During an update on the Ocean Pines Police and the Volunteer Fire departments’ recent activities last weekend, OPA Board of Directors President Rick Farr swore Officer Michael Ebersole into the police department.

Ocean Pines Association Board President Rick Farr is pictured swearing in new police officer Michael Ebersole at last Saturday’s board meeting.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette

By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer 

Representatives from the Ocean Pines Police and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire departments updated the community on their initiatives and ongoings at last week’s Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting. 

OPPD Chief Tim Robinson was present May 18 as OPA Board of Directors President Rick Farr swore Officer Michael Ebersole into the department. Farr noted that this act will be a regular tradition as new hires are welcomed into the community’s police force. With Ebersole’s appointment, Ocean Pines now has 10 officers, with three more expected later this year. 

“We have three officers slated to go to the academy, which starts July 1,” the chief noted. “We are going through the background on that … the way it looks, we will have three officers going to the academy. That academy class will graduate just before Christmas.” 

Robinson said the OPPD is still looking for additional officers and is often contacted by individuals interested in employment with the department. As of March 2024, new hires will receive a starting salary of roughly $63,000 upon training completion. 

The officer also updated the community on a Thursday, May 16, incident involving an individual with an arrest warrant from Pennsylvania. A department member observed fugitive John Pasquariello at 3:45 p.m. on Mumford’s Landing Road.

The pair engaged in a low-speed chase back to Pasquariello’s residence on Fishing Creek Lane, where he was then taken into custody and charged with attempt to flee and elude, driving without a license, and operating an unregistered vehicle. The Pennsylvania warrant was for a probation violation following a criminal conviction in a theft case. 

After an initial appearance before the District Court Commissioner, Pasquariello was detained in the Worcester County detention center without bond, pending extradition back to Pennsylvania. 

The police department can be reached by sending a message via its new web page’s contact button. Correspondence is delivered directly to Robinson and the two lieutenants. 

“The goal of the Ocean Pines Police Department, besides being your police department, is to provide outstanding customer service,” Robinson said. 

Additionally, OPVFD President Joe Enste attended the May 18 meeting. The firefighter updated the community on the department’s fundraising initiatives, including the annual vehicle raffle. 

Tickets for the drawing have increased to $100 this year. However, the surge in price will allow the department to cover the expenses associated with winning the car. 

Last year, the selected ticket holder paid approximately $18,000 in title, taxes, and gaming fees. 

“I don’t know about you all, but I don’t think about winning and then spending a lot of money,” the fire president said. “So, we looked at it this year and thought, ‘Hey, how can we do something different and help the community while also helping ourselves.’” 

The OPVFD reminded residents about the brick fundraiser for the South Station renovation project. The department sells customizable 4×8 and 8×8 bricks for $100 and $200, which will be used for a unique feature at the updated facility. 

Donations of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, and more are also being collected, and each will be distinguished on a separate plaque in the renovated building. 

Fire safety resources can be found on the department’s website. Enste urged residents to visit the page for information on smoke alarms, fire escape planning, carbon monoxide safety, and boat and marine safety. 

“Look at our resources, and if you need anything else or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us,” the president said. 

This story appears in the May 23, 2024, print edition of the Bayside Gazette.