The Town of Berlin could host Maryland State Firemen’s Association’s Convention

BERLIN, Md. – The town of Berlin could potentially see a huge conference and parade come to town limits. The Maryland State Firemen’s Association is looking at various locations to determine who might hold the next firefighter convention.

Each summer, Ocean City hosts the big statewide convention, which features agencies across the Western and Eastern Shore.

Membership has been polling its members to try and increase participation. The event in years past generally runs on the mid-week. Members believe moving the event to the weekend would increase attendance.

Mayor of Berlin, Zach Tyndall, explains how the MFSA inquired about with town officials about a new location.

“I believe the message we got was that the Maryland State Firemen’s Association approached Ocean City about that. Unfortunately, due to the traffic they have in the summer over the weekend, they were not able to accommodate. And Berlin was at the top of the list.”

Mayor Tyndall is a career firefighter and paramedic in Berlin. He said he feels comfortable Berlin could handle the high traffic in volume. Him and town officials are looking for ways to drive downtown’s business area.

“The thing is public safety is core to who we are here in Berlin. If we can find a way that we can celebrate that, and celebrate folks across the state who give their time and volunteer. Those who are career firefighters and paramedics, we want to show that appreciation in a small town like Berlin.”

The town of Berlin is meeting in January 2026 to discuss what the convention could look like. A presentation will be shown to town officials and community members.

Mayor Tyndall asked the community to come out to the meeting, and share their perspective on the potential event.