Ocean City Picks New Fire Chief

Mayor Jay Gillian promoted Ocean City Fire Department Capt. Christopher Breunig to be the department's new chief effective immediately. 

Breunig, 43, is a 16-year veteran of the Ocean City Fire Department and has served as a captain for nine years. He has extensive training in fire and paramedic services, according to the city.

Breunig is single and lives in the Marmora section of Upper Township. He is a 1987 graduate of Ocean City High School, and he served as a volunteer firefighter in Marmora before joining the Ocean City Fire Department in 1996.

The chief's position had been filled by Deputy Chief Charles Bowman since the retirement of Chief Joseph Foglio on Oct. 1, 2011.

The fire chief's salary in Ocean City is set by ordinance at $126,553 annually — less than the department's three deputy chiefs earn. In August 2011, City Council rejected an ordinance that would have increased the salary ranges for four department heads, including the fire chief.

Gillian said he chose Breunig following an in-depth process of panel interviews and assessments, and Business Administrator Mike Dattilo said all final candidates were from within the department and "all thoroughly qualified."

“We are excited to have Chris as a member of the city’s leadership team,” Gillian said in a news release. “Chris’ experience, leadership and creative ideas will enable him to lead the Fire Department effectively for years to come."

"I’d also like to thank acting Chief Charlie Bowman for stepping up into a very difficult situation and keeping everything with our fire department in excellent order,” Gillian said.

Breunig said on Thursday that he's excited by the appointment and that he has no plans for immediate changes. He said the department will finish out the busy summer season, then begin to plan for the future.

“I'm very optimistic,” Breunig said. "I'm looking forward to working with the city administration. It will be a team effort."