Deputy Chief Charlie Bowman Named Acting Fire Chief

Mayor Jay Gillian announced Monday evening the appointment of Charles Bowman as acting chief of the Ocean City Fire Department.

Bowman is a 25-year veteran of the department who has served as a deputy fire chief since 2001.

“I have every confidence that Acting Chief Bowman and the rest of the department will continue to provide outstanding public safety services to our community,” Gillian said in a news release.

Ocean City Business Administrator Mike Dattilo said Monday that the search for a permanent replacement for Fire Chief Joseph Foglio is just beginning. Foglio retired on Oct. 1.

Dattilo said the city is still checking guidelines with the state Civil Service Commission and will outline a process for hiring a new chief within the next few weeks.

Under the current salary structure, Ocean City's fire chief makes $126,553 annually -- less than the department's three deputy chiefs earn.

Bowman said he earns $130,000 annually in base pay and typically earns another $10,000 in Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compensation for working shifts beyond a 40-hour work week.

He will continue to work his regular shifts as a deputy chief and platoon leader, while taking on the duties of the chief.

"I wanted to do the right thing," said Bowman, an Ocean City native, Ocean City High School graduate and former Ocean City Beach Patrol member.