Ocean City fire chief announces retirement after 12 years

Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Larmore announced Thursday he will be retiring from the department this spring.

Larmore has served as a member of the Volunteer Fire Company for 27 years, according to a town press release. In 2008, he was appointed to the position of fire chief, overseeing both the volunteer and career firefighters of Ocean City.

"I am thankful for the men and women that I work with each and every day, and for the opportunity to serve the community that has been my home for most of my life," Larmore said in the release.

As Ocean City's first fire chief to lead both the volunteer and career firefighters, he worked with hundreds of service members during his nearly 12 years in the position.

In his announcement, Larmore did not specify an exact date of retirement, but he expects to leave the position before the summer season begins.

City Manager Doug Miller said Larmore led the department through challenging times.

"He played a vital role in the successful merging of our volunteer division and our EMS division," Miller said in the release. "He exemplified the slogan, 'United to Serve' and his service will most certainly be missed."

The most recent dilemma was in August when the Board of Directors for the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company voted no confidence in Larmore as their fire chief.

Following the vote, Ocean City town officials worked with Larmore and the volunteer firefighters to try and resolve the conflict. While the specific issues with Larmore were never discussed publicly, the nature of the problems include recent morale, trust and scheduling issues.

Background:Ocean City volunteer firefighters vote no confidence in fire chief

Background:Volunteer firefighters take issue with Ocean City fire chief

Over the summer, volunteer firefighters were asked to cover more shifts after a scheduling change with the career firefighters and paramedics went into effect earlier this year.

Union members, who make up the Ocean City Career Fire Fighter Paramedics Association, faced challenges with staffing shortages and open shifts, which they blamed on the recent schedule change.

Town officials and firefighters reached an agreement in early 2017 to change the shift schedules from 24-hour shifts followed by 72 hours off after a yearlong dispute.

The new shift schedules consist of two 10-hour day shifts, followed by two 14-hour night shifts, followed by four days off.

Background:Ocean City firefighters union: 'The department is falling apart' because of new schedule

This change required more volunteers to fill in for open shifts and increased their workload.

Town officials noted that there had been staffing challenges with the fire department but said the schedule was not the main reason.

Contact reporter Sara Swann at (302) 324-7711, sswann@delmarvanow.com or on Twitter @saramswann.

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