Ocean City, Maryland – (August 9, 2016): 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, who is officially retiring at the end of the month, leaves with more than 33 years of service to the town. Beginning his career as a seasonal Firefighter/EMT in 1978, Barton was hired full time on January 3, 1983.
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.”
Barton’s professional achievements are extraordinary, including 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. 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.”
According to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Barton’s retirement is “bittersweet” for the town of Ocean City. “There are many ways you have helped the town of Ocean City and we are honored to have had your service for more than 30 years,” Meehan commented during Barton’s retirement recognition ceremony. “You have gained the respect of everyone in this room and to say that you will be missed is purely an understatement.”
