Ocean City is saying goodbye to a friendly and familiar face this month, with the retirement of Ocean City Fire Department Deputy Chief Charles “Chuck” Barton. Barton has served the town of Ocean City for more than 33 years, and leaves behind a wake of extraordinary service. His award winning achievements include: a Governor’s Citation, State of Maryland’s EMS Provider of the Year and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Maryland’s Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Beginning his career as a seasonal Firefighter/EMT in 1978, Barton was hired full time on January 3, 1983. As a nationally registered paramedic and fire officer, Barton worked his way up the ranks, earning the title of Lieutenant in 2000 and Deputy Chief of the Career Fire/EMS Division in 2005. While his formal responsibilities included managing administrative and operational functions of the career division, he also played a major role in the training, development and growth of the department.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve the fire department, the town of Ocean City and the Ocean City community,” Barton commented. “I have had an incredible career, but the success I’ve had is deeply rooted in the success of my employees. They provide a tremendous service and they are what I am proud of the most.”
During retirement, Barton expects to continue his work as a medical provider, specifically in training and education. “I have accepted a full-time faculty position in the EMS department at Wor-Wic Community College,” Barton finished. “I am looking forward to teaching, continuing my work on my graduate degree and spending more time traveling with my family.”
