Ocean City Police Sgt. James Rodriguez Retires After 25 Years

Ocean City, MD - A familiar face at the Ocean City Police Department is getting ready to hang up his badge. The Ocean City Police Department shared the news that Sergeant James Rodriguez will retire on November 1, 2026, after 25 years of serving the Town of Ocean City.

Like many local officers, Rodriguez got his start through the department's seasonal program. He first worked as a seasonal officer in 2000 and was hired full-time in the fall of 2002.

In 2003, he finished first in his class at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. He also picked up awards for academics, physical fitness, and firearms while he was there.

Rodriguez started out in the Patrol Division. In 2007, he moved to the Criminal Investigation Unit, where he spent 11 years as a detective working major crimes cases.

He was also part of the Quick Response Team from 2007 to 2017. Later assignments took him to Services, Training, and Recruiting before he went back to the Patrol Division, where his career first began.

Rodriguez also worked as a polygraph examiner for the department. In that role, he helped screen people applying for both full-time and seasonal jobs.

That work tied back to his own start in Ocean City. The department has said for years that its seasonal program has launched many law enforcement careers, and Rodriguez helped check and welcome the newer officers who would go on to serve Ocean City and other towns.

He moved up through the ranks in his final years with the department. Rodriguez was promoted to corporal in 2020 and to sergeant in 2022.

As a sergeant, he worked as a patrol supervisor. He led officers on the street and helped keep daily public safety work running smoothly in town.

Also in 2022, Rodriguez earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice while still working for the department.

Over the years, he was recognized many times for his work. He was named Elk's Lodge/FOP Officer of the Year in 2006 and received Police Excellence Awards in 2006, 2010, 2011, and 2016.

His other honors include a DUI Enforcement Award in 2007 and a Meritorious Service Award in 2010. In 2014, he was named Neighborhood Watch Officer of the Year.

"Sergeant Rodriguez has dedicated 25 years to serving the Town of Ocean City," said Chief Raymond J. Austin. "Throughout his career, he has served this department in many capacities, from major crimes investigations and Quick Response Team operations to patrol supervision and recruiting. His work as a polygraph examiner also helped us evaluate the people joining our ranks. Our seasonal program has been the starting point for many law enforcement careers, and Sergeant Rodriguez has played a part in that tradition. We appreciate his commitment to this department and the community, and we wish him and his family the very best in retirement."

Now, Rodriguez is looking forward to some time off. He plans to travel more with his wife, Joanie, go hunting, and spend time with family, friends, and their three dogs.

We would also like to congratulate Sergeant Rodriguez on his retirement and thank him for his 25 years of service to Ocean City.