New Police Chief For Ocean City Is Announced

After conducting a national search, which resulted in dozens of qualified candidates, the Town of Ocean City is pleased to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Ross Buzzuro to the position of Chief of Police. The position became vacant in January 2013, when 25-year Town of Ocean City employee, Chief Bernadette DiPino, retired.

As Chief of Police, Buzzuro will oversee the department, which consists of nearly 100 full time officers, 100 seasonal officers and approximately 20 civilian employees. In addition, his responsibilities will include developing and implementing law enforcement initiatives and crime prevention strategies, creating organization and community partnerships, overseeing operational commands and managing a multi-million dollar budget.

“On behalf of the City Council, I am very pleased to welcome Chief Buzzuro to Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We had a number of very qualified candidates apply for the position and this was a very tough decision to make, however; Chief Buzzuro’s knowledge, experience and leadership stood out amongst the rest. I am confident he will be a great asset to the citizens in the community, the members of the Ocean City Police Department, as well as the future of Ocean City.”

Chief Buzzuro began his career in law enforcement in 1985, as a police cadet in Baltimore City. He worked his way through the ranks, serving as a sergeant, detective lieutenant, deputy major, major and eventually being named lieutenant colonel in 2007. A graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and the University of Maryland’s Fire & Rescue Institute, Chief Buzzuro has been a commander within the Baltimore City’s Special Enforcement Section, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and Internal Investigations Division. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Management from John Hopkins University and is known for improving operations, effectively managing resources and strengthening relationships.

Buzzuro is expected to begin his new position on July 2. “I am honored to serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City as Chief of Police,” said Chief Buzzuro. “As Chief, I understand a key component of public safety is partnering with the community and understanding the dynamic of Ocean City’s unique environment. I look forward to accomplishing public safety through teamwork, professionalism, and discipline of the fine men and women who serve the Ocean City Police Department.”