Former Baltimore Officer Named Chief Of Ocean City PD

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- One of Baltimore's finest is taking the reigns of another Maryland community. A 28-year veteran of the Baltimore police is named chief of the Ocean City Police Department.

Monique Griego has more on his promotion.

Police working the beats of Baltimore see it all. It's a tough city and demanding job that can prepare officers for almost any challenge in law enforcement.

Now one respected commander is using what he learned here to lead another community.

"I've been fortunate to serve alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement," said Ross Buzzuro, Ocean City's new police chief.

Lt. Col. Ross Buzzuro, who spent 28 years working his way up the ranks, is leaving Baltimore for the beaches and boardwalk of Ocean City, where he'll be the new chief of police.

While it may sound like a vacation, Buzzuro says the resort town is a unique environment with its own set of problems.

Last Friday, police arrested a man after he stabbed three people on the boardwalk.

"Summer months bring an extraordinary amount of visitors to Ocean City, second to Baltimore," Buzzuro said. "So that's a challenge within itself."

The commander has previously led several operations within the department, including SWAT. Most recently, he was the training director at the police academy.

"Starting my career at the academy and ending it...is just very fitting," he said.

As chief, he'll focus on public safety and crime prevention---a task he's looking forward to.

"The challenge of starting a new job and in a new position as well as a new environment makes it a great opportunity for me and my family," Buzzuro said.

Ocean City leaders say they chose Buzzuro because of his experience and proven leadership skills.

He starts his new job as chief July 2.