History Of Ocean City Fire Service

The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company was formed in 1905 with two hand-drawn hose reels. In addition to fighting many fires over the years, the department has served with distinction during storms and floods, helping evacuate Ocean City during the March Storm of 1962 and Hurricane Gloria in 1985.

The department was even called out for riot control as 2,000 college students marched on City Hall during the Labor Day weekend of 1960.

The photo above shows Mayor William McCabe at the wheel of Ocean City’s new American LaFrance pumper at the Dorchester Street fire station in June of 1934.

Photo courtesy of the Ocean City Fire Department