC Justin Koser (x2), and Seasonal Officer Finley Cole
Excellent Performance: Lt. Joseph Lotito, Sgt. Joseph Bushnell, Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth, Sgt. Nathan Kutz, Sgt. Kyle Murray, Cpl. Benjamin Berry, Cpl. David Whitmer, PFC Devin Bartrom, PFC Anthony Calabrese, PFC Joshua Glaub, PFC Amy Gutowski, PFC Emma Hamilton-Blackford (x3), PFC Sean Mills, DFC Edward Newcomb, PFC Benjamin Panitch (x3), PFC Benjamin Panitch (x3), PFC Corey Pavinski, PFC Daniel Richardson (x2), PFC Jessica Wieber, Crime Scene Technician Kaleigh Kelly and Maryland State Police Trooper Brandon Stacey (with the Berlin Barrack)
Unit Citation: Animal Control Unit- Animal Control Officer (ACO) Barbara Wisniewski and ACO Connor Wisniewski
Certificate of Outstanding Service: Mr. Scott Davidson and Mr. Christopher Greenwood.
As we say goodbye to certain members as they move on to new opportunities or retirement, we also celebrate the growth within our department. In 2024, we celebrated 32 promotions. These promotions not only recognize the hard work and dedication of the officers but also signify the growth and development of the department.
The following officers were promoted within the last year, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to their new roles: Captain Dennis Eade, Lt. Jeffrey Johns, Lt. Michael Kelly, Lt. Joseph Lotito, Sgt. Michael Kirkland, Sgt. Nathan Kutz, Sgt. Christopher Snyder, Cpl. Danielle Braniff, Cpl. Danielle Braniff, Cpl. Corey Gemerek, Cpl. Harry Miller, Cpl. Kory Moerschel, Cpl. David Whitmer, PFC Anthony Calabrese, PFC Nicolas Centeio, PFC Timothy Chaykosky, PFC Joshua Glaub, PFC Emma Hamilton-Blackford, PFC Dylan Harlos, PFC Ja-Quez Harrell, PFC Nolan Kilchenstein, PFC Jonette Miller, PFC Sean Mills, PFC Austin Mora, PFC William Mossop, PFC Redacted due to assignment, PFC Ryan Osowiecki, PFC Corey Pavinski, and PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, Custody Officer Anna Hoffnagle, Custody Officer Jessica Lagas, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mikayla Shemansky.
These promotions recognize the individual officers and the collective growth and progress of the Ocean City Police Department. On behalf of the Ocean City Police Department, we congratulate all of you.
###
