OC Fire Chief Richard Bowers retires, leadership changes announced

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City Fire Department Chief Richard Bowers has retired after more than four decades in the service.

Completing a Career

Bowers joined the Ocean City Fire Department in 2019 after serving in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia. During his tenure, Bowers led the department through a transformative period of growth and modernization, according to a press release.

The planning and completion of the department’s Fire Station 3, which opened in 2024, is credited in large part to Bowers. The facility has enhanced emergency response capabilities, and officials say it creates a professional workspace for volunteer and career personnel.

“It has been an honor to work with Chief Bowers. I want to thank him for all his hard work and I wish him all the best for the future,” stated City Manager Terry McGean in the release.

Bunting III Bumped to Chief

In Bowers’s absence, Joshua J. Bunting III was named Acting Fire Chief for the 2025 season. Chief Bunting is a third-generation Ocean City firefighter, continuing a legacy of service established by his father and grandfather.

Chief Bunting began his fire service career as a cadet firefighter at age 14, and became an active volunteer at age 18. In the year 2000, Chief Bunting began his professional career in the Fire Marshal’s Office. Chief Bunting has served previously as Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, and Bomb Squad Commander.

Sexauer Named Acting Fire Marshal

The department also named Joseph E. Sexauer as the Acting Fire Marshal for the 2025 season. He also began his fire service career at age 14 as a cadet, and became an active firefighter at age 18.

Sexauer joined the Fire Marshal’s Office in 2003 as a Fire Inspector. He became Deputy Fire Marshal in 2006 and became a certified Bomb Technician in 2009. In 2020, Sexauer was promoted to Battalion Chief. Sexauer has served as Lieutenant and Vice President and is a life member of the Volunteer Fire Company.