Officials, staff honor former Ocean Pines Police Chief David Massey

(Sept. 4, 2020) Ocean Pines staff on Friday held a sendoff for former Police Chief David Massey, who officially retired on Aug. 1. 

Massey was the Ocean Pines Police Chief for 17 years and previously served as chief of police in Ocean City. All told, his law enforcement career spanned nearly five decades.  

Ocean Pines, local and state officials held a ceremony for Massey one week prior, and many of the same dignitaries were on hand again on Friday, outside at the White Horse Park pavilion.   

The second event was scheduled because COVID-19 restrictions limited the size of the prior gathering, held indoors at the Ocean Pines Golf Clubhouse, but that didn’t stop many of the speakers from making light of the extended goodbye.  

County Commissioner Chip Bertino joked that Massey was "taking more goodbyes than a vaudeville actor.” 

"We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to appreciate what the chief has done for us here in Ocean Pines for 17 years, and before that in Ocean City," Bertino said. "As a father of a son who is in law enforcement here in Worcester County, I can tell you that it's very important to have people of the caliber of the chief in leadership positions, to ensure the safety, not just of the people they serve, but also the officers that are sworn to protect our community." 

Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza called for applause and celebration of Massey’s many achievements on behalf of the community. 

"If it takes two celebrations [or] three celebrations, it truly is important to recognize a lifetime commitment to public safety," she said. "We're not only recognizing Chief Massey's commitment to the community of Ocean Pines, but also his lifetime career commitment to law enforcement on the shore." 

Carozza noted that Ocean Pines is one of the safest communities in the state, and credited Massey for that designation. 

"You only do that if you have a team and you have a community approach, and I'm really glad to see all of the team from Ocean Pines come out today, because it's [a] community and it's something that you have underscored in your leadership," she said. 

General Manager John Viola said Massey "did it right," both in his career and as a family man.  

"That's one of the best things I can say for him," he said. "I'm proud of him. I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with him. I wish him and his family the best in retirement." 

Association President Larry Perrone, on behalf of the Board of Directors, thanked Massey for his 17 years of service.  

"We want to thank you for your professionalism [and] your service to the community, and we just want to wish you a great, happy retirement," Perrone said.  

Massey was presented a plaque on behalf of Ocean Pines, a commendation from the Worcester County Commissioners from Bertino, and citations from both the Maryland Senate and Gov. Larry Hogan, by Carozza. 

Speaking last, Massey joked that his wife had asked him, a little annoyed, "is this the last retirement ceremony?" 

"I said, 'Yeah, this is going to do it,'" he said with a laugh. 

"When I moved to Worcester County, I really didn't know that much about the county. But, having lived here for these many years, I can truly say it's the best county in the state of Maryland," Massey said. "It has the best elected leadership, it has the best people, has the best school system, [and] has the best law enforcement of any county in this state. I'm proud to be a resident of Worcester County." 

Massey said he was also proud to have lived and worked in Ocean Pines.  

"We have the greatest team … we've become so close in the last couple years. They are the hardest working people. They give everything to this community," he said.  

Massey said he is also proud of his successor, Leo Ehrisman. 

"He paid his dues to this community. I couldn't be more proud ... of the job he's done and will do, and the fact that he's going to keep this community safe," Massey said.  

He also thanked Viola and the Board for the recently renovated and expanded police station, something Massey had fought for, for many years.  

"That takes courage because, in the past, we tried and it's never happened. But, this Board of Directors should be very proud of this building and our general manager, who’s brought this [renovation] under budget,” he said. “It's fantastic, the job they've done, and I'm so proud to have served under this Board and these great people, who have been here and are dedicated to this community.” 

Massey said he gave 46 years of his life to public safety. 

"And it's been worth it," he said. "Yeah, there's been some heartache. There's been some problems, there's been some things you brought home with you at night, but to work in a community where you ride in your police car and people wave at you ... and they appreciate you" made it all worthwhile. 

Massey said many police officers were "going through a tough time," citing recent national news reports. 

"We're not a perfect profession – nobody is," he said. "There's always going to be the heightened incidents that happen where somebody abuses their authority, and they should be fired, and they should be prosecuted ... we don't need them in our profession." 

Most officers, he said, worked hard for 365 days each year to keep their communities safe.  

Massey closed by thanking those in attendance "for a wonderful career." 

"Part of my life will always be in Ocean Pines and Ocean City. You can't spend over half your life in communities without taking something home with you," he said. "God bless every one of you and God bless Ocean Pines, and God bless Leo Ehrisman!" 

To view video of the event, visit https://youtu.be/MbdQcRCRGn0.