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March 11, 2009 - County Commssioners To Recognize Fire, EMS and Police Personnel

Written by Jeff McMahon

Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:07

The Worcester County Commissioners will recognize with, commendations, several Worcester County Fire, EMS and Police personnel on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. The commendations are being awarded for a house fire that occurred on October 9, 2009 which the emergency personnel saved the life of Rodney Belmont. Mr. Belmont was asleep in the house at the time of the fire and had been overcome by the toxic smoke. The rescuers were able to search, find, remove and resuscitate Mr. Belmont. He was transported to AGH in Berlin for stablization and then transfered to a Baltimore Hospital where he remained in critical condition for several months. Mr. Belmont has made a progressive recovery and has recently returned to work.

The County Commissioners will personally recognize nine Firefighter and EMS personnel from the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, a Paramedic from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Company, a Berlin Police Officer and a Worcester County Deputy Sherriff. They will also give station awards for Berlin, Ocean Pines, Showell and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Compaines.

The awards presentation will be held during the Tuesday, March 16, 2010 regular County Commissioners meeting. The time of the presention has not been annouced, but can be expected to be at approximately 10:10AM.

Anyone requiring additional information can call the Fire Marshal's Office at 410.632.5666 or the County's Public Informotion Officer, Kim Moses at 410.632.1194.

March 8, 2010 - Commercial Structure Fire in West Ocean City

Written by Matt Owens
Tuesday, 09 March 2010 09:44
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a commercial structure fire which occurred on March 8, 2010 at 12747 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, Maryland in Worcester County. The fire was reported at approximately 9 pm at Diakonia. First arriving fire units reported the fire had been extinguished by an employee with the use of a portable fire extinguisher. Ocean City EMS advised they were treating one patient for burn injuries. This patient was later transported to Atlantic General Hospital. The Ocean City Fire Company remained on the scene to assist with smoke removal. The subject transported to AGH was later identified as Thomas Purnell Jr. Mr. Purnell is an employee of Diakonia and was treated for first degree burns to the face and arms. There were approximately 30 occupants inside the Diakonia building at the time of the fire. All occupants were able to escape and no other injuries were reported. The fire originated in a mechanical room off of the pantry. The fire ignited when cleaning supplies fell next to a gas water heater and the vapors from the supplies came in contact with the open flame of the pilot light. The fire is listed as accidental. Mr. Purnell was treated and released from AGH. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Owens at 410-632-5666 x 2 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

March 3 - Residential Structure Fire in West Ocean City

Written by Robert Korb, Jr.
Thursday, 04 March 2010 14:32
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a residential structure fire which occurred on March 3, 2010 at 12626 Sunset Avenue, Unit 63 in Ocean City. The fire was reported at 6:40 pm by a neighbor who saw smoke and heard popping noises coming from the unit. First arriving firefighters from the Ocean City Fire Department reported heavy smoke and fire from the rear of the structure. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and searched the unit for occupants. It was determined no one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was contained to the unit of origin with heat and smoke damage to the two adjacent units. The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated from an improperly installed pellet stove. The unit was owned and occupied by Thomas L. Vaughan, Jr. The fire is listed as accidental and no injuries were reported. The Ocean City Fire Department was assisted by the Berlin Fire Department. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours. Anyone with any questions is asked to contact Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb, Jr. at 410-632-5666 Ext. 4 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

February 18, 2010 - Berlin Residential Structure Fire

Written by Matt Owens
Thursday, 18 February 2010 15:53
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a dwelling fire which occurred on February 18, 2010 at 108 Maple Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. The fire was reported at approximately 12:45 pm by the home owner, Richard Parker. First arriving firefighters from the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company reported fire showing from side “A” of a single story residential dwelling. Berlin Fire Company was assisted by firefighters from the Ocean Pines and Showell Volunteer Fire Companies. The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported. The fire was contained to the room of origin with heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the remainder of the dwelling. The fire originated in the living room and was determined to have been accidental. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the family. Anyone with any additional questions is asked to contact Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Owens at 410-632-5666 x 2 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

February 22, 2010 - Second Person Charge In Pocomoke Walmart Arson

Written by Jeff McMahon
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 09:58
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office has charged a second person in the arson fire which occurred at the Pocomoke City, Maryland Super Wal-mart on Thursday, February 11, 2010. The fire kept the Wal-mart store closed for several days. Wal-mart officials put the cost of the fire through lost revenue and merchandise at just over one million dollars. Lamar Rashad Watson, 20 of Pocomoke City was charged as an accomplish in the fire. He is being held on $150,000 bond at the Worcester County Jail.

February 13, 2010 - Arson Cause of Pocomoke Vehicle Fire

Written by Matt Owens
Sunday, 14 February 2010 15:17
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a vehicle fire which occurred on Saturday, February 13, 2010. The fire was reported at approximately 3:30 am by a Pocomoke Police Officer who was on normal patrol. The vehicle fire was located at 1000 Quinn Avenue, Pocomoke, Maryland. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters from the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company. First arriving fire units reported a single vehicle fully involved with exposure to a commercial building. The vehicle was a total loss and there was minor damage to the commercial building. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately one hour and no injuries were reported. Pocomoke Police advised the vehicle involved in the fire was reported stolen earlier in the evening. The fire was determined to have been intentionally set or arson. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Chief Deputy Matt Owens at 410-632-5666 ext. 2 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .