Longtime Ocean City Police Chief Announces Resignation

OCEAN CITY, MD. Ocean City is taking so long to tell its police chief.

Ross Buzzuro announced his retirement on Halloween after 11 years in the job.

Buzzuro was hired as Ocean City’s top cop after a long career with the Baltimore Police Department, where he rose to the rank of colonel.

Overall, Bazzuro has worked in law enforcement for nearly 40 years.

“It has been my great honor to serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Ocean City Police Department,” Buzzuro said. “As a longtime visitor and homeowner to the area, it has been a privilege to serve as Chief of Police. Although bittersweet, now is the right time for me to step aside to allow the transition to happen before the summer season. “I’m grateful to have closed this chapter in my career and look forward to the next chapter in my life.”

During his time in Ocean City, he led a department that now has nearly 100 full-time employees.

Bazzuro also led a number of protest quell initiatives aimed at maintaining Ocean City’s long-standing reputation as a safe resort town.

One such attempt included legislation that introduced stricter regulations during special events that attracted large numbers of people and increased traffic levels.

“Chief Buzzuro was the right leader at the right time for Ocean City,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “I have the utmost respect for the chief and want to thank him for his dedication to the department and our community.”

Meehan and the company plan to conduct a national search to fill the vacant position.

Meanwhile, Captain Michael Colbert has been appointed interim chief effective November 1st.