Community Corner
Beach History: Joe Schmitt Retires After 55 OCBP Summers
Lt. Joe Schmitt was hired by the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 1957.
The Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger on June 25, 1957, reported that Ocean City Beach Patrol Captain Thomas Williams hired 12 new lifeguards.
The article named the rookies, and Joe Schmitt was on the list. Thus began a career that would last 55 summers. Schmitt, 72, announced on Aug. 15 this was his last year on the patrol.
The 2011 OCBP yearbook devoted a full page to Schmitt, saluting him for his 55 years of service. It included the following information: longest serving beach patrol member in the history of the OCBP; United States Lifesaving Association national champion; founder of Masters Ocean Swim and the Schmitt Relays; recipient of the Stowe Award; member of the OCBP Hall of Fame; and retired physical education teacher and coach.
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