Ocean City Fire Department hosts summer camp providing kids real-world experience as first responders

OCEAN CITY, Md.- “I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter or an officer,” Zimmerman said.

Fisher Zimmerman and more than a dozen other kids are getting to live out that dream thanks to the Ocean City Fire Department’s Senior Fire Camp. “This is the first year they’re doing Senior Fire Camp, so it’s really cool that they’re doing something that has more advanced activity to it,” Zimmerman said.

It’s a continuation of their Jr. Fire Camp held annually. Over the course of a week, campers 9-14 years-old gain hands-on experience and knowledge through a variety of exercises to get a glimpse of life in public safety.

Ryan Whittington with OCFD says it’s also an opportunity for the kids to see their strong relationship with other community partners. “We’ve done things such as visiting the Maryland State Police helicopter, Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Maryland State Fire Marshall, we’ve gone to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office,” Whittington said.

Like many industries, OCFD Chief Richard Bowers says they’re grappling with recruitment challenges. He tells us the camp could be a gateway to get future professionals in the door. “We’re all struggling with trying to recruit new hires and new volunteers. I hope this is one of the ways that we can begin to continue to fill the bucket so to speak,” Chief Bowers said.

“Whether it’s in fire and EMS, a 911 dispatcher, a law enforcement officer, or whatever the case may be, it really opens up their world and their eyes to greater opportunities.”

The Ocean City Fire Department tells us this is just one of their many ways of strengthening their community building efforts. To date, OCFD has hosted upwards of 140 kids in its summer camp program.