Ocean City police captain retiring after 35 years

A top Ocean City police officer is retiring after 35 years' service to the resort community.

Capt. Kevin Kirstein, who joined the Ocean City Police Department in 1980 as a seasonal officer, will retire March 31, the department said in a news release.

Kirstein, who was appointed captain in 2004, has served as the commander of each division in the OCPD. He also served as the acting chief of police in the winter of 2013.

He was hired as a full-time officer in 1983. In 1998, he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Kirstein also served in New York City following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, where he was assigned to the New York Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management Incident Command Post.

He has received several awards throughout his career including a Bronze Star and numerous commendations. 

“Captain Kirstein has been an instrumental member of the department throughout his career,” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “His dedication to public service is evident in all that he does and his presence will be greatly missed.”

After his retirement, Kirstein plans to continue to train public safety professionals throughout the world for the Department of Homeland Security and travel in his RV with his wife, Connie.

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“I have been blessed with a long and successful career where I have worked for and with exceptionally talented public servants,” said Kirstein. “Traveling throughout the public safety community I am constantly reminded of the outstanding caliber of professionals and volunteers who serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City. 

“Mark Twain was speaking of my Ocean City career when he said, ‘Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Thank you to my community for allowing me the privilege to serve for over 35 years.”