News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department Recaps a Year of Service and Dedication in 2024

Ocean Pines, MD – As we reflect on 2024, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) looks back on a year of unwavering commitment, service, and community support. OPVFD is a Combination Fire Department, meaning we have both Career and Volunteer members working alongside each other to serve the community. Our dedicated personnel have once again demonstrated their passion and selflessness, ensuring the safety and well-being of Ocean Pines residents.

Throughout the year, OPVFD responded to 2,215 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls and 355 fire calls, showcasing the department’s essential role in protecting lives and property. From a volunteer perspective, our members dedicated an astounding 3,827 hours solely to emergency response, with hundreds more logged for training, operational duties, and community outreach.

Beyond emergency response, OPVFD members volunteered over 2,400 hours toward fundraising efforts. These events, including our annual fund drive, community bingo nights, and various outreach initiatives, provide crucial financial support to sustain and enhance our services.

Key highlights of 2024 include:

• Signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ocean Pines Association. We extend our sincere thanks to the Association for their collaboration and support in strengthening our partnership.
• Ordering a new Medic Unit, ensuring our ability to continue providing high-quality emergency medical care to the community.
• Securing the process that will lead to an updated South Station, a critical step in modernizing our facilities to better serve Ocean Pines.

“As a combination fire department, we rely on the dedication of both our career and volunteer members, as well as the generosity of our community,” said OPVFD Fire Chief Joey Widgeon. “The time and effort our personnel contribute each year are a testament to their unwavering commitment to public safety.”

To commemorate this incredible year of service, OPVFD has released a 2024 Year in Review video, highlighting our department’s impact, key moments, and the incredible efforts of our team. The video can be viewed on our website and social media platforms.

As we move through 2025, the OPVFD remains committed to its mission of protecting and serving the residents of Ocean Pines. We extend our deepest gratitude to our career and volunteer members, donors, and the entire community for their continued support.

For more information about OPVFD or to support our efforts, please visit opvfd.com or follow us on social media.

Media Contact:
Joe Enste
Public Information Officer
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
911 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 443-614-2717