Ocean City Police Department Mourns the Loss of Retired Corporal Raymond Land

OCEAN CITY, Md. — It is with deep sadness that the Ocean City Police Department announces the passing of Retired Corporal Raymond Land, who proudly served Ocean City from 1975 until his retirement in 2010.

Cpl. Land was a dedicated officer and a beloved member of the department. Best known for his iconic partnership with his mount, Mr. President, Ray was instrumental in establishing and leading our Mounted Unit, where he made a lasting impact both with the department and in the community. As a Mounted Policeman, Cpl. Land was involved in over 2,000 arrests, more than 500 of which he personally carried out, and played a role in approximately 20 felony arrests. One of the proudest moments of his career came in 2002, when he tracked down and apprehended two robbery suspects just three hours after the crime.

In his role as a Boardwalk Supervisor, Cpl. Land managed patrol shifts and helped ensure the safety of thousands of residents and visitors each summer. His quick thinking and bravery were on full display when he apprehended an alleged kidnapper while on duty.

Cpl. Land was a 36-year member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a respected presence in the law enforcement community. He earned his B.A. in Criminology from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). He continually pursued professional development, including training at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy and completion of the First Line Supervisors Training School.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was recognized for his dedication to community service, having spent five years with our Community Services Division and maintaining an active membership in the National Police Athletic League. Off duty, he enjoyed horseback riding, softball, football, and basketball.

“Ray Land was more than a colleague; he was a pillar of this department for nearly four decades,” said Chief Raymond Austin. “Ray embodied the values of public service, dedication, and compassion. He demonstrated this time and again in his mentorship, not just to me, but to countless officers over the years. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, both within our department and throughout the Ocean City community.”

To honor his life and legacy, a memorial service will be held on:

Sunday, July 20, 2025

5:30 p.m.

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842

Family, friends, current and former colleagues, and community members are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for Cpl. Land’s extraordinary service.

Cpl. Ray Land’s dedication, leadership, and impact will forever be remembered by the Ocean City Police Department and the town he so proudly served. He will be deeply missed.