FIVE NEW OFFICERS GRADUATE FROM POLICE ACADEMY

Ofc. Bodine, Ofc. Gower, Chief Buzzuro, Ofc. O'Toole,
Ofc. Cooper, and Ofc. Hayes

(June 18, 2014) – On June 17, 2014, five new Ocean City Police Department officers graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy’s 72^nd police academy class. The newest Ocean City officers are Officers James Bodine, Gary Cooper, Jr., Tonya Gower, Kyle Hayes, Jr., and Julianne O’Toole.

Officers were formally recognized as certified police officers of the Ocean City Police Department after 24 weeks of intense training. The recruit class stemmed from various law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Graduates from the OCPD consistently earn top honors from the police academy and these new officers held true to that tradition. Officers Bodine, Cooper Gower and O’Toole each earned the Physical Fitness Award. The Firearms Proficiency Award was given to Officers Bodine, Gower and O’Toole. Also, Officer Cooper earned the only Academic Achievement Award in the recruitment class earning a 93 percent overall score.

“We strive to provide the Ocean City community with the best and brightest officers that we can find,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “I truly believe that our five newest officers exemplify that goal. Each of them are sure to be tremendous servants for our residents and visitors.”

After their graduation from the police academy, the new officers will enter into a nine week field training program. During this time, they will hone the skills they have acquired in the police academy under the direct supervision of a veteran OCPD field training officer. They will be routinely evaluated and critiqued on their performance and will train with the various shifts and divisions that make up the OCPD.