OCPD Testing Planned

OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is conducting applicant testing for full-time and seasonal positions next week at the Ocean City Convention Center.

The OCPD will conduct applicant testing next Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Ocean City Convention Center. The tests will be for full-time and seasonal positions for 2012. Testing on Saturday will consist of a written exam, followed by a physical ability test.

Applicants should wear workout clothes and must have an application, a physician statement and a photo ID to be admitted to the test. The interview portion of the test will take place at the Ocean City Public Safety Building on Sunday, Aug. 7. The tests will be administered at 8 a.m. each day, but applicants must arrive no later than 7:45 a.m.

Applicants wishing to take the exam are asked to make a reservation with the OCPD Training and Recruiting Section. For more information about the testing process, contact the OCPD Training and Recruiting Section at 410-723-6612, or [email protected].  

Downs Supports Pocomoke

BERLIN — Ocean Downs officials this week pledged a total of $30,000 over the next five years in support of the Great Pocomoke Fair in an agreement that further promotes harness racing in Maryland and expands the relationship between the two organizations.

Through 2015, Ocean Downs will support harness racing purses at Pocomoke’s annual fair through annual gifts of $5,000. In addition, on Aug. 4, Ocean Downs will host the first Great Pocomoke Fair Race and has pledged $1,000 toward the race’s purse for each of the next five years.

Ocean Downs General Manager Peter Szymanski said the exhibition race night at the track will also include raffles and giveaways and recognition of the race winner in Ocean Downs’ winner’s circle. Ocean Downs owner William Rickman, Jr. said the pledge is part of the track’s effort to support harness racing in Maryland.

“All of us at Ocean Downs, like our friends in Pocomoke, are absolutely committed to ensuring that the sport of harness racing continues to thrive here in Maryland,” he said “Both of our organizations have enjoyed a long tradition of harness racing and we are pleased that we can help to ensure the future of harness racing at the fair.”

For their part, Pocomoke Fair officials are pleased with the partnership.

“We are excited to partner with Ocean Downs,” said Mike Wandishin, Great Pocomoke Fair Racing Secretary. “Harness racing has been a long-standing attraction of the fair, and we are extremely grateful for Ocean Downs’ show of support.”

Commission Appointment

SALISBURY — Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes this week was elected to serve as vice chairperson on the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards.

Council President Gail Bartkovich this week announced Sample-Hughes has been elected by her peers to serve as vice chairperson on the state’s Commission on Correctional Standards. Established by the General Assembly, the commission provides oversight for the adherence to quality, security and performance standards in county, state and private correctional facilities in Maryland and reports its findings to the Secretary, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Commission members are appointed by the Governor and represent corrections and law enforcement professionals, elected officials and private citizens. In making the announcement, Bartkovich extended her sincerest congratulations to Sample-Hughes, as did Howard Ray, Jr., Executive Director of the Commission on Correctional Standards.

“Mrs. Sample-Hughes is well respected among her peers on the commission and is a tremendous asset to her community and the state at large,” he said.

New Administrator Named

SUSSEX COUNTY — Sussex County officials this week chose one of their own to take the helm as County Administrator, tapping Georgetown native Todd F. Lawson for the post.

The Sussex County Council on Tuesday appointed Lawson as County Administrator effective no later than Jan. 1, 2012. Lawson will replace retiring administrator David Baker, becoming the sixth County Administrator in Sussex since the General Assembly converted the old Levy Court into the current County Council in the early 1970s.

A graduate of the University of Delaware with a law degree from George Mason University, Lawson brings a first-hand understanding of governmental process and strong relationships both in Washington, D.C. and in Delaware. Most recently, Lawson worked for a communications and marketing firm in Washington, advocating on behalf of non-profit groups and municipal clients.

“I am honored to be selected as County Administrator and look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Sussex County,” he said. “This is my home and where I want to settle down and raise my children. I want to see the county prosper while maintaining our low taxes and exceptional service.”

About The Author: Steven Green

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The writer has been with The Dispatch in various capacities since 1995, including serving as editor and publisher since 2004. His previous titles were managing editor, staff writer, sports editor, sales account manager and copy editor. Growing up in Salisbury before moving to Berlin, Green graduated from Worcester Preparatory School in 1993 and graduated from Loyola University Baltimore in 1997 with degrees in Communications (journalism concentration) and Political Science.