OCEAN CITY, Md.- The Ocean City Fire Department is looking to tackle staffing challenges as the need for service increases.
Fire and EMS Chief Richard Bowers said calls for service and the number of incidents have increased in recent years.
Bowers said the challenge is maintaining fast response times. He said staffing in the north end of town is particularly challenging.
The department relies on both career and volunteer personnel, and the hope is to boost staff to meet the growing need.
"We've become now a year-round resort, but also a year-round community where people want to live and enjoy the ocean and all the amenities," said Bowers.
Ocean City leaders recently approved additional funding to hire new firefighter paramedics.
Bowers said the department will continue to use data to make requests for staffing during the budget process.
