OCEAN CITY, MD - The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) has announced the retirement of Fire Chief Richard Bowers and the appointment of their newest Chief.
Chief Bowers joined the Ocean City Fire Department in 2019 after serving in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. OCFD says Bowers led the department through a period of growth and modernization, including overseeing the planning and completion of Fire Station 3 which opened in 2024.
“First as City Engineer and now as City Manager, it has been an honor to work with Chief Bowers,” Ocean City Manager Terry McGean said. “I want to thank him for all his hard work and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Bowers retires after serving 40 years in the fire service.
OCFD has named Joshua J. Bunting III as acting Fire Chief in Bowers’ place. Bunting is a third-generation Ocean City firefighter and began his service career at 14 as a cadet firefighter. His professional career began in 2000 with the Fire Marshal’s Office and has extensive experience in fire suppression, investigation, and hazardous device response, OCFD says.
The Ocean City Fire Department also announced Joseph E. Sexauer as Acting Fire Marshal for the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office for the 2025 season. Sexauer served as Lieutenant and Vice President with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.