Ocean City Police Lieutenant Retires After 28 Years of Service

Lt. Todd Wood pictured with his parents, Chief Ross Buzzuro, and the Mayor & City Council.

OCEAN CITY, MD – After nearly three decades of service to the citizens of Ocean City, Lieutenant Todd Wood will retire on September 30 from the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD). Lt.  Wood began his career with the OCPD as a Police Cadet in September 1989. He then worked as a Police Communications Operator before being hired as a full time police officer in 1992. He was promoted to Police Officer First Class in 1996, Sergeant in 2004, and Lieutenant in 2012.

He has been assigned to several divisions and specialty units within the department, including the Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Unit, Criminal Investigation Division, and Special Projects & Events. In his final position with OCPD, he has served as the Services Management Commander where he is responsible for managing the fleet, maintenance of the entire Public Safety Building, and the Arrest & Detention Section. Lt. Wood also serves as an instructor at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy where he is the primary instructor in Emergency Vehicle Operations and Traffic Stops.

Throughout his career, Lt. Wood has received training in a myriad of topics including traffic safety enforcement, breath test operation, advanced accident investigations, crash reconstruction, homicide investigations, interview and interrogation, and police pursuits. Lt. Wood also has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he attended the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy and Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff & Command.

Lt. Wood has earned several awards during his career, including Mothers against Drunk Driving, Worcester County Alcohol and Drug Task Force. He was named Neighborhood Watch Officer of the Year in 1999 and Instructor of the Year for Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy through the Maryland Police & Corrections Training Commission in 2005. He has also earned several departmental commendations to include seven Unit Citations, three Meritorious Service Awards, seven Excellent Performance Awards, and four Special Commendation Awards.

“In the five years that I have worked with Lt. Wood, he has proven time and time again that he is a pivotal member of our Command Staff and our agency as a whole.  His professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication in the performance of his duties cannot be understated.  The Town of Ocean City has benefitted greatly by his 28 years of service to the community.”

After his retirement, Lt. Wood plans to travel throughout the country before returning to the OCPD as a Reserve Officer in 2018.