UPDATE: OC Police Issues Statement On Loss Of Two Officers

UPDATE: OC Police Issues Statement On Loss Of Two Officers
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OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Police Department this afternoon is mourning the loss of two officers that perished in a small plane crash about 500 yards off the beach at 130th Street on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, the bodies of the two OCPD officers were recovered from the plane wreckage on the ocean floor about 500 yards off the beach at 130th Street and the victims were positively identified as Thomas J. Geoghegan, Jr., 43, of Ocean City and Joshua D. Adickes, 27, of Berlin. Both were OCPD officers.

Police divers from the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) worked throughout the morning and into the early afternoon to recover the bodies from the wreckage of the plane about 30 feet below the surface and about one-quarter mile off the beach.

Divers, who were reportedly not members of Ocean City’s dive team, were working in zero visibility and rough waters and suspended operations around 1:15 p.m. due to dangerous conditions caused by an approaching storm front.

In a brief statement released late this afternoon, the OCPD mourned the loss of the two dedicated police officers.

“It is with great sadness that the Ocean City Police Department confirms that two of our police officers were the victims in yesterday’s plane crash in Ocean City. Both officers were very dedicated and courageous both on and off duty. Their love of life was clearly demonstrated in their professional and personal pursuits. They exemplified the finest character and their passing is a tremendous loss to the Ocean City Police Department family. As we deal with this difficult time, we ask that you respect the privacy of their families and peers. Maryland State Police and Federal Aviation Authorities continue to handle the investigation. When the time is appropriate, we will release more information about our officers and their distinguished service to the community.”