Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department broke ground on its new South Fire Station

OCEAN PINES, Md. — This afternoon, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department broke ground on its new south fire station. Officials told WMDT about the milestone.

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste said, “Years ago, we realized that while this building was meeting the needs of the time, it would not meet future needs as we continue to expand.”

Enste said the department was fully staffed by volunteers in 1973.

“When I first joined the department in 2003, we had one provider per day, following a 24- or 72-hour shift schedule. Today we have four full-time staff around the clock, a fifth during the day, plus all of our volunteers,” Enste said.

Back then, the station received about 100 fire calls a year. Today, the department handles 350 fire calls and 2,500 EMS calls. Eastern Shore State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said the occasion hits close to home.

“In one case, it was a very serious situation for my dad, and they were here in less than two minutes. They immediately evaluated the situation,” she said.

Carozza said it is imperative for a growing community to have public safety infrastructure capable of supporting its population.

“This is why they need state-of-the-art training, contamination facilities and technology. In the end, the result is better service and keeping our community safe and healthy,” Carozza said.

Another local official, Del. Wayne Hartman, said the project is personal as well, noting his son is a career firefighter.

“It really brings to light what these volunteers and career staff are doing for us, to protect us. It’s not hard to say this is the right thing to do for them,” Hartman said.

Carozza added, “I want to thank the leadership of the Ocean Pines Fire Department. They have been working on this building, making the case for this significant public safety investment. It is an investment, but it is about saving lives—those of our residents and visitors alike.”

The new fire station is expected to be fully operational by summer 2027.