The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors recently swore in a former Ocean City officer to the community force, discussed traffic concerns and recognized the Stephen Decatur High School wrestling team.
Ocean Pines Association President Rick Farr hears in new police officer Freddie Howard, a former OCPD officer, during a board meeting April 20.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
At the latest Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on April 20, the governing body swore in a familiar face as a new police officer, discussed traffic concerns and recognized the Stephen Decatur High School wrestling team.
The newest Ocean Pines officer, Freddie Howard, served the Ocean City Police Department for 25 years, Ocean Pines Police Department Chief Tim Robinson said. He was a seasonal employee for three years, left to work full-time with the Hurlock Police Department, but returned to Ocean City in 1999.
According to a press release by OPA Public Relations and Marketing Director Josh Davis, Howard worked as a domestic violence investigator, police recruitment officer, and K-9 handler throughout his career with Ocean City. The officer received the Excellent Police Performance Award in 2002 and 2018, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Worcester County Commissioners Award in 2003. Howard was named the Neighborhood Watch Police Officer of the Year in 2005.
OPA President Rick Farr conducted the swearing in ceremony, which he said would be a new tradition in Ocean Pines.
Robinson also spoke at the meeting and said the OPPD had reviewed signage in the neighborhood, particularly median strip signals. The markings are currently at every crossover. The department intends to eliminate a few, citing Ocean Parkway beautification efforts.
The chief urged drivers to keep these spaces clear. “If traffic is backed up for whatever reason, try to make sure you keep those crossovers open so people can get through there,” he said.
Additionally, the board recognized the SDHS wrestlers for their fifth consecutive state championship with a plaque presentation. The team won over Damascus 50-22 on Feb. 10 during the Maryland Athletic Association Class 2A State Championship.
Ocean Pines Association President Rick Farr reads a proclamation to members of the Stephen Decatur High wrestling team for a winning season during a board meeting April 20.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette
OPA President Rick Farr praised the athletes, noting that they “exhibited unparalleled dedication, resilience, and exceptional sportsmanship throughout a perfect season…their relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering team spirit led them to an extraordinary run of victories across several years, clinching their fifth-consecutive wrestling State Championship.”
“The perseverance, talent, and outstanding leadership displayed by each member of the team, coaching staff, and all those who supported them have brought immense pride and honor to the Stephen Decatur High School and the community of Ocean Pines; and their triumph stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and commitment to achieving greatness both on and off the mat,” he continued.
According to the OPA release, the Seahawk’s five-title run is the second longest in Maryland wrestling history.