Ocean City Swears In Josh Bunting as Fire Chief

Swearing in of Ocean City Fire Chief Josh Bunting by Mayor Rick Meehan / Image courtesy Town of Ocean City

The Ocean City Fire Department has sworn in Josh Bunting as Fire Chief. He was recommended for the position by City Manager Terry McGean and approved by the Mayor and City Council. Bunting has served as both a volunteer firefighter as well as the Ocean City Fire Marshal which makes him qualified for the position. McGean says the position was advertised both internally and externally, as well as in a variety of trade publications – and the city had 54 applicants for the position and that Josh Bunting was the

overall best candidate for the job.  Chief Bunting was sworn in by Mayor Rick Meehan during Monday night’s regular City Council meeting.

Bunting was appointed Acting Fire Chief following the retirement of Chief Richard Bowers in April of last year. Bunting’s appointment as Acting Fire Chief was for the 2025 season – and he retired from that position at the end of December.

Chief Bunting, a third-generation Ocean City firefighter, continues a family legacy of service established by his father and grandfather.

Chief Bunting began his fire service career as a cadet firefighter at 14. He became an active volunteer at 18 and started his professional career in the Fire Marshal’s Office in 2000. Over the last 20+ years, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, and Bomb Squad Commander. His extensive experience in fire suppression, investigation, and hazardous device response speaks to his lifelong commitment to public safety.

A lifelong Worcester County resident, Chief Bunting brings a unique combination of operational expertise, investigative knowledge, and deep community connection to his new role.

New Ocean City Fire Chief Josh Bunting with family and fire family members at swearing in ceremony Monday night/Image courtesy Town of Ocean City