I was very pleased to see my good friend Chris Laramore, (Chief of the Ocean City Fire Department) being brought to the forefront in the news once again. The following story is one in which proves that some people do what they do for the good of the community and ask for nothing in return.
Nevertheless, Chris is recognized for the unconditional man that he is and my hat is tipped to Bryan Russo for a superb article. I'll provide the beginning of the article and then a link to read the rest as they truly deserve the hits for this one. Thanks for all that you do Mr. Laramore! By the way Chris, Salisbury desperately needs a new Fire Chief, any interest?
Fire Chief Talks $1 Salary, Major Changes, Personnel Moves
By Bryan Russo, Staff Writer Originally published March 27, 2009
OCEAN CITY – Chris Larmore has had quite a year as the chief of the newly merged Ocean City Fire Department, and he’s got much more to show for it than just the $1 he made in salary.
Larmore, the appointed figurehead of the merged volunteer and career fire department, has gone through a year of scrutiny, controversy and seemingly, has had his every move under constant watch by some since taking the reins and trying to move the fire department out of the turmoil and into the future.
In an interview with The Dispatch on Wednesday, Larmore says despite all that has happened in the past year, the task is very simple.
“The fire service has always been based on trust and honesty and if you tell the truth and aren’t shy about reaching out for help, a lot of the good people come to the front and that’s what I’ve been seeing a lot of in the last six to eight months,” said Larmore. “Ask good people to do a job, and what you get in return is really good work. That’s the basis of it all.”
Larmore could be deemed one of the biggest bargains in Ocean City history as he opted to be paid $1 for his service as chief of the fire department, even though his position would easily pay over $100,000 and has worked tirelessly since that appointment (60-80 hour weeks on average) to make the “ship” run in a more efficient manner.
GO HERE to read the rest of the article.
16 comments:
That's impressive.
Joe,
I will beat the few "naysayer's" to the punch. As a career member, I did not agree with Chief Larmore's appointment, however I must say it is working out very well. He is honest, and the story is accurate. We have 5 new positions in the works, and although I did not apply, I support my fellow co-workers. I was pleasantly surprised that the Chief indicated the next Fire Chief would be one of them, that's believing in your people.
Chief Larimore brings an interesting style and motivation, by not being "paid", he can always say what's on his mind, and not fear the unemployment line. Don't think for one minute, that the mare and council is any different than we have in Salisbury, he just doesn't roll over for them. I personally would love for him to come over here, it's just the mare would never consider it, besides he just doesn't kiss a** enough.
No that's A FIRE CHIEF
The only negative comments you will get, will be from 4-5 people that simply don't accept change, or wanted to be chief themselves. Chris is doing an outstanding job, and to those that said "you get what you pay for", well, he kicked your butts, no doubt about it. The OCVFC has never been any stronger, I am very proud to be a vol., even more proud to be a part of the entire department.
I was very instrumental with the work group that met last spring that recommended his appointment. Chief Larimore, on behalf of the citizens of Ocean City, thank-you! Joe, you have a full plate with your Mayor, leave our chief alone ROTFLMAO
Joe,
I can't believe you are giving another newspaper credit ! You feeling OK? I must be dreaming. It's a great article, both they and you deserve credit. Chief Larimore, we need more leaders like you. Just imagine if Chief Larmore and Sheriff Lewis were a team. Then we would really turn things around.
You either like him, or hate him. He has one thing, he delegates everything to good people, and that makes him look great. Guess he's not all that dumb huh? well$1.00 yr., maybe he is
2:02 Strange you say that, I was thinking the same thing, a Fire Chief and Sheriff working together, isn't that what the public should expect? Joe, get these guys together! See gone,Webster next.
whats the old saying my grandfather said....oh, yea...you get what you pay for!!!
while the town is getting a bargain, yea...he is just playing politics, everyone gets to hear what they want to hear.
joe...why don't you ask about the new one engine policy? there can be an incident right in front of the main station where 5 or 6 people might be working...they are going to stand around or sleep while the one "main" engine responds to everything that certain people consider minor. i overheard this conversation over breakfast the other morning in a local restaurant
bill layton
Bill, GOOD! That's the way it ought to be! You sound like a spoiled brat who doesn't get his way. You should come work for Bill Gordy here in Salisbury. He's your twin.
If you are so proud then why are you annonymous??
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The only negative comments you will get, will be from 4-5 people that simply don't accept change, or wanted to be chief themselves. Chris is doing an outstanding job, and to those that said "you get what you pay for", well, he kicked your butts, no doubt about it. The OCVFC has never been any stronger, I am very proud to be a vol., even more proud to be a part of the entire department.
1:03 PM
Mr. Layton,you mean the policy that went before the mayor and council, the union, the officers first..... and is the right thing. Your the type that question everything, but won't go to the source for a true explaination. Thats right "overheard at breakfast", more like stirred it at the breakfast table
There are far more "proud" people, however if you use your name, and then every negative slimeball bashes you and your family because they don't have to use thier name. Once everyone has to, I will be glad to. Stay on topic, we have Chief that few could ever hope to match, because he has integrety, honesty, and cares! Look in the mirror, only you know if thats true with you.
14 good comments, either Joe rejects the bad ones, are there must be some good in this chief. Last year this topic was a hot one, things must be going the right way, or the few rejects just haven't heard it's here. I wish the same was in Salisbury.
I'd much rather have this chief than See and Gordy.
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