PFC Erika Rhode Named 2025 Ocean City Police Department Officer of the Year
Ocean City, MD - The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) held its annual Officer of the Year Ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2026. The event took place at the Holiday Inn Ocean City with nearly 140 guests in attendance.
Chief Raymond J. Austin and department leadership gathered to recognize the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by OCPD personnel and volunteers throughout 2025.
During the ceremony, the department presented its highest honor to Police Officer First Class (PFC) Erika Rhode, who was named the 2025 Ocean City Police Department Officer of the Year.
A panel of community members played an essential role in the selection process. Megan Alvarado, Renee Seiden, Tonja Sas, and Charles "Newt" Weaver met with the nominees to determine the recipient. The list of nominees included Corporal Jacob Fetterolf, PFC Joseph Laughlin, PFC Erika Rhode, PFC Timothy Chaykosky, PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, PFC Daniel Richardson, and PFC Zachary Schultz.
PFC Rhode was nominated in recognition of her dedication over 12 years of service. Her nomination highlighted her leadership as a Master Trainer within the K-9 Unit. Rhode played an instrumental role in expanding the unit to include the department's first Bloodhound and an explosive-detection canine.
In addition to her K-9 responsibilities, she serves as a Field Training Officer, a firearms instructor, and a member of the Honor Guard. Her commitment to the profession distinguished her among her peers.
"It is ironic that my most difficult year resulted in my nomination for one of the most prestigious awards," said PFC Rhode. "I spent a total of 15 weeks away from home for training in 2025 and lost my K-9 partner, Smoke, at the beginning of summer. But 2025 was also a year of very high highs. I earned the title of K-9 Trainer after an intense three-month school in northwest Pennsylvania, selected my new partner Cido, and helped train our department's first Bloodhound. I am truly honored to represent the Ocean City Police Department as the 2025 Officer of the Year."
"PFC Erika Rhode represents the very best of the Ocean City Police Department, professionalism, resilience, and a genuine heart for service," said Chief Raymond J. Austin. "Her leadership within our K-9 program, her commitment to training the next generation of officers, and her compassion for this community reflect exactly who we strive to be as an agency."
The ceremony also recognized the OCPD Auxiliary Unit. These volunteers contributed 1,772 hours of service in 2025. Since 1999, Auxiliary Officers have donated nearly 70,000 hours to the community.
The Auxiliary Officer of the Year award was presented to William "Bill" Hoshal. Hoshal has served since 2021 and was recognized for his dependability and commitment to events such as the Maryland Special Olympics Torch Run.
The Commendation Board honored additional personnel for their service. Recipients received awards in various categories, including the Meritorious Service Award, Lifesaving Award, Excellent Performance Award, and Certificate of Outstanding Service. The Forensic Services Unit received a Unit Citation.
Meritorious Service Award: Lt. Kyle Murray, Retired Sgt. Joseph Bushnell, Sgt. Christopher Wrench, Cpl. Ryan Flanagan, Former PFC Corey Pavinski, PFC Sierra Thompson, DFC Edward Newcomb, Cpl. David Whitmer, and Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth.
Lifesaving Award: PFC Joshua Glaub, Lt. Kyle Murray, PFC Elaine Miller, Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth, PFC Clifford Goggins, PFC Joseph Zurla, Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy Mark Shayne, and Deputy James Wood.
Excellent Performance Award: DFC Carl Perry (x3), DFC Kevin Herbert, DFC Amy Gutowski (x2), DFC Edward Newcomb, DFC Austin Mora, PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, PFC Jacob McElfish (x2), PFC Patrick McElfish, and Sgt. Nathan Kutz.
Unit Citation: Forensic Services Unit: Supervisor Sharon Schultz, CST Nicole Ruggiero, Kaleigh Kelly, Victoria Herbert, and Sara Hetherington.
Certificate of Outstanding Service: Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller, Ms. Tricia L. Heffron and Ms. Miranda Adams.
The department also celebrated 11 promotions in 2025, reflecting continued professional growth and succession within the agency: Lt. Kyle Murray, Sgt. John Spicer, Cpl. Connor Finch, PFC Cara-Marie Chiocca, PFC April Knudson, PFC Jacob McElfish, PFC Timothy Passarello, PFC Zachary Schultz, PFC Jared Thatcher, Custody Officer Lauren Lintz, and Custody Officer Lucas Webster.
Chief Austin concluded the evening by thanking families, community partners, and town leadership. "The strength of this department comes from our people and our relationships with the community we serve. Tonight's honorees represent the very best of Ocean City policing, integrity, service, and compassion."
